In this new episode of Shiny New Products, we’re taking a look at a brand new Specialized saddle with Elaston padding, Bontrager’s first gravel tyre and a new aluminium crankset from Spanish brand Rotor. 

The new  Specialized Power Arc Pro Elaston saddle takes the short-nosed saddle shape that is on-trend at the moment but adds a new foam padding that is said to provide the same level of comfort as that of sitting on a thousand pillows. That’s my kind of comfort! It’s actually the same tech as in adidas Boost running trainers.

Specialized Power Arc Pro Elaston saddle.jpg
Specialized Power Arc Pro Elaston saddle (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Next, we have the new Vegast crankset from Rotor, named after three iconic European climbs, the VEleta, GAlibier and STelvio. It’s a celebration of the company’s racing heritage, it has been in the pro peloton for many years. They are a cheaper version of the Aldhu launched at Eurobike last year and use a modular design providing numerous options, from axle size to 1x or 2x, power meter compatibility and it works with most BB standards.

Bontrager GR2 TLR Team Issue Gravel Road Tyre
Bontrager GR2 TLR Team Issue Gravel Road Tyre (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

And finally it’s the first gravel tyre from Bontrager, the GR2 TLR Team Issue. It’s one of two models, these have a more aggressive tread pattern, and comes just in a 700x40mm size. Bontrager has used two rubber compounds to provide the best balance of grip and wear rate and the Inner Strength casing is intended to provide toughness over rough terrain while keeping the sidewall supple for a nice smooth ride.

Reviews of these new products coming soon.