Tech Week 2023: Endura's New MT500 Helmet, Spada Apparel, deuter Hip Packs & More

Oct 26, 2022
by Ed Spratt  
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Endura MT500 Helmet
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This year Endura has launched its new top-of-the-range MT500 which now features both MIPS and Koroyd technology. The updated helmet adds a fully-integrated fit system into the MIPS layer, with Endura saying this provides a 360-degree flexible mount that can conform to different head shapes. Alongside the added MIPS protection Endura added an accessory mount, a goggle strap gripper, a glasses dock and a visor with increased adjustability.

The MT500 helmet is available now in the UK & Europe for £169.99. The helmet is set to launch in North America soon. Find out more here.



Endura MT500 Burner Flat Shoes
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Launched earlier this year as part of Endura's first footwear range, the MT500 Bruner Flat shoes have been developed in partnership with physiotherapist and ergonomist Phil Burt. Endura says "gone are the days when the highest performing materials and technologies are reserved for clipless footwear."

The MT500 shoes use Endura's new StickyFoot Grip rubber compound that aims to deform around the pedal pins to lock your feet in place on the pedals while still offering good toe and heel treads for decent walking traction. Inside the shoe Endura has created a "metatarsal button," a small raised section on the sole in the center of the foot that is claimed to improve forefoot comfort. There are also small dots placed across the insole that are said to help muscles contract and relax.

They are available now for £119.99 in black, forest green and navy colour options.

We previously reviewed the clipless versions of these shoes here.



Spada Whistler Short Sleeve Jersey and Pro Shorts
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Launched earlier this year, the new range of MTB apparel from Spada features jerseys, jackets and helmets. The Whistler short sleeve jersey is made to be lightweight and breathable using a polyester knit fabric for the main body. Spada has designed the jersey with a loose relaxed fit and a longer back hem for more coverage. The Whistler jersey is available now for £34.99, learn more here.

Also in the new range from Spada are the Pro Shorts made to be durable and breathable. The bulk of the shorts is made with a showerproof nylon taslan fabric for some weather resistance, and there is a lycra panel in the crotch for added stretch while riding. In addition, there are laser cut holes to improve ventilation. Spada's Pro Shorts do have a more baggy appearance than some recently launched offerings, but for taller riders they do have a decent length and provide plenty of coverage. The shorts also featured an adjustable waistband that has a decent amount of grip to stop any chance of these falling down. Spada's Pro Short cost £69.99 and you can find out more here.



deuter Pulse Series
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First up in the new range is the Pulse 3 which is a slimline pack with a single zipped main compartment along with two pockets on the waist belt. While the Pulse 3 is a smaller hip pack it can still fit a 1.5L hydration pack that comes included. All of the new Pulse series is PFC-free, climate-neutral certified and uses bluesign-certified fabric and recycled materials. The Pulse 3 costs $95.

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The next bag in the range is the Pulse 5 offering five litres of storage with a zipped main compartment alongside a tool organizer on the front, a dedicated phone pocket and a water bottle holder. Just like the Pulse 3 the 5 also has space for the included 1.5L hydration pack. deuter will be selling the Pulse 5 for $110.

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The last part of the series is the Pulse Pro 5 which is mostly similar to the 5 but it adds some additional storage space, a 'pull-forward system' for adjusting the waist belt and a breathable mesh back. The Pulse Pro 5 sees a small step in price with a cost of $125.

The new range of Pulse hip packs will be available in April 2023.



Küat Racks Piston SR
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Küat's new Piston SR is a lightweight and smaller version of its previous Piston Pro X rack. The Piston SR uses a metal construction with Kashima-coated struts and has an integrated cable lock. Coming over from the previous Piston Pro X there is the OneTap hydro-pneumatic tire arms and FastFit wheel chock system. While some features carry over from the past rack that sold for $1,389 the Piston SR will cost significantly lower at $449.

The Piston SR is designed for multiple mount options and can fit up to a 53-inch wheelbase and a max weight of 67 lb. Orders for the Piston SR are set to be shipping in spring 2023.




MAAP Alt_Road Lightweight Anorak
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MAAP has launched its Alt_Road anorak which has been made to offer lightweight protection from the elements in a stashable size that can be stored in a pocket or bag when not needed. The jacket is made with a Drytex fabric with thermo-taped seems so it is waterproof and breathable, there is also an adjustable hood for extra protection.

