Band of Climbers spring cycling kit, Pirelli's new P Zero Race TLR tyre, a Kinesis gravel mudguard and a Chrome Industries rucksack

Plus the latest news and reviews from BikeRadar

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By Stan Portus

Published: March 31, 2023 at 7:00 am

In the words of David Lynch, "If you can believe it, it's a Friday once again".

This week has seen a mix of truly unusual tech here at BikeRadar, starting with news of a Shimano patent application that suggests it may be about to ditch derailleur hangers.

Specialized launched the Sirrus Carbon, which is missing half a seatpost. Liam Cahill got his thinking hat on to ponder what the design means for the future of frame design.

Jack Evans covered the Battle on the Beach, bringing us news of seven weird and wonderful bikes tailored to racing on sand.

Warren Rossiter reviewed Black Inc's five-spoke carbon wheels and Ashley Quinlan gave his verdict on the rather unusual-looking Ribble Ultra SL Enthusiast.

Adding to the mix of strange tech, Team Jumbo-Visma trialled the KAPS adjustable tyre pressure system at Dwars Door Vlaanderen – could we see this used at Paris–Roubaix in a few weeks’ time?

Returning to the more familiar, Oscar Huckle explained everything you need to know about SRAM UDH and Finlay Anderson provided an overview of the entire RockShox suspension fork range.

Below, you’ll also see the latest video from MBUK. It looks at how a tree disease has forced the beloved Revolution bike park in Wales to close and why the park (as we know it) will be destroyed.

Band of Climbers says its Empire collection is designed for shoulder seasons, or in other words, spring and autumn, when a winter jacket seems excessive but a summer jersey is out of the question.

To this end, the Empire Long Sleeve jersey uses a mid-weight Italian fabric with a brushed back for warmth, but with high-wicking properties.

The fabric also has a four-way stretch that, paired with the jersey's slim fit and bonded cuffs, creates a close-to-body fit.

At the back of the jersey is a silicone gripper to keep it from riding up, along with three pockets and a fourth zipped pocket for valuables.

A low neckline and YKK cam-lock zipper are said to aid comfort and durability.

I’ve got my hands on the olive colour, but the jersey is also available in citrus or navy. The Empire women's jersey is available in olive or off-white.

The Empire bib shorts aren't tailored so heavily to spring or autumn. However, like the Empire jersey, they use Italian fabrics, which are said to provide breathability and comfort for "training and racing hard".

Compression grippers hold the legs of the shorts in place and stitched leg seams are said to aid fit.

The bib shorts use bonded mesh shoulder straps, which sit flush with the shoulder.

The men's and women's shorts use Elastic Interface chamois pads, which are said to be suitable for training, racing, and road and gravel riding.

Band of Climbers says the men's-specific pad is comfortable for up to six hours and the women's-specific pad is comfortable for up to seven.

The shorts are dotted with details, including a Band of Climbers badge on the rear, large woven patches on the legs and reflective details.

The men's shorts are available in black, olive or navy and the women's shorts are available in black, olive or grape.

Last week, Pirelli launched its updated P Zero Race TLR tyre with a new carcass and construction.

The tubeless road tyre has the same SmartEVO rubber compound as its predecessor, but the new construction enables Pirelli to create a thinner and more compliant casing.

Pirelli uses synthetic aramid fibres in the tyre's construction, which it says offers better puncture protection than a conventional cotton or nylon casing. It calls this technology ‘Speedcore’ – possibly an insight into Pirelli's hardcore techno music taste. Who knows?

Music taste aside, these features amount to increased puncture protection and a 24 per cent reduction in rolling resistance for a 28mm tyre, according to Pirelli.

Like the P Zero Race 4S, this new tyre will be made in Pirelli's Bollate plant, 10km from the brand's headquarters in Milan.

The P Zero Race TLR is available in sizes from 700x26mm to 700x32mm with either tan or black sidewalls.

Pirelli says it will introduce 35mm- and 40mm-wide versions of the tyre later this year.

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The Fend Off Shorty is a mudguard for gravel bikes and is the latest addition to the Kinesis Fend Off range.

As the name suggests, the Fend Off Shorty isn't a full-length mudguard. Kinesis has presumably opted for the short, 560mm length to minimise the chance of debris lodging itself between the guard and your tyre, leading to audible annoyance at best and needing to fix a puncture at worst.

The Shorty has the same profile as the other Kinesis Fend Off mudguards with a central section that runs parallel to your tyre and angled wings. At 62mm, it's wider than other fenders in the brand's range.

The aluminium mudguard attaches to a seatstay bridge with a rearward-facing hole and rear dropout eyelets via stainless steel stays. The stays are rubberised at contact points to absorb vibrations.

Kinesis says the Fend Off Shorty weighs 260g, including fittings.

I’m always intrigued to see what Chrome Industries gets up to, due to the fact my Mini Metro courier bag has served me well for 10 years and counting.

One of the American brand's most recent releases is this 23-litre Ruckas backpack, designed with "easy access and comfort in mind". So not one for the hard-knock courier rats, then.

The backpack uses recycled polyester in the outer shell and inner liner. There is a three-quarter length main zip, which means you can easily reach your belongings. The yellow interior has a sweep of pockets with elasticated tops.

The Ruckas has a front pocket that could make a good home for a bike lock and behind the main compartment is a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 15in across. There is an expandable water bottle holder on the outside.

Chrome says the shoulder straps are ergonomic and there's an adjustable chest strap to prevent the backpack moving around too much.

Alongside this 23l Ruckas, there's a 14-litre version and a Ruckus sling bag. All the bags are available in black, green or white.

Content editor

Stan Portus is BikeRadar's content editor. Stan works on everything from content strategy and breaking news to evergreen updates and long-form features on environmental and social issues in cycling. Stan started working in the bike industry in 2018, writing content for some of the sport's biggest brands, including Chris King, ENVE and Castelli. He has worked as a freelance writer and journalist for over seven years writing reviews, essays and interviews for many art, design and literature publications as well as appearing on radio. A road cyclist at heart, he can be found zooming along the lanes and roads of the South West and undertaking foolhardy pursuits such as overnight audax rides.

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