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This week we have a mix of tech, bikes and accessories in the road.cc HQ, out with our reviewers and awaiting full verdicts. These include Brompton’s recently released P Line folding bike, an e-bike conversion kit from Skarper, sunglasses from Rapha, plus an all-round helmet and a 3D-printed saddle. Here are the previews, with full reviews landing on the site soon.
Pro Stealth 3D Performance Saddle (£229.99)
The Pro Stealth 3D Performance Saddle is aimed at competitive cyclists, promising “maximum comfort without compromising power transfer or aerodynamic positioning”.
Pro says the 3D printed saddle has three targeted density zones, with an open honeycomb structure at the rear and centre, alongside a denser dimpled surface. It also features a carbon-reinforced base and stainless steel rails.
At 252g on our scales, this saddle is heavier than many other 3D printed saddles we’ve tested, though Pro says the extra weight reflects a focus on comfort, particularly over rough roads or cobbles. The lightest 3D printed saddle we’ve tested is the Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon, weighing 146g on our scales.
Buy from Freewheel for £229.99
Skarper eBike Drive System (£1,495)
We’ve written about Skarper’s eBike Drive System before, most recently when Enigma Bikes partnered with the e-bike conversion specialist to add electric assist to its titanium bikes.
The eBike Drive System is a detachable 5.25kg unit that, according to Skarper, can turn a standard bike into an e-bike – and back again – in a matter of seconds, without requiring any modifications to the frame or wheel.
Skarper claims the system delivers up to 50km of pedal assistance, along with 250W of power and 76Nm of torque. Dave Atkinson is currently testing it, so check back soon for the full review.
Rapha Letras Glasses (£160)
Unlike many sunglasses currently on the market with oversized, ski-goggle-style designs, the Rapha Letras feature a smaller lens profile and a frameless construction. The lack of material around the lens helps keep the weight down to a feathery 24g – light both for this style of glasses and in absolute terms. The Koo Nebula glasses we recently tested also use a frameless design and weighed 22g.
The lenses are available in four tint options, and Neal Hunt is currently testing the black-frame, rose-lens version, which Rapha says is best suited to dull days and lighter spring skies.
Brompton P Line (£2,599)
Earlier this month, Brompton launched a new generation of its P Line folding bike, coming with a new aluminium crankset and handlebar and a carbon fork. When we reviewed the P Line Urban in 2022, we called it “a fantastic and innovative high-performance option from Brompton”, weighing just over 10kg. This latest model weighs 9.4kg on our scales.
Brompton says, “At the heart of the P Line is a commitment to performance you can feel. Superlight components reduce overall weight for faster acceleration and easier carrying, while maintaining the strength and durability riders expect from Brompton”.
The Brompton Bicycle P Line is available in 4-speed and 12-speed versions, with Emma Silversides currently testing the 12-speed model.
POC Amidal helmet (£220)
POC’s Amidal helmet was released last month as an all-rounder model, featuring expected safety technologies including an EPS liner and Mips Air Node for rotational impact protection.
It’s also compatible with a Knog rear light designed specifically for the helmet, which attaches via a dedicated mount, though this is sold separately for £40.
In a size M, the Amidal weighs 320g – not especially light compared to race-focused helmets, but competitive for an all-round option. Hollis Jones is currently testing the Granite Grey Matt colour, with 10 colours available in total.
For all the latest full reviews on road.cc, head over to our reviews section. For more advice before splashing the cash, you can check out our buyer’s guides, and head over to road.cc Recommends to find all our top-rated products in one place.
