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We’ve bought one other packed version of Tech of the Week for you, that includes what appears to be like like SRAM’s next-generation Purple groupset, Brompton’s collab with Bear Grylls, your probability to trip digital phases of the Vuelta a España, and earbuds designed with biking in thoughts, however we’re beginning with a very, very uncommon helmet…
Have you ever seen the Inflabi inflatable bike helmet?
By way of look, it’s a problem however might the Inflabi inflatable bike helmet supply sensible advantages for city cyclists? (We first noticed this product on Cyclist’s website though it was at Eurobike earlier in the summertime).
In the event you assume this appears to be like like one thing you simply pump up and stick in your head… properly, yeah, that’s just about the scale of it.
“Not like basic helmets, the bicycle helmet just isn’t product of EPS foam, however consists of sturdy textile air-tied chambers that use our air expertise,” says Inflabi. “When crammed with air we are able to obtain a greater shock absorption in case of a fall.
“We use inflated air chambers to offer unparalleled security and safety for cyclists. Our distinctive design makes use of abrasion-resistant high-quality materials and a specialised membrane to create air chambers that may be simply inflated earlier than use, offering a customized match and most affect absorption.”
The one present design we are able to consider that does something even vaguely comparable is from Hövding, however that’s an airbag that you simply put on round your neck, mechanically inflating to cowl your head in case you fall.
> Hövding’s airbag for cyclists beats all other cycling helmets in independent safety test
What’s the benefit of an air-filled design?
“[It is] light-weight and versatile, snug and adaptable,” says Inflabi. “In the event you don’t want Inflabi, deflate it in seconds and retailer it in your pocket.”
Inflabi says that when deflated, the helmet packs down to fifteen% of its in-use measurement and that it’s reusable after a crash “as air doesn’t break”. Clearly, it needs to be inflated to a sure strain to be absolutely efficient.
There doesn’t appear like an excessive amount of air flow happening right here however Inflabi says that can come.
You’ll be able to’t but purchase the helmet however Inflabi is constant to develop its product, transferring away from its unique ‘orange peel’ look – as proven within the picture on the prime of the web page – to a design that gives “a extra modern and a extra snug match’.
“We’re at the moment working in direction of getting the certification for the Inflabi inflatable bike helmet,” says Inflabi. “This entails present process rigorous testing and assembly trade requirements for security and efficiency.”
Inflabi’s Julian Wiebke says, “It’s not available on the market but. Nonetheless, we’ll most likely do a presale in This fall this 12 months and are planning to ship in Q1/Q2 subsequent 12 months. The worth might be going to be round €150.”
That converts to round £129. We’ll hold you up to date on progress.
Is that this a sneak peek of SRAM’s next-generation Purple AXS groupset?
SRAM could possibly be planning to supply a brand new shifting possibility when it introduces its up to date top-level Purple AXS groupset, supplying you with a thumb button on the aspect of the lever physique, judging by a just-published patent.
There have been rumours a few new model of the SRAM Purple groupset for months now with beforehand unseen shifters having been noticed as way back as final December, though SRAM hasn’t formally mentioned a factor about it.
Professional riders have been seen utilizing shifters with hoods which might be noticeably smaller than these of current-generation Purple – extra in keeping with SRAM’s third-tier Rival eTap AXS groupset and the just lately launched model of SRAM Pressure AXS – on top-end race bikes.
> New SRAM Force AXS first ride review — is it any good?
Now a patent for a “Management Machine For A Bicycle” that has simply been launched seems to point out comparable shifter structure however with an ‘auxiliary button’ positioned on the aspect of the lever physique – up on the entrance finish, which SRAM calls the ‘pommel’.
“The auxiliary button could also be linked to a shift lever paddle printed circuit board (PCB) by way of a cable that’s routed and retained on the physique of the management machine via a channel inside the physique of the management machine,” says SRAM.
This auxiliary button – which you must be capable to discover simply as a result of there could also be a convex or concave dome or rectangle within the outer cowl to point its place – is designed to offer “extra performance and ergonomics”, based on SRAM.
For what, precisely, would the auxiliary button be used?
“Activation of the auxiliary button unit might provoke the technology of alerts associated to shifting, pairing, derailleur trim operations, energy administration, a number of different actions on the bicycle, or any mixture thereof,” says SRAM, in typical patent jargonese… however you get the concept.
“For instance, the controller of the PCB could also be configured to generate alerts to regulate the entrance derailleur and/or the rear derailleur in response to a sign acquired… when {the electrical} change is activated by the rider.”
