In this week’s fresh batch of Five Cool Things, we’re going to check out POC’s Cularis Pure, DMR’s newest crankset, new goggles from Rudy Project, as well as Wolf Tooth Components’ latest entry into its clipless pedal range. As always, we’ll highlight the top stories of the week.
Right off of the back of last weekend’s return to racing, I took a closer look at the bike that propelled Charlie Hatton to 2023 World Championship victory, his Atherton A.200. It breaks the World Champs norm as it’s one of the more subtly designed bikes, but while I was there, I chatted with Atherton’s team manager to learn more about that very day, and get his take on this year’s new venues. Then, we delivered our guide on one of the simplest modifications you can do to your mountain bike – trimming its handlebar. Although simple, there are a few things to go wrong, so if you’re looking to cut your handlebar this weekend, take a quick glance. Speaking of the World Cup, Steve dives into why he reckons it’s one of the best races he’s seen since the 90s.
As for reviews, Matt checked out Vittoria’s rather pricy but fast and grippy Terreno Pro T50 Mixed Gravel Race tyre, Jimmer converted from carbon to titanium with Berm Cycle’s Roam Titanium Riser Bar, and Standert’s Kieswerk gravel bike got a mixed reception from our Stu.
POC Cularis Pure
£170
Coming in a little cheaper than the regular Cularis, POC has shaken up its helmet formula a little bit with the Cularis Pure by using the brand’s new take on a visor. Rather than the regular adjustable visor that we’ve been accustomed to, this helmet employs a popper system and two replaceable visors. One covers the vents for warmth in the winter and a bit of rain protection. The other opens up the vents, enabling the user to take advantage of the hat’s mass of vents. If you’re up for a bit of visorless gravel, the helmet’s up for that too, I bet.
Underneath the polycarbonate shell is a Mips Evolve-equipped EPS foam, a 360-degree adjustable system, and extended protection zones.
Wolf Tooth Components Shift clipless pedals
£239
Wolf Tooth has finally added a gravity-focussed pedal its keyboard-named clipless range. Dubbed the shift, it takes the platform of the CTRL and expands its platform to add fore and aft support. As a pedal that sits within the brand’s lineup, it benefits from an adjustable axle length and uses a stainless steel SPD binding. That platform is shaped to be thin, but large, balancing plenty of pedal clearance with a big ol’ contact patch with the shoe to boost power transfer and stability. This pedal is then claimed to achieve the best weight-to-size ratio, weighing about 490g (claimed).
That platform spins on three cartridge bearings and one igus bushing that promises plenty of longevity. There are then eight pins per pedal.
DMR Sect crankset
£90
Up for an affordable but blingy upgrade? DMR’s Sect crankset might be exactly what you’re looking for. Available in black and this lovely-looking silver, the Sect is available in 165 and 170mm lengths, and is built to blend durability and ‘the confidence-inspiring build of a race-ready enduro crankset’. It’s built from forged 6061-T6 aluminium and is joined thanks to a heat-treated chromoly 24mm crank spindle.
This crankset uses SRAM’s three-bolt chainring interface, meaning that there are loads of chainrings to choose from, and DMR says that the whole crankset weighs 675g. Thrown into the box, alongside the crank, are spacers to help it work with Boost and Standard spacing.
Leatt ProClip 4.0 clipless shoes
£159
Leatt’s ProClip 4.0 shoes are for those who seek extra stability and protection from their clipless shoes. With an aim to hit both of those marks, the brand claims that its upper is durable and is equipped with a moulded toe guard to deliver a touch of weather protection, as well as impact resistance. In another bid to keep stuff out, there’s a neoprene cuff too. As for the shank, Leatt has graced these shoes with its Control Flex Shank to bring power transfer and responsive pedal feel.
These shoes use a MOZ dial and lace system combined with a velcro strap for fit adjustability and security. Then the outside is aggressively lugged and there’s an active carbon insole to keep the shoes smelling fresh.
Rudy Project Override goggles
€99.90
Last week, we checked out Rudy Project’s latest mountain bike helmet, and this is the brand’s fresh goggle. Built primarily for enduro and e-mountain bike riding, Rudy says that the goggles combine a wide field of vision with plenty of ventilation as well as a modular construction. The strap is 45mm wide and finished with a strip of silicone to keep it in place, and that ventilation system is featured on every edge of the frame, promising good airflow and anti-misting. The lens gets an anti-fog coating to aid the cause.
Lens changes are done a little differently with these goggles, as there are four buttons that free the front of the frame from its base, between which the lens is sandwiched.
