From a budget Vitus bike to a low cost Smith helmet, the first part of this week’s five cool things is looking easy on the wallet. Moving on, we are testing chain lube from Fenwicks, some rather fancy clothing from 100% and a new Bianchi e-bike called the T-Tronik Performer. Dig in…..

Vitus Mythique 29 VRS

First up is the big ticket item, a new Mythique from Vitus Bikes. We’ve got a 29er version fo this budget trail bike in on test, one which costs just £1449.99. For that you get SRAM SX Eagle, Shimano MT401 brakes, an X-Fusion Sweep fork, an X-Fusion 02 Pro shock and a dropper post. We will tell you more about the bike in a first look soon. 

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Vitus Mythique 29 VRS-2 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Smith Optics Convoy helmet

Newly released last month, we have a new budget Smith Optics helmet in on test. The Convoy costs just £64.99 and you get MIPS, cool Smith styling a rachet system at the rear, adjustable straps and its pretty light too. We are looking forward to seeing how this lid stacks up against more expensive lids. 

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2020-03-04 and 10th cool things-1 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

Fenwicks Chain Lube

We have both the ‘wet’ and the ‘everyday’ version of this chain lube on test. Fenwicks says the everyday lube is designed for all kinds of uses whilst the wet weather lube is designed to excel in the British weather! We are looking forward to finding out just how good the everyday lube is in the wet, compared to the specific wet weather version. Tests of both coming up soon.

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Cool things 11th and 18th-6 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

100% Airmatic and Hydromatic shorts

Our Jon has two new pairs of shorts on test, the 100% Airmatic shorts for the dry weather and the pair of 100% Hydromatic for the continuing rain. The Airmatic’s are said to be a stretchy, well ventilated trail short whilst the Hydromatic’s are made from a 10k/10k waterproof and breathable material with waterproof zips to seal out the weather.

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Cool-things-100percent-ProTaper-101 (Image Credit: Jon Woodhouse)

100% Altec helmet and Surpass knee pads

There’s more 100% gear on the way in the form of the Altec helmet, a good looking trail lid. There’s no MIPS or the like but 100% says this lid has a shed load of airflow, integrated sunglasses storage, an adjustable visor and a ratchet system for fit at the rear of the cradle. 

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Cool-things-100percent-ProTaper-102 (Image Credit: Jon Woodhouse)

Also in are these 100% Surpass knee pads. These look uber protective as well as appearing like they might also be good for pedalling in. 100% say the pads are made for ‘all-in-one coverage’ and good for anything from XC to downhill riding. Only time will tell…..

 

Bianchi T-Tronik Performer

The T-Tronik Performer, aside from being absurdly named, is a carbon, full suspension e-bike using a Shimano Steps E8000 motor and a 630Wh battery. The website details of the T-Tronik are the usual e-bike hard sell but the thing you need to know is that this is a good looking, high end e-bike with a tasty spec list, 29er wheels and middle of the road geometry. We’ll be publishing a first look soon.

Bianchi-T-Tronik-Performer-9-1-firstlook-review-103.jpg
Bianchi-T-Tronik-Performer-9-1-firstlook-review-103 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

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