Whilst we were away at Eurobike the test kit was piling up back at off-road.cc HQ! Once, we’d cleared our desks, well not Jon’s (his is never clear), we got stuck into sorting through some of this weeks newest arrivals. 

That Bike

Blingy things first – the Specialized S-Works Diverge Gravel Bike, £8,500 of gorgeous gravel goodness. Equipped with Specialized Future shock, a 35mm dropper post, Di2 and more otherworldly componentry, we were in love….. check out our ‘first look’ here.

Specialized S-Works Diverge.jpg
Small amounts of drop are more acceptable but add to the weight of the bike (Image Credit: Oli Pendrey)

 

RaceFace Charge Leg Guards

Back down to earth and out of superbike heaven, but no less enthusiastic as we unwrap something that will save our pristine pins (haha) from the dreaded brambles that lurk around every corner in our neck of the woods. The Charge Leg Guards aren’t rated for any sort of impact should we meet the dirt on our ride, but they will stop us moaning like babies when coming knee to leaf with pointy shrubbery. 

Arrivals-48.jpg
Arrivals-48 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)
Arrivals-49.jpg
Arrivals-49 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Passport Frame Bags

We are taking a look at a budget range of bikepacking bags from Cambridge based company Passport Cycles. This little lot came in for under £145. For more information, check out our ‘first look’ here. Autumn has arrived so we’ll be getting these wet and muddy very soon indeed. 

Passport Frame Bags all-1.jpg
There was a mixture of small and medium bags on this 49cm frame (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Shimano ME7 Shoes

Combining everything we like about an XC shoe (stiff, sleek, light) in a durable enduro shoe package, there’s a lot to like about these Shimano ME7’s. They are going to take a beating this winter with a member of our test team, but that’s ok – they look up to the challenge!

Arrivals-50.jpg
Arrivals-50 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Cube Clothing

Last but not least, we have a full set of outer gear for both men and women from the good folk at Cube. To line up alongside the rest of our winter test gear we have a men’s Blackline Rain Jacket, a women’s AM Rainjacket and Blackline Rain Shorts amongst a box of other goodies. Manufactures own clothing can often be overlooked when you are on the look out for new gear, it’s pleasing to see, this kit isn’t overtly ‘Cubified’ and should look great on any trail bike of our choice.

Arrivals-51.jpg
Arrivals-51 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)
Arrivals-52.jpg
Arrivals-52 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)