We may earn affiliate commission from some of the links on this page
We have a selection of exciting products from around the world currently with our reviewers for testing. Highlights include Hong Kong-based Particle’s 994g wheelset, an endurance bike from XDS that comes with a power meter for around £1,000, plus an even fancier version of Brooks’ legendary B17 saddle. Scroll down for a first look at the products currently being put through their paces…
Particle GCX45 Hyperlight wheelset (£1,267.66)
Particle is a young Hong Kong-based brand, founded by an American and using Chinese manufacturing to produce its lightweight, UCI-approved wheelsets.
We currently have the brand’s GCX45 Hyperlight wheels in for testing, which Particle claims are “the world’s lightest UCI approved road/gravel wheels”, and they tipped our scales at an astonishing 994g for the pair.
The wheelset features 45mm deep, hooked, tubeless-ready rims with a 25mm internal width. Nick Lodge is currently putting them through their paces, so check back soon for his full verdict.
Buy now for £1,267.66 from Particle
X-LAB RS5 endurance bike ($1,399)
X-Lab entered the men’s WorldTour peloton last year, sponsoring the XDS Astana team, and the RS5 is the brand’s alloy endurance bike.
At $1,399 (around £1,044), the bike offers impressive value for money, with a specification typically found on much more expensive models. Highlights include XDS’s in-house Branta power meter, a semi-integrated cockpit and Shimano 105 groupset. The frame offers clearance for up to 38mm tyres, and the bike comes fitted with 32mm tyres as standard.
Our size M test bike weighs 9.38kg, and Josh Price is currently testing it out. For comparison, the Ribble CGR AL 105 also pairs an aluminium frame with a Shimano 105 groupset but retails for £1,799 and weighs 10kg, despite not including a power meter.
Brooks B17 Utmost saddle (£279.99)
Having been in the cycling trade for 160 years, Brooks has built a wealth of experience in saddle design, and says it has channelled that expertise into an updated version of one of its most iconic saddles.
Priced at £280, the B17 Utmost is made from what Brooks describes as its finest-grade leather and features an updated nose design and revised front tension pin. The rails are tubular stainless steel and, like regular Brooks leather saddles, the natural material will develop a patina over time for a “unique and personal look”.
Jack Sexty is testing this to see if it truly offers an extra level of luxurious compared to the standard B17.
Buy now for £279.99 from Condor
SKS Electric Mini Pump (£84.99)
The SKS EMP Electric Mini Pump is a rechargeable bike pump, that the German brand claims can achieve a maximum pressure of 120psi. It weighs 196g, so you can easily carry it in a jersey pocket.
The reversible pump head can be switched between Schrader, Presta and Dunlop valves, and the digital display shows the current pressure in either bar or PSI.
The potential of a flat battery might put you off an electric bike pump, but SKS claims that one charge inflates up to three 28mm tyres. Will that work in the real world? The full review is due shortly.
Coast Optics Echo glasses (£109.99)
If you find most sunglasses too large, the Coast Optics Echo could be worth considering. The brand says the Echo is based on its Nita model, but features a revised fit designed for riders with smaller heads.
We are testing the Driftwood colourway with the Black Sun lens, which is designed for bright conditions and allows 17% of light through. The glasses also come supplied with a clear lens for lower-light riding.
These weigh in at 32g which is competitively lightweight for the price.
Buy now for £109.99 from Extra
For all the latest full reviews on road.cc, head over to our reviews section. For more advice before splashing the cash, you can check out our buyer’s guides, and head over to road.cc Recommends to find all our top-rated products in one place.
