{"id":355,"date":"2021-12-20T10:00:06","date_gmt":"2021-12-20T09:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=658675"},"modified":"2021-12-20T10:20:21","modified_gmt":"2021-12-20T09:20:21","slug":"tom-marvins-gear-of-the-year-2021","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/tom-marvins-gear-of-the-year-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Tom Marvin\u2019s Gear of the Year 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"><\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Tom Marvin\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Monday, 20 December 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p>Despite <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/long-reads\/pandemic-brexit-bike-prices\/&quot;\">bike and component availability<\/a> having been pretty limited this year, it hasn\u2019t stopped the bike industry from churning out tons of new bikes.<\/p>\n<p>It has, therefore, been a hectic year, even if international travel (from a work perspective, at least) has been non-existent.<\/p>\n<p>As befitting my role as a technical editor on BikeRadar and MBUK magazine, I\u2019ve been fortunate to ride with a lot of fresh kit this year.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s fallen upon me to kick-off our <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/tags\/gear-of-the-year\/&quot;\">Gear of the Year series for 2021<\/a>, so here are some of the items that have stood out as being absolutely top-notch.<\/p>\n<h2>Maxxis tyre range<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" assegai=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (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(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-644654\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/08\/Vitus-Escarpe-29-CRS-trail-mountain-bike-09-e0c66ba.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Vitus\" escarpe=\"\" crs=\"\" trail=\"\" mountain=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Vitus\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Sticky Maxxis Assegai rubber provides brilliant grip on almost all terrain types.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Ian Linton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>From \u00a330<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>My colleagues and I have said it dozens of times, on our <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/bikeradar&quot;\">YouTube<\/a> channel, on BikeRadar and on the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/bikeradar-podcast\/&quot;\">BikeRadar Podcast<\/a>, but top-end tyres are one of the few places we would definitely spend top dollar if we had to.<\/p>\n<p>Decent tread, good carcasses and appropriately sticky rubber compounds all play a part in helping you get the most out of your bike. I\u2019d rather spend a hundred quid on a good pair of tyres, than an extra couple of hundred jumping up a rung on the fork damper or drivetrain family ladder, every day of the week.<\/p>\n<p>So, why <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/brand\/maxxis\/&quot;\">Maxxis<\/a>? Well, the brand\u2019s naming convention, though long, is relatively easy to understand, and it feels as though it has a great tyre for every situation.<\/p>\n<p>Starting at the faster end of the scale, the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/tyres\/mountain-bike-tyres\/maxxis-rekon-ikon-2-8in-exo-tr-review\/&quot;\">Rekon<\/a> and Rekon Race are great treads in the summer on a <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-cross-country-bikes\/&quot;\">cross-country<\/a> or <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-downcountry-mountain-bikes\/&quot;\">downcountry<\/a> bike. They roll fast, but have enough of a shoulder for confident cornering.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-619570\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/02\/Cannondale-Scalpel-SE-LTD-news-14-0bc32e8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Own\" brand=\"\" carbon=\"\" wheels=\"\" are=\"\" wrapped=\"\" in=\"\" fast=\"\" rolling=\"\" maxxis=\"\" rubber=\"\" title=\"&quot;Cannondale\" scalpel=\"\" se=\"\" ltd=\"\" news=\"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Fast-rolling Maxxis rubber on the Rekon Race.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Andy Lloyd \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>On dry, rocky, gnarly tracks, the Assegai is great, especially up-front, and so long as you\u2019re not expecting it to roll fast on tarmac. The <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/tyres\/mountain-bike-tyres\/maxxis-minion-dhf-3c-maxxterra-exo-tr-29-x-2-5-wt-tyre-review\/&quot;\">Minions<\/a>, DHF at the front and DHR II at the back, are a classic all-rounder combo, and if you\u2019re riding in the slop, the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/tyres\/mountain-bike-tyres\/maxxis-shorty-3c-max-terra-exo-29-x-2-5in-review\/&quot;\">Shorty<\/a> is a revelation.<\/p>\n<p>Their triple-compound rubbers are good too, though I\u2019d stay within MaxxTerra and MaxxGrip if you can.<\/p>\n<p>The EXO casing is good on a downcountry bike, the EXO Plus on a trail bike, and DoubleDown on an <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-enduro-bikes\/&quot;\">enduro<\/a> rig is where I\u2019d be aiming.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Maxxis\" rekon=\"\" race=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h2>Mudhugger Gravelhugger<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" gravelhugger=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (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(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-622956\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/03\/Lauf-True-Grit-E13-XCX-Race-Gravel-Hugger-b43b338.