{"id":16440,"date":"2022-09-29T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=16440"},"modified":"2022-09-30T10:14:07","modified_gmt":"2022-09-30T08:14:07","slug":"the-best-new-products-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/2022\/09\/29\/the-best-new-products-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The best new products"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

THE BEST BIKES & MTB KIT GIVEN A THRASHING <\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
\n

WHY OUR TESTS ARE THE BEST! <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Our technical-editor-in-chief Rob Weaver gets new products in as soon as they\u2019re available and coordinates all the testing through our team of tech experts, who have unrivalled knowledge and experience. Every test starts with a detailed product check in the workshop. Next, we hit the trails\u2026 hard! We test in real riding conditions, incorporating feedback from multiple riders, and don\u2019t stop until we have the complete picture, no matter how long it takes. Our testing is staunchly independent and not influenced by PR or advertisers (sometimes to their great discomfort). We\u2019re never afraid to tell you the truth. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

OAKLEY DROP IN <\/strong>GLOVES<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a334 <\/strong>www.oakley.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

These velvety-feeling gloves have a similar appearance to the Oakley freeride attire of the early 2000s, but things have definitely got better since then in terms of design and construction. They have a snug fit and feel silky as they\u2019re slipped on. The spikey PVC knuckle protection gives them an \u2018S&M gauntlet\u2019 look, but should provide ample protection from bumps and scrapes (although a well-aimed stick will find its way through). Just make sure you use the snot wipe on the thumb, rather than the back of your hand, to mop any sweat off your face, because the spikes are actually pretty harsh on the skin! There\u2019s plenty of ventilation, thanks to the mesh fabric on the back of the hand and between the fingers. A Velcro fastener keeps things tight, and the fingertips are touchscreen-compatible. Ours still feel nice and tight, with no bunching of the palm and not a single thread having come loose.<\/p>\n\n

Andy <\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n

\u00d6HLINS RXF38 M.2 FORK <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a31,450 <\/strong>www.ohlins.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
<\/div>
\n

HIGHS <\/strong>
Fluttery and smooth off the top \u2013 Exceptional mid-stroke support \u2013 Tunable bottom-out <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOWS <\/strong>
Negative spring volume reducer needs to be removed \u2013 Rebound damping retune may be needed \u2013 Pricey <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

The RXF38 m.2\u2019s 38mm-diameter stanchions make it \u00d6hlins\u2019 biggest single-crown fork, aimed at trail, enduro and e-bike riders. In the left-hand leg is the TTX18 twin-tube damper, where oil can flow both ways during compression and rebound. This is claimed to improve damping-valve response, creating great mid-stroke support and deep-travel control. The damper has 15 clicks of low- and four clicks (one a lockout) of high-speed compression adjustment, plus 15 clicks of low-speed rebound. A \u2018setting bank\u2019 where custom-made shim stacks can be installed extends adjustability. <\/p>\n\n

\u00d6hlins\u2019 three-chamber, twin-piston air spring has self-equalising positive and negative chambers, plus an additional ramp-up chamber so you can add more progession. The spring can be adjusted further using volume spacers, but from stock, only the negative chamber has a spacer pre-installed. Initially, our RXF38 lacked sensitivity in the first part of its travel. We decreased the positive spring pressure, but this increased bottom-outs and slowed the rebound too much. After discussing the issue with \u00d6hlins, we ditched the negative spring\u2019s volume spacer. The fork then came alive, with off-the-top smoothness that was as good as, or better than, the competition. It absorbed trail chatter marvellously, providing huge levels of grip and comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

The damper soaks up medium-sized hits effectively, significantly enhancing bike stability. Mid-stroke support, once we\u2019d dialled in the low-speed compression and bottom-out resistance, was impressive, too. We frequently used 95 per cent or more of the fork\u2019s travel while descending, but it didn\u2019t feel like it was diving under braking or when hammering into sharp, steep, on-the-brakes hairpins. It was the same in high-speed, high-load berms or compressions, where our bar height remained stable, helping to improve control and speed. <\/p>\n\n

