Tech Roundup: Featuring Endura, L'Eroica, Zwift, Culprit, Vittoria, Speedplay

We've got loads of new products to talk about this week so let's get cracking with a couple of new helmets from Scotland's Endura.

 

Endura extends helmet range

Endura has added two new helmets to its range, the Luminite (the green one in these pics) and the Xtract (white).

Both are designed to appeal to urban cyclists and roadies as well as mountain bikers.

"They feature a very comfortable fit with a contemporary, fairly rounded shape that sits a bit lower at the back, offering extra protection to the lower rear of the head,” says Endura.

"The main USP of both helmets is the neat, clip in USB-rechargeable rear light with three different flash settings, adding that bit of extra visibility and safety to your ride.”

The light provides up to 40 hours of runtime in the fast flash mode. The custom-made LED has a switch on top that gives a clear click between modes so that it is easy to find and operate while the helmet is on top of your head. To charge you simply unclip the unit from its recessed helmet mounting points, remove the end cap and insert it into a USB port.

Both models are available in three sizes. The fit can be fine-tuned via the dial micro-adjuster and the three position vertical adjustment. The chinstrap with twin strap dividers has a reflective thread running through it.

The differences between the Luminite and the Xtract helmets are the colours and reflective elements and colours. The Xtract is available in red and in white, while the Luminite helmet comes in high-viz green, high-viz yellow and black and is emblazoned with lots of 360 degree safety reflective.

The Xtract is £39.99 and the Luminite is £44.99.

For more info go to www.endurasport.com.

 

Ride virtually with Jens Voigt on Zwift

Zwift, the online fitness and entertainment platform, is giving you the chance to ride virtually with former pro Jens Voigt ahead of the start of the Amgen Tour of California.

Anyone can ride with Voigt simply by logging into Zwift on 7 May at 10am Pacific Standard Time. That’s eight hours behind British Summer Time, so it’s 6pm in the UK.

Voigt will be on the virtual Zwift Island for about an hour and will provide reflections on his career achievements, including his nine appearances in the Amgen Tour of California. You’re encouraged to throw questions to Jens using Twitter or Zwift’s in-game text messaging feature.

Zwift also has a new course called Watopia that you can now ride online.

If none of this makes any sense to you, head over to www.zwift.com for all the details, including info on how you can take part.

 

Culprit offer frameset deals

Culprit are running a promotion on two different framesets for the whole of May.

The UCI-approved road racing Arrow One is US$950 (around £620) for the month (while supplies last). That price includes frame, fork, seatpost, Token seat clamp, headset, Culprit jersey, torque wrench and carbon bottle cage. It doesn’t include shipping from Taiwan or import duty or taxes.

An Arrow One painted in the colour of your choice is US$1,150 (around £750).

Culprit are also doing a promotion on the Bullet triathlon/time trial frameset (while stocks last). It normally retails at US$1,650 (around £1,078) but during May it’s US$1,150 (around £750) when bought as a group buy (two or more must be ordered at the same time). The price includes frame, fork, seatpost, Token seat clamp, headset, rear brake, Culprit jersey, torque wrench and carbon bottle cage.

For more info go to www.culpritbicycles.com.

John Smedley launches L’Eroica jersey

Luxury knitwear label John Smedley will launch a collaborative jersey with L’Eroica Britannia next week.

This will be the second time John Smedley has joined forces with the vintage cycling festival. Only 150 of these jerseys have been produced. A musette embroidered with the slogan ‘Man of Steel 2015’ comes as part of the package.

The L’Eroica x John Smedley jersey will be available online and in store from 6 May at £175.

L’Eroica Britannia runs 19-21 June in the Peak District National Park. 

For more info go to www.johnsmedley.com.

New Mechanic SPD shoes from DZR

DZR’s new SPD-compatible Mechanic shoes are designed for urban riding and have a ‘Variable Flex Shank’ that’s designed to transfer power while on the bike while being comfortable and flexible when walking.

