2024 has really grow to be the 12 months of the wheelset, with thrilling releases from distinguished manufacturers like Cadex, Hunt, Campagnolo, and even Enve unveiling new hubs. Nevertheless, Hunt is displaying no indicators of slowing down, because it launched three extra wheelsets this week, boasting an enticingly inexpensive price ticket.
Oakley has additionally made waves with its newest releases, collaborating with Q36.5 to unveil a brand new capsule assortment. It comes alongside the launch of a brand new aero helmet full with an built-in visor.
Within the realm of biking elements, the highlight is on the newly launched Shimano Essa groupset, promising trickle down tech at a modest worth level. In the meantime, Northwave has launched a brand new set of gravel sneakers which are stated to take affect from the cross-country mountain bike scene.
Hunt Carbon Disc will get an overhaul
This week, Hunt has unveiled a major overhaul of its famend Carbon Disc vary. Previously referred to as the Carbon Aero Disc, the refreshed sequence now boasts 30, 40, and 50mm depth choices, that includes wider rim profiles and a 36-tooth Ratchet SGL hub. These upgrades, Hunt says, are aimed toward assembly the evolving calls for of cyclists, promising diminished weight, improved acceleration, and enhanced aerodynamics for an general pace enhance.
A 50mm wheelset will set you again a simply £799/$999, which, for a wheelset with a claimed weight of 1464g, we expect is comparatively modest.
(Picture credit score: Hunt)
In gentle of the current saga surrounding hookless rims, it is fascinating that Hunt has opted to maintain issues conventional with the brand new wheelset. The brand new rims characteristic a hooked rim profile however with an up to date 22mm inner rim width. Hunt says the edges are appropriate with 25-50mm tyre widths, making these wheels match for a lot of completely different functions.
(Picture credit score: Hunt)
Hunt has additionally rolled out its new H_Ratchet 36t SGL hub system, which the British wheel model says improves durabilty whereas lowering weight, with 10 diploma engagement – one thing we stay up for placing to the check!
The hubs are constructed with Dumonde Tech Professional X freehubs, which characteristic a single sided ratchet drive system which it claims is designed for top torque masses and appropriate for each highway and gravel using, and big selection cassettes.
(Picture credit score: Hunt)
The wheels do not get the identical carbon spoke remedy seen on Hunt’s range-topping hoops, nevertheless, they nonetheless get triple-butted alloy spokes, which Hunt claims present higher elastic qualities that assist to enhance trip high quality.
For extra data on the Hunt Carbon Disc wheel vary, go to Hunt’s web site.
Shimano Essa groupset
From the world of highway efficiency to a groupset aimed toward city and even mountain bikes, Shimano is hoping to simplify its groupset line up while staying finances pleasant with its new Essa groupset.
The brand new 8-speed drivetrain offers compatibility with all of Shimano’s present 8-speed flat-bar setups, similar to Acera, Altus, and Tourney TX, and so goals to simplify Shimano’s vary equally to Shimano’s Cues launch final 12 months which unified all the model’s 11th of September pace groupsets.
(Picture credit score: Shimano)
The brand new rear derailleur is claimed to supply secure efficiency on trails and has been optimised to cut back chain drop, one thing that may undoubtedly go down effectively with commuters. Shadow know-how has trickled right down to the brand new 8-speed componentry too, which retains the derailleur additional out of hurt’s method if the bike is dropped or crashed.
Though Shimano is releasing a full set of groupset componentry, you may solely discover Essa branding on the rear derailleur and chainset. Pricing is presently unavailable for the brand new groupset and topic to supplier discretion, however we predict a full groupset to set you again round £150/$150.
Can Oakley make visors cool?
It is truthful to say that built-in visors have been considerably of a taboo up to now, and reserved for these searching for efficiency over type. But when anybody could make visors cool, it is Oakley – and that is simply what they’re going to be hoping to do with the brand new ARO7 Highway helmet.
The brand new lid, aimed toward highway and leisure riders, options an built-in Prizm™ lense and ‘stealth’ design, which Oakley says has been designed for low drag and most effectivity.
(Picture credit score: Oakley)
The built-in lenses keep in place utilizing a magnetic system, which permits for fast and simple attachment. For those who do take the lenses off, the magnet system additionally permits for them to be stowed on prime of the helmet, similar to a standard pair of glasses. Personally, I’ve at all times been one to stay with the standard helmet and glasses mixture, greater than something due to higher air flow – one thing we stay up for testing!
On the package aspect of issues, Oakley has teamed up with Q36.5 to supply the collaboration Capsule Assortment.
(Picture credit score: Oakley)
Oakley is boasting premium cloth choice, and a state-of-the-art 4D printing grdxkn®know-how, which is claimed to enhance security. The brand new package is designed with a efficiency reduce, and the shorts are made with 100% recycled supplies.
For extra data, go to the Oalkey web site.
North Wave Hammer Plus
Northwave has a brand new pair of sneakers which it says is designed for use in disciplines spanning gravel to cross nation. The brand new Hammer Plus brings the Italian model’s expertise in cross-country mountain bike racing to the gravel scene, with its new Jaws Evo outsole.
(Picture credit score: North Wave)
The chunky sole is designed to supply ‘unprecedented strolling consolation’ while nonetheless remaining environment friendly on the bike, due to a sophisticated toe field flexion and arch help system. Additionally featured, is Northwave’s trademark X-Dial SLW3 closure system, which is light-weight and simple to interchange.
The brand new kicks can be found in customary and large match choices and can retail for €134.99. For extra particulars, go to the Northwave web site.