\u00d6hlins\u2019 38mm chassis is marvellously stiff in situations where you need it to be, without being harsh and fatiguing. The fork has a subdued and damped feel on rough, fast tracks, but resists twist and flex in high-load situations, aiding steering accuracy. <\/p>\n\n

Arguably, the rebound damping tune was too hard for our tester\u2019s tastes and weight, which could be an issue, particularly for lighter riders. However, \u00d6hlins offer a range of tunes, so finding the right one shouldn\u2019t be too hard. It\u2019s a shame the factory-installed negativespring volume spacer has such an adverse effect on performance, and that its removal isn\u2019t communicated in any of the manuals or tuning guides. If you make sure the spacer is removed, the RXF38 m.2 is one of the best-performing forks on the market. <\/p>\n\n

Alex <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

VERDICT<\/h5>\n
\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

Virtually infallible performance across the board, but you\u2019ll need to ditch the negative air-spring volume spacer <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

ACROS CLIPLESS<\/strong> PEDALS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a3109.99 <\/strong>www.oxfordproducts.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
<\/div>
\n

HIGHS <\/strong>
Plenty of adjustment to help you find your preferred set-up \u2013 Lots of mud clearance <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOWS <\/strong>
Quite expensive <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

Known for their headsets, Acros have a new set of clipless pedals, which use an SPD-compatible mechanism. What sets these apart from others is that you can adjust the stance width (how close the pedal body sits to the crank arm) by 5mm. Rearranging a spacer on the pedal axle allows you to bring the body in closer, for more trail-obstacle clearance. However, we settled on the standard width, to take advantage of its extra stability. There are reinforced nylon skid plates on the pedals, designed to help you clip in. These are removable, and we preferred them off, as we found our cleats often slid over the top of the mechanism with them installed. There\u2019s plenty of mud clearance, and the bearings are triple-sealed, so should stay grime-free. The platform is amply-sized for trail and enduro riding, and offers plenty of stability when riding unclipped. Float, release and entry feel identical to other SPD pedals, providing a secure attachment without feeling trapped. You can adjust the mechanism\u2019s spring tension, too. These are good pedals with a neat trick to help you find your ideal set-up, but they aren\u2019t cheap. <\/p>\n\n

Luke <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

VERDICT<\/h5>\n
\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

Decent pedals for trail and enduro riding with lots of set-up options and a tried-and-tested SPD mechanism <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

PATAGONIA BLACK<\/strong> HOLE GEAR TOTE BAG<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a3110 <\/strong>https:\/\/eu.patagonia.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

While highly structured and organised bags exist for a reason, sometimes you just want a big sturdy one to chuck your kit in. And, if you\u2019ve got deep pockets, the 61l Black Hole Gear Tote will fit the bill. The recycled polyester fabric is sturdy, and we\u2019ve had no issues with pedal pins or other sharp objects digging in. When carrying the bag, sharp edges are dulled before rubbing against your body. The two carrying handles are just long enough to sling over your shoulder. We\u2019d like to see a padded handle on one, though, to gather the other in, or the option to run a longer shoulder strap. There\u2019s a zipped sleeve pocket on the front, plus daisychain loops running down both sides. A pair of slipped straps can be used to help prevent it splaying open when fully loaded, too. It\u2019s very pricey, though. <\/p>\n\n

Tom <\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n

FIDLOCK TWIST 590ML<\/strong> BOTTLE AND BASE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a339.99 <\/strong>www.ison-distribution.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

The Fidlock TWIST bottle snaps easily back onto its magnetic base when you\u2019re done drinking. A hinged lid keeps the mouthpiece nice and clean, too. We\u2019ve found the Fidlock design ideal for compact front triangles where regular cages don\u2019t fit that well. The bottle itself is soft and squeezy enough to produce a decent flow, but unlike a regular bottle it needs to be correctly orientated in your hand to do so (it\u2019s not exactly comfy to grip it by the base, for example). Arguably the biggest downside of this system is that lost bottles are pricier to replace than regular ones, if you\u2019re forgetful like us and leave them in the car park. <\/p>\n\n

Rob <\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n

RAPHA TRAIL LIGHTWEIGHT PANTS <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a3110 <\/strong>www.rapha.cc<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
<\/div>
\n

