UK cycling goods distributor i-ride has a brand portfolio which includes Fulcrum, Northwave, Catlike, Birzman and Xera. We went to i-ride HQ to find out what’s new from them for 2013.
Here’s what we found.
Helmet brand Catlike is a new addition to the i-ride stable. The Spanish company’s new lids for 2013 include the MTB-specific Leaf (£69.99) and Vacuum (£79.99), and the top-end roadie Whisper Deluxe helmet (£109.99, right of shot).
The Whisper Deluxe uses an updated retention device, with a traditional dial, two rear supports which can be adjusted independently (pictured) and changeable inner padding.
The Mixino is also new for 2013, although i-ride didn’t have one to show us. The top-of-the-range helmet has 39 vents and weighs just 225g; that’s 35g lighter than the Whisper Plus. The Mixino, which will be worn by the Movistar pro team, uses an Outlast fabric for its paddings which is said to improve heat regulation, and the helmet will cost £160.
The Chrono Aero WT is Catlike’s time trial helmet. It weighs 410g and comes with a clear visor, extra padding and a bag. See the white area with a black outline on the front? You can remove that to improve air flow. The Chrono Aero WT costs £199, while the Chrono Aero Plus comes without the visor (available separately) and vent for around £100.
Northwave’s Evolution SBS shoe was the company’s top-end footwear when launched two years ago. It’s been redesigned for 2013 to have more flex around the toe box and more venting in the outer, plus it’s a little lighter. This funky lime green and blue option is also a new colourway.
The Evolution SBS has a wood insole which is said to improve comfort.
This matt black finish is a new colour option on Northwave’s Extreme shoe.
Birzman is another brand new to i-ride and the 2013 collection includes an all-new range of Zacoo Maha track pumps. All have a solid base, long barrel, a strong handle and a pressure gauge. The pumps range from £35 to £100 and, having had a quick go, look good to us.
The Zacoo Maha pumps use a new snap-on valve which uses a sliding collar to attach the pump to the tube valve, designed to stay engaged under high pressure, while there’s also pressure release control – that small black button – which means you can make minor adjustments to the tyre pressure.
We like the look of these sleek Birzman multi-tools.
Gemini Lights are relatively new to the UK but our colleagues on mountain bike site Bikemagic have been impressed with the build quality, output and affordability so far. The Xera Flashlight is a new addition to the range and pumps out 800 Lumens, with a run time of 1.5 hours on the maximum setting. Retail price is an impressive £105.99.
This is Fulcrum’s entire 2013 wheel range. The company’s Zero, 1, 3 and Quattro wheelsets now all have a MegaDrive hub flange which Fulcrum say improves stiffness.
