We’ve noticed the nights drawing closer here of Off-road.cc HQ so we’ve got an early start getting some lights in for testing. As you all probably know, that’s not all because we’ve also got some pads from Amplifi, bars from Bontrager, and a tool from Topeak. Dive in, here’s a glance at the cool kit that’s come in this week.

Amplifi Havok Knee Zip

£90

2021 amplifi havok knee zip 5ct.jpg
2021 amplifi havok knee zip 5ct (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Amplifi’s Havok Knee Zip knee guards combine a SAS-TEC Level 2 protection with an abrasion-resistant kevlar fabric. They’re promised to be comfy thanks to flatlock steams and specially designed air circulation. There’s also a super stretchy velcro strap and non-slip hems. Oh, of course, and there’s a zip at the rear to make putting the pads on and off super easy, even with your shoes on.

Topeak Ninja Master+ Toolbox T11 and Ninja Master Cage SK+

£13 – £50 

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2021 topeak tubi 11 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Riding without a pack is still gaining a lot of momentum and making the move even easier is Topeak with the Ninja Master+ and toolbox system. It allows multitools to be carried on your bike either by using frame mounds, or it can be attached to a range of Topeak’s bottle cages.

To put this to the test, we’ve got the Toolbox Tubi 11 and Ninja Master Cage SK+. The former, as its name suggests, comes with 11 tools including everything you need to repair any punctures in your tubeless tyre. All of that is housed in a weatherproof box.

The Ninja Master Cage SK+ is a side-loading bottle cage that’s made to keep your bottle safe even down the roughest terrain. It’s also designed especially for full suspension bike frames that are short on space. If carrying a multitool isn’t your thing, it’s also capable of carrying Topeak’s CO2 inflator kit or a spare innertube. 

CatEye Ampp 1100 and Ampp 800 combo set

£160

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2021 cateye ampp 1100 800 combo 5ct (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The Ampp 1100 and Ampp 800 combo from CatEye sorts out all of your off-road lighting needs in one neat package. You’ve got the more powerful Ampp 1100 for your bars and the Ampp 800 to plonk on top of your helmet to pick out trail objects in your direct line of sight.

Both lights get CatEye’s Opticube lens which spreads light wide across the trail, a large capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a three-level battery indicator, a memory mode function, and five light modes.

They also promise an approximate three hour charge time from flat to full.

Blackburn Countdown 1600 front light

£140

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2021 blackburn countdown 1600 front light 5ct (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The Blackburn Countdown offers 1600 lumens of off-road power with an easy-to-read backlit display that tells you exactly how many minutes of light you’ve got left. In low mode, it’s said that it can run for a full eight hours and it’s rechargeable using a micro USB.

Bontrager GR Elite Adventure Fit Road handlebar

£60

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2021 bontrager gr elite adventure fit road handlebar 5ct (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

We’ll forgive you for thinking that this is a road handlebar. I mean it does have ‘road’ in the name but it’s definitely a gravel bar through and through. That’s because of its 13° flare and shorter, 75mm, reach which is supposed to offer more comfort and control especially when in the drops.

It also comes with a set of replaceable IsoZone EVA pads for an extra bit of comfort while maintaining the bar’s original grip diameter. A final neat touch is laser etched brake lever position lines that’ll help you get the perfect brake setup.

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