New Product Round-Up: Bikes, Helmets, Wheels & More

With the high summer months bringing all the Tour de France excitement that any of us could’ve hoped for, we have to also pay attention to the wide variety of new bikes and products that are also coming our way. Here’s a quick look at some of the latest new products that just might catch your eye.

BIANCHI OLTRE XR4

Bianchi will be rolling out a re-vamped Oltre XR4 for 2017 that is said to achieve a 20 watt saving over the previous XR2. Beyond the aerodynamic enhancements, the Oltre carries on with Bianchi’s own Countervail Vibration Cancelling Technology that lays down an elastomer/carbon surface on the interior walls of the frame and fork to help dissipate road shock. A whopping seven different models (with seven different frame sizes) will be available with drivetrain options ranging from Shimano Ultegra D12 to Red eTap to Campagnolo EPS. The frame has a claimed weight of 980 grams and it’s available in five color options…but really, how can you choose anything but celeste?!

EASTON SL CRANK

One of the best looking new cranks to come our way is Easton’s Canadian made hollow carbon crank that will work with either single or double chainrings. The cranks have standard road 149mm Q-Factor and compatibility with every major road bottom bracket standard. $449 (single) $499 (double). www.eastoncycling.com

JET ROLL RAVEN

Used by 2015 Gravel Bike World Champion Neil Shirley, Jet Roll offers a wide selection of tool pouches that will cater to your particular needs. Handmade in New Jersey, the Jet Roll Raven is just one of a variety of roll-packs that Jet Roll has available. www.justenoughtools.com

BOYD ALTAMONT WHEELS

These American built tubeless compatible aluminum hoops are 24mm wide (with a 20 mm internal width) and are laced with Sapim spokes. The hubs are QR and thru-axle friendly. Depending on spoke count, the wheels weigh 1582 and 1627 grams set. $750. www.boydcycling.com

JAMIS SUPERNOVA

Jamis has a pair of cyclocross bikes ready to do battle with for the coming ‘cross season. The $3999 Team runs with American Classic Argent tubeless wheels with thru-axles, SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes and SRAM Force 1 drivetrain. There’s also a $2799 Elite model. www.Jamisbikes.com

SMITH ROUTE
After years of relying on the $250 Overtake as their sole helmet entry, Smith is introducing the Route which continues to feature the unique Koroyd protective foam in the two key frontal impact zones. Better still is the choice of nine colors. Best of all is the $150 price ($180 with MIPS). www.smithoptics.com

BONT RIOT

The 280 gram Bont Riot is the Aussie brand’s entry-level shoe that features a fully heat moldable chassis. Two closure versions will be available; either a strap and buckle (above) or a BOA system. Expect both versions to be under $175. www.bontcycling.com

BLACKBURN CHAMBER HV FLOOR PUMP
Wait, a floor pump intended as a mountain bike pump?! Yep, the high-volume pump is designed for fat tire inflation, but with an oversized barrel and 50psi max it could also be there for gravel bike needs as well. And if you don’t buy that, well, we also like the cool camo/orange colors. $79.99. www.blackburndesign.com

SILCA HAND TOOLS

Not content to continue on the makers of the best floor pump known to the cycling world, Silca is now expanding into the world of hand tools with the introduction of their new T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque tools. The T-Ratchet is a 100mm long, 60 gram tool which magnetically converts between T-Handle tool, thumb stabilized ratchet tool, and flag handled screwdriver. The tool uses a SILCA developed 72 tooth ratchet mechanism for significantly finer engagement than other designs. Ti-Torque is a 30 gram, 100mm long extender for the T-Ratchet capable of measuring 0-8Nm torque readings in real time. Ti-Torque is based on a 6Al/4V Titanium Torsion beam and displays torque on the side of the extender during use. Yes,, only someone like Silca owner Josh could come up with this level of detailed design and manufacture. Check out the Silca Kickstarter campaign.