THE HOTTEST NEW KIT
SCOTT MTB RC ULTIMATE CLIPLESS SHOES
£434.99 Does an extreme price tag equal extreme performance?
These top-of-the-range cross-country shoes are designed to offer unequalled power transfer and a super-light feel, but this comes at a high price.
The upper is constructed from Carbitex, a carbon fibre textile that provides high tensile strength, durability and stability without excess weight or volume. Scott’s own ‘HMX’ carbon is used for the midsole, to keep things stiff for maximum efficiency on the race track. The outsole is made from their ‘Sticki’ rubber, designed to offer good traction in all conditions.
Scott’s modular footbed comes with three different arch and metatarsal pads so you can customise the fit. Twin BOA dials let you ratchet the shoes up securely. Weighing bang-on the claimed weight of 360g per shoe (UK8 without cleats), the RC Ultimates are the joint-lightest in Scott’s XC range. (The RC Evos weigh the same but ditch the Carbitex to keep costs down).
www.scott-sports.com
RAB CINDER RIDING KIT
£180 (jacket), £120 (pants) Lauded UK brand release their first bikewear
Derbyshire-based RAB are one of the world’s leading technical outdoor clothing labels. We’ve long been fans of their duvet jackets and sleeping bags, so were excited when we heard they were launching a new range of cycling gear designed for ‘off-road biking adventures’.
Aimed at both MTB and gravel riders, the line-up includes the Cinder Phantom waterproof jacket, available in men’s and women’s versions. Said to be featherlight (94g claimed, M) yet capable of seeing off persistent rain, this is designed to pack down for easy stowage in your pack or on the bike itself, thanks to a nifty frame attachment. Other features include a cycling-specific fit, under-helmet hood and ergonomic zip. It’s made from 2.5-layer Pertex Shield fabric.
The Cinder Crank softshell pants have been designed to be breathable, durable and suitable for use on and off the bike, with a tailored fit that should allow unimpeded riding. Attention to detail includes reinforcement in high-wear areas, plus low-profile thigh vents. They’re available in two colours, for men only.
Also included in the debut bike range are jerseys, merino-blend tech tees, waterproof shorts and trousers, various other jackets, liner shorts and more.
https://rab.equipment/uk
FLOW COLLECTIVE HASIE JERSEY
£49.99 Kit that goes against the flow
Born from the pandemic, Flow Collective are focused on creativity and community. They want to bring mountain bikers together to chat and have input into their designs, and also support