HIGHS <\/strong>
Great cut and fit \u2013 Very comfortable \u2013 Rear-facing pockets work really well <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOWS <\/strong>
Fairly pricey \u2013 Not as robust as some <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

These pants come in six sizes and are made from a four-way stretch, abrasion-resistant nylon fabric with a DWR coating to help keep splashes and light showers out. And it works, although you\u2019ll still get wet in heavy rain. There\u2019s a twin-popper and fly closure, plus two lockable buckle adjusters to help tailor the fit. The rear of the waistband is raised a little to help keep your lower back covered, and there are two rear-facing zipped pockets, which sit high on each thigh. One has a small fabric divider to help protect its contents. <\/p>\n\n

Both ankles get a discreet reinforced panel to improve durability, and enough elastic to ease getting them on and off. We really like the tailored fit, with the tight, functional cut around the lower leg preventing material from bunching up or snagging on the cranks. There\u2019s plenty of stretch, too, helping to make these seriously comfy and easy to pedal in. They aren\u2019t as robust as the brand\u2019s heavier Trail pants, though, and a couple of minor crashes left small holes in ours. (Rapha supply repair patches for such an event, and a repair service for bigger issues, too.) <\/p>\n\n

The rear-facing pockets are great for essentials and Rapha have positioned them incredibly well, so it\u2019s easy to forget you\u2019re carrying anything. At \u00a3110, these trousers aren\u2019t cheap, but they fit great and work well, though aren\u2019t as tough as some of their cheaper competitors.<\/p>\n\n

Rob <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

VERDICT<\/h5>\n
\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

Seriously comfortable, well cut and offering some useful features, there\u2019s a lot to like about these pants <\/p>\n\n

\n\n

HELMETOR<\/strong> STORAGE SYSTEM<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a39.99 <\/strong>www.helmetor.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

The Helmetor is a simple wall-mounted plastic clip system for storing your helmet safely, and even securely. It attaches with two screws, to brickwork or your vehicle. The pronged plastic arms then squeeze together and clip through either a single helmet vent or a pair of them. They\u2019ll work with air intakes between 30 and 65mm wide, which covers the majority of trail and enduro lids, except those with Koroyd or WaveCel safety tech. Many DH lids won\u2019t have enough ventilation. It\u2019s easy to mount helmets on the Helmetor. In fact, with a bit of practice it\u2019s possible to get your lid on there single-handed. A locking loop integrated into the clip extends into the helmet. Putting a padlock through there offers cursory security (as long as it\u2019s big enough that it won\u2019t pull back through the helmet vent). If you have limited space for storing your bike kit, or your helmet suffers regular knocks and bumps while left lying around, the Helmetor is a quick, easy and cheap solution.<\/p>\n\n

Tom <\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n

100% AIRMATIC<\/strong> PANTS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a399.99 <\/strong>www.silverfish-uk.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
<\/div>
\n

HIGHS <\/strong>
Great fit \u2013 Good features <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOWS <\/strong>
A minor struggle to get on \u2013 Price disparity between men\u2019s and women\u2019s versions is silly <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

Available in black or charcoal, 100%\u2019s MTB-specific Airmatic pants are designed to offer all-day comfort for any type of riding. A DWR coating opens up year-round performance, while the lightweight four-way-stretch woven fabric means they\u2019re still usable most of the way through summer. The adjustable closure offers ample adjustment, and the waistband has silicone grippers to reduce slippage. Heavily-tapered legs mean you can wear pads underneath yet the pants won\u2019t foul your drivetrain, and multipanel articulated knees increase the comfortable range of movement. There\u2019s a well-placed pocket on each thigh, the right-hand one of which has an extra sleeve to securely hold most phones. While the cut is comfortable and makes sense on the bike, the closure doesn\u2019t open fully (as a zipped fly would), making it tricky to get the waist over your thighs. Once on, there\u2019s ample room for knee pads and armoured shorts. The Airmatic pants are well thought-out, comfortable and have worn well so far. Ours have kept out most water on damp rides, too, but haven\u2019t seen a full downpour yet. There\u2019s no obvious reason why the women\u2019s version should cost 10 per cent more than the men\u2019s, though, which is a shame, considering how much we like the Airmatics. <\/p>\n\n

