First Look Friday is an introduction to the products that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re featuring the Thule Enroute Blur 2 Daypack, Rudy Project Traylx glasses, 4Shaw cycling socks & gloves and Syntace W-35 MX mountain bike wheels.
Thule Enroute Blur 2 Backpack
Already sporting a good few Thule backpacks and laptop bags at Bike Hub HQ we’re admittedly existing fans of their products. Our latest addition, the Thule EnRoute Blur 2 Daypack, is a 24 litre backpack featuring various handy storage compartments for your all important items. The up to 15.6″ laptop compartment includes a tablet sleeve and can double as a home for a hydration pack (although ideally not at the same time). The pack also includes a crushproof SafeZone compartment for sunglasses and fragile gear includes a dedicated phone pocket.
Retail price: R 2,199.00
Rudy Project TRAYLX
Rudy Project’s TRAYLX sunglasses feature their ImpactX 2 lenses which, as the name suggests, are an update to the previous generation optics. The photochromic lense is said to activate faster and features a High Dynamic Range (HDR) for an all round improved image.
From an initial look the TRAYLX shades feel ultra light, are thoroughly vented and have a flexibility that seems to lend itself to their “unbreakable” tag line. We’ll be putting them through their paces on roads and trails to see how they perform in the wild.
From the manufacturer
Building on ImpactX technology and after years of laboratory research and field tests with professional athletes, Rudy Project is today proud to introduce ImpactX 2 , a new array of technical lenses perfected with unparalleled cutting- edge photochromic particles, providing unique climatic management technology: getting dark from low to high light transmission within few seconds and tailored to reach a custom colour from an initial clear state, ImpactX 2 lenses will enhance contrast, even in darker conditions, they will improve visual acuity and depth perception while providing unparalleled eye protection.
Specification (as tested)
- FrameTralyx Crystal Gloss Orange Fluo
- LenseImpact X 2 Black
- Retail priceR 3590.00
4Shaw cycling socks and gloves
For better or worse socks are increasingly becoming a fashion item for many bike riders. 4Shaw is an Australian brand who produce a range of cycling apparel including a variety of unique, colourful socks at various lengths. The socks are all made using a mix of Coolmax, Nylon and Lycra.
Indicative price: R 280
Among the 4Shaw range of items and on our test list are these great looking full finger gloves.
Indicative price: R 500
From the manufacturer – Race Glove V2 Full Finger
Version 2 of our master piece – the lightest race glove on the market. Anatomically cut finger webbing for non-restrictive & superior fit. Gossamer palm for ultimate grip and bar feel. Silicone grippes on index, fore finger and thumb for brake and shift lever traction. Smartphone friendly fingers. Superior antimicrobial thumb-wiper. Proprietary ICE MESH for extreme breathability.
Check out the full range on 4shaw.net.au while the local site comes to life
Syntace W35 Mountain Bike Wheels
German component maker Syntace were arguably among the early movers in producing a range of wide to super-wide, lightweight aluminium mountain bike wheels. The Syntace W-35 MX wheelset features a 35mm rim said to be tougher than carbon and provide better tire performance.
We’ve laced them with some rubber and have already been putting them through their paces. Full review to follow in a few weeks.
From the manufacturer
It all began with the simple wish for really wide rims that are still light enough for all-round use from XC races to All Mountain. However, no manufacturer wanted to know anything about it. We’ve dealt with this before, so we decided to get to work and make or our wide and tough rims and nice durable hubs. And both had to be really light.
Specifications (as tested)
- WeightRear: 969 g (29” ISO 622, 32 hole)
Front: 938 g (29″ ISO 622, 32 hole) - Rim width (outer)35 mm
- Rim width (inner)28.5 mm
- Disc standard6 hole
- Freewheel bodyStandard cassette
XX1 cassette optional - AxleRear: X-12
Front: 15 mm - Retail PriceTBC
But where in SA can we get those 4Shaw socks?
I need more colour in my life!