MAAP's Alt_Road anorak is available now for $335, learn more here.



Tech Week 2023 is a chance to get up to speed on the latest mountain bike components, apparel, and accessories. Click here to view all of the related content.



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52 Comments
  • 23 0
 Loved the maap jacket, then i saw the price. Anyone got a suggestion for a similar waterproof alternative for half or less?
  • 31 3
 You do not this in Greece! the few rainy days ..go to the gym :-) :-)
  • 6 40
flag pablo-b (Oct 26, 2022 at 1:20) (Below Threshold)
 just dont be greek haha
  • 2 0
 I have a Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody which looks similar-ish (I haven't tried the Maap). Mine is shower proof only though. Definitely not waterproof as I discovered last weekend : /
  • 32 0
 @bikegreece: I'm Greek but in Glasgow. If there is one place in the world that needs a waterproof, it's Glasgow. Smile
  • 13 0
 @neoides: If you're a Greek in Glasgow, one rain jacket won't help much. Change of attitude will.

As a Croatian in Ch I also struggle with winter rainy rides. Especially because often I ride with some British guys. They appear to be completely waterproof. Even before they put on some wet riding gear
  • 2 0
 @pakleni: fair point but I'm ok with the rain. And I have good rain jacket but a different type, I liked the cut and styling of this one, so wanted to see if anyone knew any cheaper alternatives.
  • 2 0
 Been looking for similar without much luck -- been looking at the Paga-gucci torrentshell full zip as a lower priced alternative.
  • 2 0
 @dsciulli19: the torrentshell is great, love the armpit zippers and the hood fits over my helmet pretty snug. It’s got a cinch at the bottom too
  • 2 3
 Bro-packs still hip lol
  • 1 0
 @neoides: @neoides: Not sure what it costs across the pond but I really like my Leatt AlMtn 5. It is a hard shell, and does it's job well, but the cost of weight and breathability. It has zippered vents that do need to be used. It can be a bit much on warmer days. It is also quite the athletic cut so my American sized body has a bit of an issue with it even in XL. Kept me bone dry on a fishing trip too, so it's not just a riding jacket.
  • 2 0
 @neoides: have a look at below link. Loads of jackets at good price points. UK based