Will P <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

VERDICT<\/h5>\n
\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

Great all-rounder pants suitable for use all year, but the questionable pricing structure does affect the score <\/p>\n\n

\n\n

GORE FERNFLOW<\/strong> SHORTS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a3129.99 <\/strong>www.gorewear.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

The GORE Fernflows aren\u2019t the cheapest MTB shorts, but could be the most comfortable. A panelled construction, easy but not baggy cut and four-way stretch Cordura fabric combine to allow maximum freedom of movement, and the well thought-out design details really deliver. Security comes from a back waist that\u2019s cut high, features silicone gripper and can be dialled for fit via side adjusters, so you\u2019ll stay covered no matter what. The fabric is lightweight yet tough. Even though it\u2019s water-resistant rather than waterproof, there\u2019s additional protection from taping on the back seam, which helps keep out the worst of the usual water ingress at that vulnerable point. The legs drops over the front of the knee, without bulk at the back, making the shorts effortless to pedal in. Our overdraft wishes we didn\u2019t like them quite as much as we do! <\/p>\n\n

Russell <\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n\n

SERIOUS BIKE CLEANER <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

\u00a37.99 (500ml spray) <\/strong>www.seriousbikes.co.uk<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

This bike wash is said to be safe for frames with matt finishes, e-bikes and carbon fibre components. It\u2019s also biodegradable and presented in recycled packaging. Made in the UK, it\u2019s proved to be among the best detergents we\u2019ve used, helping to loosen some of the particularly baked-on filth that our test bikes have been collecting recently. It smells better than most of its competitors, too. The downsides are all in the packaging. Firstly, the trigger is a little flimsy and leaks consistently, although still gets plenty of spray where it\u2019s being aimed. A bigger problem is that the hose stops 25mm shy of the bottom of the bottle, so there\u2019ll always be a small amount you\u2019ll need to transfer to the next bottle when you\u2019ve used the rest of the first one. There will be another bottle, though, because it\u2019s a well-priced, effective cleaner.<\/p>\n\n

Will P <\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg>\n \n <\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The best bikes & MTB kit given a thrashing<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":16840,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","purple_page_number":"65","purple_custom_meta_purple_page_number":"65","purple_seq_number":"1","purple_custom_meta_purple_seq_number":"1","purple_source_article":"article_65-1.xml","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_article":"article_65-1.xml","purple_source_issue":"October-2022","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_issue":"October-2022","purple_external_id":"October-2022-65-1","purple_custom_meta_purple_external_id":"October-2022-65-1","purple_issue_code":"|0000112142||","purple_custom_meta_purple_issue_code":"|0000112142||","purple_android_product":"com.im.mountainbikingukmagazine.413","purple_custom_meta_purple_android_product":"com.im.mountainbikingukmagazine.413","purple_ios_product":"com.im.mountainbikingukmagazine.413","purple_custom_meta_purple_ios_product":"com.im.mountainbikingukmagazine.413","purple_web_product":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_web_product":"","purple_publication_id":"0638d426-1edc-44c5-8614-70723dfc91b6","purple_migrated":"","kt_blocks_editor_width":"","apple_news_api_created_at":"2022-09-29T08:53:07Z","apple_news_article-theme":"","apple_news_api_id":"5c4f5aac-e2cf-4e38-b3f2-aed8327215db","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2022-09-30T08:14:17Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AXE9arOLPTjiz8q7YMnIV2w","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":true,"apple_news_is_preview":true,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_article_theme":"","apple_news_sections":"[]"},"categories":[31],"tags":[13],"apple_news_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/1-2.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"12","apple_news_title":""},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/1-2.jpg",1100,1167,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/1-2-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/1-2-283x300.jpg",283,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/1-2-768x815.jpg",768,815,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/1-2-965x1024.jpg",800,849,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/1-2.jpg",1100,1167,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/09\/1-2.jpg",1100,1167,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The best bikes & MTB kit given a thrashing","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16440"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16440"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16440\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17664,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16440\/revisions\/17664"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16440"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16440"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16440"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}