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Lauf\" true=\"\" grit=\"\" e13=\"\" xcx=\"\" race=\"\" gravel=\"\" hugger=\"\" title=\"&quot;Lauf\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The excellent Mudhugger Gravelhugger fender.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a323<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Let\u2019s be honest, nobody likes a wet bum three hours into an eight-hour drizzly epic. A gritty paste working its way through a single layer of lycra isn\u2019t anyone\u2019s recipe for a good time.<\/p>\n<p>My <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/lauf-true-grit-race-axs-long-term-review\/&quot;\">Lauf gravel bike<\/a> doesn\u2019t have room for full Jack-Luke-spec mudguards, so this zip-tied-on fender is the best I can get.<\/p>\n<p>Sitting around the top of the wheel, it does a good job of protecting me from spray. This means even if the ground is damp, I stay dry, as does any luggage I might be carrying around.<\/p>\n<p>It also prevents rear lights from getting caked in mud, so I stay that little bit more visible when I do venture onto tarmac.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-650764\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/lauf-true-grit-at-summit-870355f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;lauf\" true=\"\" grit=\"\" at=\"\" summit=\"\" title=\"&quot;lauf\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The Gravelhugger keeping my saddle bag clean and dry.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Tom Marvin \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>When it comes to race-focused bikes, such as the True Grit, mudguards do have a bit of an image problem, in that they tend to look a bit crap. While I\u2019m not going to claim the Gravelhugger has improved the aesthetics of my Lauf, all I will say is that I can\u2019t see it when I\u2019m pedalling, so I don\u2019t really care too much.<\/p>\n<p>Fitting the fender is nice and simple, once you\u2019ve applied some protective tape around your seat stays \u2013 it just zip-ties on. If you want it a little more removable, Mudhugger will sell you some Velcro straps to make fitting and removing it a touch quicker.<\/p>\n<p>At \u00a323, it\u2019s fairly cheap, and over the course of its life will almost certainly prevent 23 quid\u2019s worth of wear to your bike, kit or nether regions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Mudhugger\" gravel=\"\" hugger=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h2>Leatt Body Tee AirFlex Stealth<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" body=\"\" tee=\"\" airflex=\"\" stealth=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (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(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-648297\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Six-of-the-best-Body-protection-Leatt-2ab0b0a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Leatt\" body=\"\" tee=\"\" airflex=\"\" stealth=\"\" armour=\"\" for=\"\" mountain=\"\" bikers=\"\" title=\"&quot;Six\" of=\"\" the=\"\" best=\"\" protection=\"\" leatt=\"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The AirFlex (soft impact gel) back and shoulder padding provides Level 1 protection.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a3189 \/ $221 \/ AU$ 334 \/ \u20ac224<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>I did a mini-test of <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-body-armour\/&quot;\">body protection<\/a> earlier this year. Usually, I wouldn\u2019t go for such levels of protection, preferring <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mountain-bike-gloves\/&quot;\">gloves<\/a>, <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mountain-bike-helmets-for-trail-riding\/&quot;\">helmet<\/a> and <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/clothing\/armour-and-pads\/knee-pads\/&quot;\">knee pads<\/a> \u2013 purely for comfort reasons.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019d written off torso protection as hot, unwieldy, annoying items of clothing that, with my generally more XC and trail-riding focus, were unnecessary.<\/p>\n<p>But work is work, and I spent a couple of months riding in body protection on almost every ride.<\/p>\n<p>While I didn\u2019t love every item I tested, I came away thinking that additional protection was nothing to be sniffed at (and, once worn, nothing to be sniffed at all\u2026).<\/p>\n<p>While I liked Fox\u2019s <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/clothing\/armour-and-pads\/fox-baseframe-pro-sleeveless-body-armour-review\/&quot;\">Baseframe Pro<\/a>, it was the Leatt Body Tee AirFlex Stealth that came out on top. Yes, it\u2019s warmer to wear than a baselayer and jersey, but save for a little more sweat, on anything chunkier than a relaxed trail ride I struggle to see many downsides to riding in it.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s Level 1 back and shoulder protection that reaches far enough down to offer good spinal protection, while not impinging on your oh-so-enduro bumbag, as well as some chest protection.<\/p>\n<p>Getting it on and off is easy, thanks to a decent-length zip, you can just about wear it comfortably without a baselayer, and there are two stash pockets should you want to ride without a hip pack.