www.freewheel.co.uk/clothing/jackets-and-gilets?madison_gender=256237&manufacturer=231453
  • 3 0
 @bikegreece: same in Portugal - no sun, no ride!
  • 20 1
 Jesus..how much money pinkbike readers are making!!!
  • 3 0
 What's easier, selling one $300 jacket or ten $30 jackets...
  • 8 1
 It's not the readers it's just Pinkbike. A lot of this stuff is "Halo marketing" they show you the most expensive version and everyone buys the cheaper version from the same brand and you think your all designer a cool.
  • 17 1
 Kashima coated roof rack, wonder if the creak is included also??
  • 20 9
 Why are there never any MTB-specific “toiletries” kits/products for when you’re on a ride and you have to Küat in the bushes and take an Endura Deuter and inevitably wipe with your MAAP?
  • 7 0
 Someone please try those shoes and let me know
  • 3 0
 I like Deuter bag's a lot. MUCH better than Evoc. Tried both, hated Evoc bag, and everything I hated about the Evoc bag seemed to have been solved by the Deuter bag I Replaced it with (yes, some of us still use backpacks because where we live and ride a 10km descent is considered short- average).. but my (honest) concern with hip packs is, what if you go over the bars and then a multitool or water bottle hits you in the back..isn't that how spinal injuries happen? no back protection = recipe for disaster methinks!
  • 2 0
 Early 1990's I used to ride with a Chouinard Klettersack, the first climbing pack made with kevlar ballistics cloth. I slid on the pavement, and would have had some nasty road rash but for that pack. Also, I could probably carry a half keg in it if I were so inclined.
  • 1 0
 @fiftyshadesofbacon ...Couldn't you have the same problem with a backpack? If you're already not carrying tools/water on your bike, you'd have them in your backpack, where the same multitool or pump or (if you're me) your lightweight aluminum shit trowel can still impale you. Unless you're rolling a bike specific backpack with a back protector in it, problems are the same. Except you have less capacity with the hip bag.
  • 1 0
 @iammarkstewart: Yeah generally referring to backpacks with back protectors, as that solves the problem..as well as providing the necessary protection for your spine!
  • 2 0
 nice the idea for the top bike rack, perhaps the piston that pushes the U to the wheel to fix and adapt to the length of the bike, one would be enough with the other fixed (2 position open/closed) or it could be the idea for a cheaper version.
  • 1 0
 Specialized has been using that metatarsal button on the insole of all their bike shoes for decades, haven't they? Not just the clip-in shoes. That said, their only shoe I've used is their Sawpit shoe and it wasn't as grippy as the FiveTen shoes I've been using since. So Endura may be the best of both worlds.
  • 2 0
 @vinay: The big S 2fo roost flats are very grippy. Picked them up on sale and swapping between them and freerider pros (non-blue), they might be grippier. Using Vault pedals. They don't look the best though, like a cross between a flat pedal and ortho shoe.
  • 1 0
 @FaahkEet: Thanks, I might try these too then. That said, I do feel the Freerider Pros (I do have the Primeblue ones) last a good bit longer longer than the regular Freeriders but the regular Freeriders are grippier than the Pros.
  • 5 0
 Has anyone used those Endura flat shoes and can compare grip to 5.10?
  • 3 0
 And do they last longer than modern 5:10s?
  • 8 0
 @korev: everything lasts longer then modern 5.10. :-D
  • 2 0
 @bananowy: I bought the humvees that use the same rubber and basically same pattern, wasn't impressed. Could have just not meshed well with my Vault pedals though.
  • 1 0
 @FaahkEet: Thanks man, kinda expected that would be the answer as with most flat pedal shoes that are not 5.10 unfortunately.
  • 1 0
 Curious if that lumbar pack stays in place. My Osprey lumbar pack loosens up and bounces a lot. It's not too bad on the full suspension, but when it comes to the hardtail I find that I have to wear a regular backpack, because it just moves too much. Anyone give these a try yet?
  • 4 0
 Did they raid Smith’s HQ?
  • 1 0
 exactly my thought. the helmet has to just be a rebranded Smith helmet (which I have and love, btw!)
  • 1 0
 Do the little straws point in the correct direction to provide ventilation on this one? The Smith is so close to being amazing, but they didn't quite get it right.
  • 2 0
 @aquanut: koroyd is always the same, ventilation is mediocre

And in case of a crash the pattern looks great on bald heads
  • 2 0
 So now my helmet is outdated... Great... Need to buy a new one or I won't be able to ride again..
  • 1 0
 That Endura forefront 3.0 looks good, nice to have more color options if you don't like what Smith is offering!
  • 1 1
 The helmet is the only thing I'd spend that kind of money on. Everything else here is overpriced. There are alternatives that look better for half the price out there.
  • 1 0
 With the Endura helmet, do the little "honeycomb" gaps fill up with mud whilst you're riding?
  • 1 0
 I can't speak to it filling up yet as I haven't ridden with my new Smith mtb lid, but the Smith road lid can go right in the shower with me for a quick rinse and bob's your uncle. No, the road lid doesn't get muddy but I sweat like a mofo and it's the easiest/quickest way to rinse the salt off and keep the smell away. I'd rather the mud on the koroyd than in my hair.
  • 1 0
 I just got a set of the clipless version and first thing I did was change out the insoles for something more normal
  • 2 0
 When the Jersey named Whistler is cheaper than a day at the bike park lol.
  • 1 4
 All these fanny packs are great, but there needs to be enough room from my JBL charge 4 speaker and somewhere to strap a chillington too for heading out trail building, ideally a military shovel pouch too.

My super old, Ibiza coloured cheap one does from the 90's and it can carry 2 bottles. Pretty sure it was around £5 and only 1 of the zips has gone in over 20 years!!!!
  • 1 0
 $335 windbreaker, cool...
  • 1 0
 A lot of storage in that bum bag!
  • 1 0
 Never understood what the point of having an anorak is.
  • 1 0
 I wonder how much they had to pay that dude to be in the kuat photos
  • 1 3
 oh no not maaaaaap as well. roadies get out







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