VP Components, Spy Optic, 661 - Sea Otter 2014

Thin, wide, and fairly light, the Harrier looks like a solid entry into the flat pedal market from VP Components.

VP Components Harrier Pedal

Developed with input from team rider Andrew Taylor, the Harrier is VP Components' brand new flat pedal, offering an extra wide platform that measures 120x110mm and only 12mm thick. Each pedal's chromoly axle spins on DU bushings, a design choice made to keep the profile as thin as possible. Ten pins on each side provide traction, with each pin threading 5mm into a reinforced portion of the pedal body to keep them from shearing off too easily. Claimed weight is 362 grams per pair, a very reasonable figure, especially when taking into account the wide platform. Colors: black, silver, red. MSRP: $120 USD. Availability: early May.

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Spy Optic's Happy Lens

Spy Optic's new Happy Lens supposedly does just that - make you happier. The lens is designed to block short wave blue light but allow long wave blue light to enter, and it's this long wave blue light that supposedly acts as a mood enhancer and increases alertness, a pretty substantial claim for a pair of goggles. We didn't notice any immediate mood change after trying them on, but the clarity and depth perception they provide was quite noticeable. The Happy Lens does have a darker tint, so if a dark and cloudy day has you down, methods other than wearing the Happy Lens will have to be used for mood improvement. The Omen goggle (pictured) with the Happy Lens and an extra clear lens retails for $89.95 USD. www.spyoptic.com

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A pre-production version of 661's Evo AM helmet.

661 Evo AM helmet

661 had a pre-production sample of their Evo AM helmet on display in their Mexican restaurant themed booth. We took a look at it as tacos were being cooked on a grill and mariachi music played in the background. The new helmet is intended for all-mountain usage, offering increased head coverage as well as several design features that were chosen to increase impact protection, including the use of Contigo foam, and the option for a MIPS liner. Contigo foam is in the same family as the EPS typically found in a helmet, but according to 661 can reduce the energy transmission during an impact by up to 30%. MIPS is becoming a more common sight in helmets, a low friction layer between the helmet and liner that helps reduce the acceleration forces generated by a hard impact. The MIPS liner is a $50 upgrade, raising the price of the helmet from $150 up to $200. Instead of creating their own retention system, 661 chose to integrate a BOA closure system, which wraps entirely around the head and tightens or loosens by 1mm with each click of the dial. The helmet's buckle is rather unique; instead of using a traditional buckle, 661 uses a magnet on two plastic clips that resemble the shape of a puzzle piece. This design can be operated one handed, a feat that isn't easy to achieve on most helmets. The Evo AM is expected to be available in June. www.sixsixone.com

The Evo AM's MIPS liner is the yellow portion visible in the photo on the left, and the magnetic closure system is on the right.

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