We spent yesterday at iceBike, the in-house show of major UK bike and components distributor Madison, and here are the most interesting products from some of the big brands.
Genesis updates key models
Genesis has unveiled a new version of its Croix de Fer with Reynolds 853 tubing, 12mm thru axles and flat mount disc brakes front and rear. The fork is steel too.
The geometry is the same as that of the existing Croix de Fer and you still get plenty of braze-ons.
This version will be available later in the year as a frameset only for £899.
Read our 2015 review of the Genesis Croix de Fer.
The rim brake version of the Volare steel race bike has been around for a few years but the Volare Disc 931 frameset (£2,199.99) is a new addition to the range.
As the name suggests, it’s made from Reynolds 931 stainless steel while the fork that plugs in at the front is full carbon with a tapered steerer.
Like the vast majority of new disc brake bikes for the road, it’s flat mount standard. Both the frame and fork take 12mm thru axles.
There are various versions of the Genesis Zero race bike, as used by the Madison Genesis team, all of them made from 30/40T modulus carbon fibre except this new one which is a lower grade – 24/30T – to make the price a little more affordable.
You still get a tapered head tube (1 1/8in to 1 1/2in), fully internal cable routing and a carbon fork.
It’s priced £2,299.99 with a Shimano Ultegra groupset, including direct mount rim brakes.
Shimano eyewear reaches UK
Shimano has been offering eyewear for years, it just hasn’t been readily available in the UK. The range is divided into performance-focused on-the-bike models and more casual designs for off-the-bike use.
We have a pair in for review so we’ll let you know how we get on with them soon.
The ones above are the Spark glasses (£69.99).
And these are the Square glasses (£39.99).
http://shimano-lifestylegear.com/gl/
Shimano expands bag range
Shimano has upped its bag game lately too, with many mountain bike models as well as designs for urban use. This one is the Tokyo urban daypack with a 23 litre capacity.
It’s made from water resistant ballistic nylon with a tarpaulin base, ventilated straps and a roll top with an elastic hook closure. You get various different pockets and a padded compartment inside for your laptop.
At first sight it looks very well thought-out. We have one in for review so we’ll soon be able to tell you if our initial impressions are correct.
http://shimano-lifestylegear.com/gl/
Shimano XC5 gravel shoes
I could be wrong but I don’t think we’ve shown you Shimano’s XC5 gravel shoes before. Well, Shimano refers to them as ‘mixed terrain’ shoes because it thinks the term ‘gravel’ is a bit limiting.
Anyhow, these are SPD (as opposed to SPD-SL) compatible and feature a Michelin tread over a carbon fibre reinforced midsole. The upper is synthetic leather and, as you can see, you get a lace closure.
As well as this grey/orange version, the XC5 is available in black/grey (which you can just about see lurking in the background of this pic).
Open your Trelock lock with a Smartphone
You might or might not be interested in a frame-mounted lock, but what’s really interesting here is that it is opened using near-field communication (NFC) from your Smartphone, and this is a technology that could be rolled out into other models in future. NFC devices are used in mobile phone contactless payment systems, for example.
You download Trelock’s free Smartlock app to your phone (it’s Android only at the moment) and hold the lock’s key card close to pair them. Up to eight different users can open the lock but only if their phones have first been paired up with that key card. If you’re an iPhone user or you don’t have a Smartphone, there’s a small plastic key that does the same job. You place your phone or the key onto the lock’s sensor and… open sesame. No lock doesn’t need a battery.
What’s the advantage? First, there’s no cylinder to be picked. Second, there’s no keyhole to let water inside to the working parts. Third, most of us carry a smartphone pretty much everywhere these days so, as long as you use the app, there’s no need to take an additional key with you.
Trelock hasn’t put a timescale on other locks from its range getting this tech, but it is certainly a strong possibility.
Cycliq revamps Fly6 and Fly12
Cycliq has updated it’s Fly6 and Fly12 and they look a whole lot more sleek as a result.
You’re familiar with the concept? These are bike lights with built-in high-definition cameras.
Check out our review of the Cycliq Fly12 here.
The Fly12 (£254.99), the front one, now shoots at up to 60 frames per second in 1920 x 1080p resolution and offers a claimed 600 lumens. The claimed weight is 195g. It now has a 1/8th turn mounting and can be positioned above or below your handlebar.
The rear Fly6 (£169.99) has the same camera capability. It’s 100 lumens and 110g.
Madison reveals spring/summer clothing
The temperature might still be in the single digits but, if past experience is anything to go by, spring and summer will come next, and Madison’s range has had a refresh in readiness with some bold finishes. This one (above) is the Peloton jersey.
And this one (above) is the Apex jersey.
We told you about Madison’s turbo-specific clothing the other day so won’t go into all the details again here.
The idea is that it’s made from fabrics that shift sweat away from your body fast and don’t hold much moisture because we all know how hot and humid it can get when you’re training indoors.
Madison’s Stellar reflective jacket really is incredibly visible when it’s caught in car headlights.
Here it is in normal daylight.
And here it is with flash.
It’s a similar story around the back.
Pearl Izumi goes aero
This pale fella is wearing Pearl Izumi’s Pro Pursuit Speed jersey (£119.99) that’s designed with aerodynamics in mind, hence the choice of fabric and the construction of the ‘Speed Sleeves’.
These are designed to sit very close when in the riding position, and reach down almost to the elbows to reduce drag. Mesh panels on the front are intended to improve airflow and ventilation.
The women’s Elite Escape jersey (£69.99) is available in this unusual finish. Camo-style graphics are everywhere again this year.
4 thoughts on “New stuff from Shimano, Genesis (Volare Disc + updated Croix de Fer), Cycliq and more”
Love the look of those XC5s
Love the look of those XC5s but they’ll be trashed after the first ride.
Already returned my fly 6 CE.
Already returned my fly 6 CE. It’s not very connected. None of the ant+ stuff works. You can’t used USBC to USBC otg to view footage. So you still have to plonk your SD card in your pc. No thanks
I like Genesis bikes, but the
I like Genesis bikes, but the Croix de Fer pricing feels steep. The RRP for a 2017 CdF frameset is £499.99. Does a change from Reynolds 725 to 853 and the addition of flat mounts and thru axles justify the increase to £899? Hoping there will also be a lower grade frameset option in the range.
Their Volare 853 rim brake
Their Volare 853 rim brake frameset has sat at around £899 for a few years so there is form.
Personally I find the difference between the Fugio’s pricing and the normal Croix quite hard to take given they’re the same grade of steel.