It sounds, then, like this auxiliary button could possibly be used for organising the system – getting the indexing appropriate – however maybe for shifting too. The shifter that sits behind the brake lever remains to be there, in fact, it’s simply that the auxiliary button gives an additional possibility, because the title suggests.
This auxiliary button sounds so much just like the button you get on prime of every shifter hood with Shimano Di2. These buttons can be utilized to alter pages in your cycle laptop and so they will also be configured to regulate your shifting. Is SRAM planning one thing comparable? As traditional with something patent-related, we’ll simply have to attend and see.
What options would you wish to see included in SRAM’s subsequent Purple AXS groupset? Tell us within the feedback.
Take a look at Remco Evenepoel’s 6.8kg Specialised Tarmac SL8 for the Vuelta
May this be the bike that’s ridden to victory on this 12 months’s Vuelta a España? Though you’d be courageous to wager in opposition to the Jumbo-Visma pairing of Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic, Soudal–Fast-Step’s Remco Evenepoel is more likely to be there or thereabouts and right here’s the Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8 he’ll be driving.
The entire race-ready bike – together with pedals, energy meter, laptop mount, and bottle cages – weighs the UCI minimal of 6.8kg.
The Tarmac SL8 is constructed with Roval wheels – he’ll select between Rapide and Alpinist relying on the day’s profile – a Rapide built-in cockpit, S-Works Energy with Mirror saddle, and Turbo clincher tires.
Trek provides new Challenge One paint scheme
Trek has launched an all-new Icon premium paint scheme to its Challenge One customized bike programme. Crystalline Prismatic “creates a prism impact and refracts gentle in a number of dimensions”, based on Trek.
“This handcrafted scheme is made by fusing hundreds of tiny crystals into natural lattice constructions that radiate in any gentle,” it says. “Because of the natural nature of the Crystalline paint course of, no two frames are the identical.
The brand new paint scheme is claimed to enhance SRAM’s updated Force AXS D2 groupset, which encompasses a holographic design on the shifters, crankset, and derailleurs.
Brompton launches “Past the Metropolis” rides with Komoot to mark Bear Grylls collab
Folding bike model Brompton has partnered with navigation and exercise app Komoot to supply a collection of routes from key European cities, the concept being to encourage their respective communities to trip outdoors the city atmosphere. This partnership is designed to rejoice the launch of the Brompton x Bear Grylls collaboration.
To start with there can be 31 routes in 9 international locations and 18 totally different cities – together with London, Birmingham, and Manchester – with riders in a position to then add their very own routes to the gathering.
> Find out how to get started with Komoot
The 6-speed Brompton x Bear Grylls bike “champions exploring the town and past, outdoors your common commute or weekend loop”, based on Brompton. It is going to go on sale on thirteenth September.
A base layer particularly designed for driving over 30mph. No, actually!
Though the idea of an aero base layer may sound odd, we’ve been listening to so much about this newest marginal acquire over the previous few months and Rule 28 has simply launched a brand new providing that’s mentioned to be optimised for top speeds. It’s all in regards to the ribbing, apparently.
“Our unique Aero Base Layer is a improbable performer for speeds under 50kph [31mph]…we’re thrilled to see so many elite riders selecting it for highway racing and time trial races,” mentioned Sam Calder, founding father of Rule 28. “However we all know there may be an urge for food for purpose-designed clothes to swimsuit the particular wants of highway sprinters and observe racers working at speeds exceeding 50kph. It’s not a base layer for everybody, however for these racing at these excessive speeds, it’s a recreation changer.
> Has aero gone too far? The most excessive cycling tech made to shave milliseconds
Rule 28 says that the Excessive Velocity Aero Base Layer is “the results of the rigorous testing of quite a few prototypes, every that includes customized materials with a spread of rib spacings”.
“The speculation behind how two-layer aero applied sciences work predicts that totally different rib spacings will yield optimum efficiency at totally different speeds,” says Rule 28. “The narrower spacing of the ribs on this Excessive Velocity Aero Base Layer, when positioned beneath a skinsuit, proves more practical in decreasing drag above 50kph.”
In the event you’re sceptical, Rule 28 publishes all aero testing outcomes and information on-line. You can check out the details here.
Like Rule 28’s unique Aero Base Layer, the Excessive Velocity Base Layer prices £149.99.
Suplest branches out into sneakers for off-the-bike use
Swiss shoe model Suplest has launched a brand new After Bike assortment that’s designed for non-cycling use. You already know, for on a regular basis life.
