Como Trikes e-recumbents
Direct to dealer: www.comotrikes.com
Como Trikes of Maldon, Essex has launched a range of three recumbent trikes with electric assist.
There’s a model for road, touring and load carrying and off-road adventures, in the form of the Via, Tour and Lite, respectively. The trikes incorporate the Falco e-drive system (a silent five-phase torque sensor hub motor) in 250W guise (or 500W for off-road and where permitted on-road). Power level is controlled from the handlebars and a pad where output can be adjusted. Combine this with 18 gears and the trikes are extremely adaptable for travel around town, or out on the road and trail.
As you’d expect, the seat is ergonomically designed and high enough to rest the head. In the back of the ‘saddle’ you’ll find a high level rear light built in. The reclining seat and handlebars fold down when not in use. All models have rear suspension and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. The seat and frame are designed for ease of getting on and off.
Owner of Como Rob Murrells is keen to link with dealers who may have a customer base or individual customer lined up. He is contactable on rob@comotrikes.com
Eat My Dirt Cleaner
Direct to dealer: info@eatmydirt.eu
There’s a new cleaner on the block and it’s looking for retail partners in the cycling business. Eat My Dirt has, like many others, come across from the motoring cleaners world and now has eyes for expansion among pedal power enthusiasts.
So, what’s different about Eat My Dirt? Well the part the label is most enthused about is the fact the product is pH neutral, yet strong enough to remove grime as tough as brake dust from alloy wheels.
The solution is designed to be diluted down to a 20:1 ratio with water for standard cleaning jobs, meaning one bottle will go far. But thanks to its pH neutrality, won’t harm decals or discs if applied to tougher grime without added water. The product is also safe to use by those with sensitive skin.
Shimano XTR wheels & brakes
Madison: 0208 385 3385
Shimano has revealed its revamped XTR kit, with fresh components, brakes and wheels benefiting from a weight-busting diet.
Starting with the wheels, Shimano’s athletes wanted the scales to tip sooner and for their wheels to roll smoother, so the manufacturer has introduced a full carbon tubular, available as a 15mm E-thru system in the front and 12mm E-thru in the rear. Both have a centre lock rotor mount system and a quick engagement freehub body for perfect traction.
Shimano has revealed its lightest hydraulic brakes. Race-rated to match the power and control of the M985 Race brake while dropping weight by 40g per wheel, the M987 disc brake incorporates the use of a magnesium caliper and master cylinder construction. Meanwhile, the lever shaves further weight thanks to carbon construction and titanium hardware. Next to the brakes, rotors and wheels, the bottom bracket has been updated with new innovations. Both bottom brackets (thread type and pressfit type) are lighter, with better sealing and smoother rotation.
GUEE Lighting
Dawes Cycles: 0121 748 8050
Dawes Cycles has secured the exclusive distribution rights to lighting brand GUEE.
Developed alongside Dawes product manager Gary Conway, the products will focus on value for money and aesthetics. Already popular in several Far Eastern countries, this new distribution agreement will see the brand come to the UK for the first time whilst also expanding into other European territories.
Individual retail prices start from just £8.99 for the little silicon ‘Camaro’ LED, offering the clever addition of 20+/- degree horizontal beam adjustment. The range spans through to the £34.99 ‘Sol200’ headlamp. With a 200 Lumen output, micro-USB recharge, a ‘Smart-R’ adjustable bracket and burn-times of up to 10hrs, the tiny 70mm long headlamp offers great output for a sub £35 unit.
The brand will be launched with stock in the UK at the beginning of July, with early introductory offers being sold in by the Dawes sales team through May and June.
Drift Ghost HD
Ison Distribution: 01353 662662
Drift has launched what it calls its most feature-rich sports camera yet – the Ghost HD – which is waterproof to 3m without any extra housing.
Building upon a unique feature set, which includes an industry-first two-way LED remote control with on/off indicator light, video recording/tagging capabilities in continuous loop mode, and an integrated 2-inch Corning Gorilla Glass LCD screen, the Drift HD Ghost is engineered for the active and social user.
Thanks to a video tag and loop function, the user can save a recorded event up to five minutes after it happens. The video clip is stored in the camera’s memory, and will save the clip only if the user chooses to “tag” it.
The Drift HD Ghost comes Wi-Fi-enabled to communicate instantly with smartphones. Combined with the Drift Mobile App (coming soon for Android) you can preview and line up a shot remotely from your phone, change camera settings, shot recording, photo capture and playback, directly through your mobile.
LikeAbike Hardy and Rosalie
Direct to dealer: 01937 844068
LikeABike has added two models to its catalogue of bikes for toddlers – the Rosalie and Hardy Kokua.
At £99.95, the ideal first bikes are pedal-free and rely on the young ones getting a feel for balancing on their own on a lightweight aluminium frame and 12-inch alloy wheels. The tyres are pneumatic, so will remain puncture free and both bikes are available in bright attractive colours and feature a host of important features for young riders.
These include small diameter handlebars, with child-friendly grips, which supply tiny hands with a secure hold. Furthermore, the bikes have a dedicated low-scoop saddle, coupled with an adjustable seat post, to provide comfort and easy adjustment for little riders.
Both bikes also feature Kokua’s patented steering limiter to prevent jack-knifing.
An included comprehensive two-year guarantee comes as standard.
Sigma Sport Rox 5.0
Direct: www.sigmasport.com
For serious amateur riders, the new ROX 5.0 from Sigma Sport displays speed, heart rate and cadence, and also has a running computer function.
Able to record and analyse up to 99 individual laps per training, the practical 25-hour storage capacity permits statistical, as well as vivid and detailed graphical, analysis of any ride using the Sigma Data Centre on the PC or Mac.
A particular highlight is the option to train on the basis of four standardised or customised intensity zones. The clean and large display of the ROX 5.0 displays the frequency distribution of the training heart rate and the current zone. Sigma standards, such as the digital STS transmission system between the transmitters and the device, the light manager, two wheel sizes, an automatic start/stop, the water seal, battery charge indicator, and the convenient changing of the batteries are included.
The all-rounder, ROX 5.0, with speed transmitter, cadence transmitter, R1 STS Comfortex+ and wrist strap are available from May.
Orange RX9
Direct to dealer: 01422 311113
Orange has now brought to market its RX9, it’s secret weapon for cyclocross assaults.
The double-butted custom-drawn, 6061 series alloy frame allows clearance for most tyre and mudguard combinations, while the ten-speed Tiagra and 105 transmission and Avid BB5 mechanical discs provide a strong and bang on trend finish.
Continental CX Speed 700 x 35c tyres are specced as standard, alongside a smattering of Easton goods, including EA50 Ergo bars. The wheels are made up of Deore 525 hubs laced to Mavic A119 rims, so should last a few seasons in the muck.
Retail price is competitive, especially for a UK made bike, coming in at £1,099.99 in 52, 54, 56 and 58cm sizes, in stock now. A further 60cm frame size will be available from mid-July.
Orange has created a promotional video for the RX9, which you can see at orangebikes.co.uk.