Alongside a new wheel build from Raleigh with Industry Nine hubs and WTB i29 rims we’ve got lots of protective gear from 661 and Bluegrass. Timely, seeing as the riding conditions round our neck of the woods have just turned super slick and we’ve been hitting the deck rather a lot lately! 

Raleigh UK wheel build

Recently Raleigh UK’s wheel production lines have begun turning out a premium tier product built around WTB rims and Industry Nine hubs. Built in the UK, the Nottingham production line will have high-spec choices for mountain bike and gravel in any wheel size. 

2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-1.jpg
2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-1 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

The company will be using Industry Nine hubs and WTB rims, we’ve got a set using WTB KOM i29 Tough rims and the cheaper I9 1/1 hubs which still delivers 90 points of engagement and 4 degrees between engagement points. We decided we wanted to test a enduro/trail wheelset that came in around the £500 mark settling on the budget hubs and tougher, heavier rims.

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2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-2 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

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2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-3 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

661 protection gear 

DBO Knee and Elbow pads

Using D3O material these relatively aggressive pads are still flexible, designed for ‘all-mountain’ riding. The DBO range is classed as protective pads at a lesser price than the heavier duty EVO range. 

cool things 661
cool things 661 (Image Credit: Oli Pendrey)

 

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2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-7 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Recon Knee Pads

We’ve also got some of the lightest weight pads 661 make, the Recon pads are designed for trail use with plenty of pedalling. The slip-on pads use something called Poron XRD impact foam which is extremely flexible and changes state at impact as D30 does. 

2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-5.jpg
2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-5 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Comp and Raji gloves

Both Comp and Raji are slimline and light gloves that come in a multitude of colourways. The latter has a ’twill’ back, a single layer palm and velcro closure where the former uses Spandura® for the back of the hand and has a stretchy elastic cuff rather than any form of hook and loop fastener. 

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2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-10 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

EVO Compression Jacket

Again sporting D30 material in the pads the EVO compression jacket is a super protective vest incorporating elbow pads, shoulder pads, back and chest protection. The jacket also uses something 661 calls ‘the PADLOCK connection system’ where protection pieces are connected so they won’t move around when riding or in the event of a crash. There is also a matching pair of shorts but the photo of our Jon modelling those probably shouldn’t be on the internet… we’ll save that delight for the review. 

cool things 661
cool things 661 (Image Credit: Oli Pendrey)

EVO AM Patrol helmet

This is the brand’s headline enduro helmet, coming with or without MIPS. Ours has the MIPS liner in and a Boa dial at the rear to adjust the cradle. If you don’t think this orange colourway is that cool then there is also, white, navy and grey to choose from. 

cool things 661
cool things 661 (Image Credit: Oli Pendrey)

 

Reset full face helmet

Lastly, we have the new(ish) full face helmet with MIPS. This is the first time that 661 have introduced the MIPS liner to their full face lids, a line of helmets that have been renowned for their bargain prices and cool styling. We won’t be going missing in this orange and blue edition but if you want something more muted there are a couple good looking black options plus white and a vibrant red. 

cool things 661
cool things 661 (Image Credit: Oli Pendrey)

 

Bluegrass protection gear

Golden Eyes helmet

This isn’t a new helmet but it’s one that hasn’t yet graced the head of an off-road.cc test pilot. Designed as an enduro lid and sold without a MIPS or other similar layer, its emphasis is on ventilation and less weight. 

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2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-12 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

Solid Knee pads

Built with a long sleeve and strap at the top, the Bluegrass Solid knee pads are a robust pad for enduro and all-mountain riding. There are soft foam pads at the side for extra protection and a rear elastic strap under the knee for extra security. 

2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-8.jpg
2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-8 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

 

Skinny Knee Pads

The Bluegrass Skinny knee pads are billed as a lighter pad ready for pedalling. Side by side with the Solid pads above, there seems to be very little difference aside from the removal of the top strap and the lack of extra side protection. We’ll be testing these back to back to find out more. 

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2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-6 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

Magnete Lite gloves

This pair of warmer weather gloves have a nifty little trick up their sleeve – a magnet in the top to keep them together as a pair when you aren’t wearing them. Aside from this, these are made from a stretchy material with a thin palm and a lack of padding which is our preferred design for summer gloves. 

2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-9.jpg
2019-12-12 cool things I9 661 Bluegrass-9 (Image Credit: Rachael Gurney)

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