<\/p>\n<p>Since the test, I\u2019ve ridden with additional protection much more often, and while it won\u2019t stop every injury, I\u2019d feel like a fool if I did crash and hurt myself when it\u2019s stashed in the van\u2026<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Leatt\" body=\"\" tee=\"\" airflex=\"\" stealth=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h2>Zipp 3ZERO MOTO wheels<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" moto=\"\" wheels=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (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(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-647249\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-wheels-178f1b5.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Zipp\" moto=\"\" mountain=\"\" bike=\"\" wheelset=\"\" title=\"&quot;Zipp\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Zipp\u2019s fancy carbon wheels proved to be some of my favourites.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a3670 \/ $700 \/ \u20ac750 per rim<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>One of the biggest bits of work I did this year was a wheels group test for BikeRadar and MBUK.<\/p>\n<p>A dozen pairs of <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mountain-bike-wheels\/&quot;\">wheels<\/a> take quite a lot of testing. There\u2019s all the workshop stuff to do, including weighing, measuring and stripping down, before you get out riding. Then you\u2019ve got to consider tyres, rotors and cassettes \u2013 all of which need swapping from wheel to wheel every time you head out.<\/p>\n<p>As much as I\u2019d love a dozen cassettes, 24 rotors and 24 tyres, I\u2019m not sure my garage has capacity (nor, it seems, does the bike industry\u2019s manufacturing capabilities).<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-647248\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/zipp-rim-profile-6e1f730.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Zipp\" moto=\"\" mountain=\"\" bike=\"\" wheelset=\"\" title=\"&quot;zipp\" rim=\"\" profile=\"\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> A single-wall rim articulates on the spokes, adding compliance, grip and puncture protection.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Each of the wheels needs riding back to back to back on a multitude of surfaces, in a range of conditions, and with multiple riders and bikes.<\/p>\n<p>It is, as I\u2019m sure you can imagine, quite the undertaking.<\/p>\n<p>So what did I find?<\/p>\n<p>Well, generally speaking, most wheels feel very, very similar. There\u2019s far more variation in feel with a single PSI difference in pressure than there is in \u00a31,000 worth of hoop.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"&quot;What\u2019s\" the=\"\" point=\"\" of=\"\" carbon=\"\" wheels=\"\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/embed.acast.com\/bikeradarpodcast\/whatsthepointincarbonwheels-&quot;\" width=\"&quot;100%&quot;\" height=\"&quot;180px&quot;\" scrolling=\"&quot;no&quot;\" frameborder=\"&quot;0&quot;\" style=\"&quot;border:none;overflow:hidden;&quot;\"\/>\n<p>Except in a couple of instances, and the<a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/wheels\/wheel-sets\/zipp-3zero-moto-mtb-wheelset-review\/&quot;\"> Zipp 3ZERO MOTO<\/a> wheels were one of those instances.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to some smart single-wall construction trickery, the wheel rims\u2019 additional flex adds a little extra comfort, a little extra grip and a little extra puncture protection. It\u2019s all pretty marginal, but if you really want some posh carbon hoops, I reckon these are the ones to go for.<\/p>\n<p>And, if you\u00a0don\u2019t want posh carbon hoops, Hunt\u2019s low-mid priced <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/wheels\/wheel-sets\/hunt-enduro-wide-v2-wheelset-review\/&quot;\">Enduro V2<\/a> wheels will do an impressively good job for a fraction of the price.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">1875<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Zipp\" moto=\"\" wheels=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div><\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Tom Marvin Published: Monday, 20 December 2021 at 12:00 am Despite bike and component availability having been pretty limited this year, it hasn\u2019t stopped the bike industry from churning out tons of new bikes. It has, therefore, been a hectic year, even if international travel (from a work perspective, at least) has been non-existent. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":356,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"7"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/tom-marvins-gear-of-the-year-2021.jpg",2400,1600,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/tom-marvins-gear-of-the-year-2021-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/tom-marvins-gear-of-the-year-2021-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/tom-marvins-gear-of-the-year-2021-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/tom-marvins-gear-of-the-year-2021-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/tom-marvins-gear-of-the-year-2021-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/12\/tom-marvins-gear-of-the-year-2021-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Tom Marvin Published: Monday, 20 December 2021 at 12:00 am Despite bike and component availability having been pretty limited this year, it hasn\u2019t stopped the bike industry from churning out tons of new bikes. It has, therefore, been a hectic year, even if international travel (from a work perspective, at least) has been non-existent.&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/355"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/356"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}