MIPSDesigned to reduce rotational brain injuries, the idea behind the MIPS system is to allow your helmet to rotate on its MIPS liner rather than your head in the event of a crash, but only 10 to 15mm of movement is required. The MIPS liner is attached to the helmet's EPS layer with omnidirectional silicone fasteners - this is where the movement occurs.
New for this year is the integration of MIPS into Boa's helmet retention and adjustment fitting system. Dubbed MIPS B2-BOA, this new level of MIPS integration should mean that helmet designers have less layers of complication to factor in when making their new lids and more manufacturers should be able to use the system. That means the consumer could see MIPS technology on more and less expensive helmets.
The integration means fewer layers of complication for helmet designers.
MIPS-E2 is a fabric-based solution that also reduces rotational forces on the head. There are two layers of fabric that can glide and slip against one another, allowing rotation of the helmet relative to the riders' head. This liner is inserted between the internal padding of the helmet and the EPS shell but does away with the traditional MIPS yellow liner we all recognise. This system is suited to full face helmets, but, sadly, isn't retrofittable.
CrankbrothersCrankbrothers had a mix of parts on their stand, but the most notable addition is their new entry-level Stamp 1 pedal that's got a reasonable price tag and looks good.
Tag Metals RacingTag Metals Racing are better known in the motocross world but are launching a solid range of MTB products very soon.
Of note, they're launching a full range of carbon and alloy wheels in both 275 and 29 inch versions that cost £1099.99 a set for the carbon and a meagre £399.99 for the alloy version. Talking of which, the alloy wheelset features an a-symmetrical rim design akin to Halo's Vapor. The carbon wheels come with laced to the higher spec T1 hubs, while the alloy ones are on the T2s. The carbon rims have a 28.6mm internal diameter, too.
Also new to the market is Tag's dropper post. At £209.99 for the 150mm drop and £239.99 for the 170mm version, it's coming in quite cheap. It's available in 31.6 and 30.9 diameters and has a claimed weight of 550g and a 0mm clamp offset.
They're also launching aluminium and carbon bars. The carbon bars have levels of rise from 10 to 40mm that increase in 10mm increments. They weigh between 221g and 229g depending on the rise. The internal walls of the carbon bars have an oval cross-section in certain areas to help increase stiffness. The carbon bars will retail for £139.99.
The alloy version will cost £59.99 and has 20, 30 & 40mm rise variants. Tag hope to do limited colour runs in the future, so expect to see some variation on the black and silver models that will be available on launch.
Tag's metal and nylon pedals look burly! The metal pedals have a full-length axle, a 115X120mm body and will cost £109, while the nylon pedal has a 110X100mm platform and features replaceable pins. It's claimed to weigh 362g a pair.
The Braap! grips are moto-inspired with a flange. They come in at 30A on the durometer scale and retail at £19.99
MENTIONS: @crankbrothers
Or instead... Do what I did years ago and still do for flats days...
Get a pair of nice colorful poly BMX pedals for a lot less, and use and abuse them for grocery runs and crap, and save your real money for real parts.
Boom.
I hope none of this will injure you. Even if it does not fly off the spindle as it was common.
I was fooled a few time long ago, when they promised drastic improvements. Never again.
Threw some Candy's on the roady as a bit of laugh and god dam they have a much nicer feel than Shimano. Almost tempting me away from flats into Mallet/E's on the MTB.
Yep, SPDs are in my top 3 all time overrated MTB products. Bring the down votes.
If you like fixed release with float, Look/Time makes pedals that are not crap and do not blow open on a strike.
I wish I could like them cos they are bulletproof and cheap but unfortunately not.
But Crankbrothers are flat out dangerous crap.
Geezus dood hav sum selph respekt an doo a SPELLCHECK nekst thyme!
I figured the next wheel size would be an incremental increase, maybe 30 or 31 inch, but 275 inches?! Go big or go home, I guess.
"The carbon rims have a 28.6mm internal diameter, too."
It never ceases to amaze me how many people don't know what the word diameter means.
f*ck off??