The Mechanic has a perforated vegan toe cap, nylon side panels and uses natural gum rubber for the sole.

It's available in Euro sizes 41-47. For more info go to www.dzrshoes.com or www.alwaysriding.co.uk.

 

Stand-By modular travel pack

The Stand-By modular travel pack, which includes a backpack, messenger and travel kits, is looking for crowdfunding on Kickstarter.

Made in the USA from upcycled truck tops, upcycled tents and salvaged fabrics, the Stand-By is designed to give you the option of carrying a variety of bags and items together or independently. It converts from a large organised load to a variety of other bags for various uses.

You need to pledge US$250 (£165) or more to be in line for the full system package, although various parts are cheaper than that.

For more info go to the Kickstarter page.

RiutBag designed to thwart thieves

Speaking of bags and Kickstarter, the RiutBag started as a Kickstarter project and it’s now available for wider sale.

RiutBag, priced at £70, has no outer zips, the idea being that it’s more secure when you’re commuting or in town.

It includes a recessed top pocket for easy access to items you’re likely to need – keys, wallet, and so on. Hidden pockets are located in each strap and you get a dedicated 15 inch laptop slot.

With no excess straps, RiutBag is designed to be safe and simple for use on a bike and the open 20 litre capacity can hold a helmet as well as your laptop.

For more info go to www.riut.co.uk.

 

Morvelo City Cross screen print

The fourth Morvelo City Cross takes place on 13 June in Rowntree Park, York and Richard Mitchelson has designed this print to mark the occasion.

Only 100 of these A3 prints are being made. They’ll be screen printed by hand on GF Smith Mohawk Superfine White Eggshell 270gsm paper. Each print will be signed and numbered. They’re priced at £35 each.

To pre-order go to www.richmitch.co.uk/shop/morvelocitycross.

 

dhb launches Prudential RideLondon kit

dhb has released its Prudential RideLondon 2015 collection. The jersey design is said to take inspiration from the Surrey hills that will challenge cyclists on the 100-mile closed-road route. The jersey (£39.99) is made from a lightweight polyester with back panels that use an open eyelet fabric for improved breathability. It has an antibacterial treatment.

The shorts (£39.99 non-bib, £49.99 bib) are made from an Italian Action 205 Lycra and incorporate a CyTech Endurance seatpad.

The Prudential RideLondon cycling festival takes place over the weekend of 1-2 August 2015.

The clothing is available now at www.wiggle.co.uk/prudential-ridelondon.

 

New Magic Mastik from Vittoria

Vittoria says that its new Magic Mastik tubular tyre glue works on any type of rim and allows you to ride the wheels withing 12 hours.

A single layer of glue is sufficient, according to Vittoria, to save time and weight, although two layers are still possible.

Magic Mastik is said to resist temperatures up to 120°C.

It’ll be available from this month. We don’t have a UK price but a 12ml tube will be €14.95.

For more info go to www.vittoria.com.

 

Endurance Conspiracy launches in the UK

US clothing brand Endurance Conspiracy now has a UK website. www.enduranceconspiracy.co.uk The brand offers casual apparel such as this Dark Side of the Worlds T-shirt (above, £30) and this Fit and Vicious women’s T (below, £30).

There’s also bikewear in the range, such as this Bomber jersey (£70) made in collaboration with Giordana.

Endurance Conspiracy was founded back in 2008 by two professional triathlete brothers, Tony and Tim De Boom.

To mark its UK launch Endurance Conspiracy are offering a ‘Buy Two get One Free’ incentive as an introductory offer. This is valid across the whole Endurance Conspiracy product range.

For more info go to www.enduranceconspiracy.co.uk.

 

Speedplay introduce new torque wrench

Speedplay are introducing a new torque wrench to help you install its road cleats. The wrench will ensure that you tighten the 4mm cleat fastening srews to the specified torque of 2.5 N m. It includes a removable #2 Philips bit and has a price of US$18.