There is plenty of new stuff at the off-road HQ for test this week. Here are the five top things from Spesh, Juice Lubes, Mule Bar, DMR and Vaude that we are looking forward to using eating, testing and rating!

Marin Gestalt X11

Marin’s all-new 2019 Gestalt X11 does even more to blur the already slightly fuzzy boundary between a gravel bike and a ‘proper’ mountain bike. It’s got a dropper post, a low slung frame with tight back end and whopping wide bars – admittedly with a drop. Is this what the future of do-it-all bikes looks like? The full first look is here.

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2019-Marin-Gestalt-X11-first-look-100 (Image Credit: Jon Woodhouse)

Specialized Stumpjumper Women’s Alloy Comp 27.5

The new Specialized Stumpjumper caused quite a splash when it was launched, with long and short travel options, bikes for ladies and gents, carbon or alloy choices and lastly the tease of the more progressive Evo version. The range is huge but we’ve picked out the women’s Comp Alloy 27.5 bike to test, here’s a first look at this gorgeous steed. You can take a look a the ‘First Look’ article for more details on the women’s bike here and the ‘first look’ at the men’s bike is here

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Specialized Stumpjumper Women's Comp Alloy 27.5 whole bike-3 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Vaude bikepacking kit

We have waterproof bikepacking kit in for test from Vaude in the form of a handlebar bag and a frame bag. First up is the Trailfront handlebar bag which features a sturdy mount compatible with both drop bars and flat ones. There are also extra straps on top to secure even more gear, plus a waterproof sack with roll top closures. 

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Cool things Vaude bike packing bags-1 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

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Cool things Vaude bike packing bags-2 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 
The Trailframe bag is, as it says on the tin, a frame bag, which looks pleasingly slim and also features a roll-top closure helping to adjust its size for different bikes. At its max though, it has a large 8 litre capacity.

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Cool things Vaude bike packing bags-4 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Mule Bar Pulp Pouches

Mule bar recently introduced a new product to the lineup in the form of Fruit Pulp Pouches. These handy, resealable, pocket-sized pouches are 50% mixed fruit, 50% rice brown syrup and nothing else. Whilst brown rice syrup might just be another form of sweetener (made of glucose) its good to be able to read and pronounce the ingredients and just up to you to decide if you need that refined sugar. 

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Cool things Mule Bar fruit (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Juice Lubes Dirt Juice Boss

Juice Lubes have a new variation of their Dirt Juice out, the Dirt Juice Boss for chain cleaning. This is for bits of your bike that are properly caked in muck and grease, basically a more concentrated, powerful version of the Dirt Juice bike cleaner. We’ve also got a sponge and cloth pack here called ‘Spongebob Cleanparts’, lol…..

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Cool things Juice Lubes chain cleaner (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

 

DMR Deathgrips 

Three types of Deathgrips just arrived in the office for test, a super soft ‘Race Edition’ and two soft compound versions both with a flange and without. One of these is going straight on Rachael’s long termer, the Cotic Rocket whilst the others will be sent out for test ASAP.

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Cool things Deathgrip grips (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

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