There are two fashions, every obtainable in a few totally different colors, made in Portugal.
The Classic has a comfortable suede higher and an EVA sole. It’s not low-cost, although, priced at €249 (round £213).
The Sport is described as “a style sneaker impressed by jogging sneakers, however too good for operating”. You’re taking a look at €229 (round £196) a pair.
Rouvy introduces digital Vuelta a España phases
Indoor biking app Rouvy has launched a collection of races below the banner of La Vuelta Digital, operating alongside la Vuelta a España which is beginning this weekend.
“Unpredictable, unconventional, scorching, brutal and gripping, riders will be capable to expertise the thrills, sights and feelings of the long-lasting Spanish race with sensible, high-quality video routes, carefully following the real-world parcours ridden by the professionals throughout la Vuelta,” says Rouvy.
“With three ranges of problem obtainable – Tranquilo (4 difficult however achievable phases), Medio (4 more durable phases) and Diablo (15 phases – a problem for extremely decided riders) – there are alternatives suited to riders of all ranges of skill.”
You’ll be able to unlock official digital jerseys by finishing any La Vuelta Digital ’23 Rouvy problem.
A collection of races can be held too, with occasions operating as much as 4 occasions per day, with a number of heats, all through the three weeks of racing.
“Every day will function races on the real-world Vuelta a España stage, flashback races on the earlier stage and recon group rides on the subsequent stage upcoming,” says Rouvy.
OneOdio launches sport-specific OpenRock S open ear conduction earbuds
We just lately reviewed OneOdio Open Rock Professional earbuds and have been actually impressed so we’re excited to see that the model is introducing new OpenRock S Open Air Conduction Earbuds that are designed to help you stay conscious of your environment whereas biking, operating, and strolling.
> Check out our review of the OneOdio OpenRock Pro Wireless OpenEar Air Conduction Earbuds
“Serving because the successor to the acclaimed OpenRock Professional, these earbuds mark a major evolution in expertise, presenting improved options and enhanced battery life, all whereas sustaining an accessible value level,” says OneOdio.
In the event you’re questioning, that value is £73.
“The open-fit with none ear plugs permits air strain to remain equalised while guaranteeing essential environmental sounds can nonetheless be heard for a safer and extra snug sporting expertise even after hours of use,” says OneOdio.
“The earbuds additionally undertake dual-mark noise discount and beam-forming tech in order that even with exterior noises, customers are nonetheless in a position to immerse themselves right into a soundtrack or cellphone name, making them excellent for outside health fanatics.”
They arrive with an IPX5 ranking which signifies that they’ll stand as much as publicity to water jets. Extra to the purpose, they need to stand up to sweat and an honest quantity of rain.
OneOdio claims a playback time of as much as 19 hours, or as a lot as 60 hours with the charging case.
We should always have a pair on the best way for evaluate on highway.cc.
The OneOdio OpenRock S Open Air Conduction Earbuds can be found now for £73 on the OneOdio web site and AliExpress. Amazon will inventory them in September.
Chrome introduces new Tote bag designed for versatility
Chrome has expanded its Ruckas Assortment with the introduction of a brand new Tote bag.
“This roomy hybrid has been cleverly designed to be worn both as a backpack or in conventional tote mode, with convertible shoulder straps permitting you to simply transfer at hand carry,” says Chrome.
“Designed to move your tech safely and securely, contained in the spacious predominant compartment you’ll additionally discover a padded laptop computer sleeve designed to carry units of as much as 15in, with a useful expandable gusseted aspect water bottle pocket and organiser zip pocket to the outer.”
As with all merchandise within the Ruckas Assortment, the Tote is PFC-free and has been made with recycled supplies. It encompasses a hanging/seize loop on the prime and large, adjustable straps.
The Chrome Tote weighs 0.5kg, has a 27-litre capability, and is priced at £90. We’ve requested a pattern for evaluate right here on highway.cc.
Are these the most cost effective DIY bike panniers on the market?
There’s nothing new about making panniers out of plastic cans however RackHackers have simply produced a video displaying you precisely the right way to do it.
They even present a parts kit.
“We spent two years designing and testing, to make it as visually interesting and useful as we might, primarily based on what we realized in 10 years, utilizing totally different variations of it,” says RackHackers’ Andras Booker.
“Through the design course of, we dedicated to solely utilizing elements that may be present in {hardware} shops, or simply made, for individuals who favor to provide it themselves.”
In case you missed it earlier within the week…
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