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nicnacpac Cycle Pack - loaded.jpgFive cool things coming soon from Endura, Deuter, Polaris, Nicnacpac and Specialized
It's been another busy week of testing here at road.cc. Someone's gotta do it, so here are some of the highlights from the kit we have in for test at the moment...
Polaris Strata waterproof jacket
£85.00
This waterproof jacket has fully taped seams and YKK Aquaguard zips for a high level of protection in the event of a downpour. Still lightweight at 181g, the Strata jacket also has a generous fit and is packable so you can call upon it as an emergency option and layer over a winter softshell too. Is it really enough to weather a storm? Mike Stead is finding out now...
£15.00
Sensibly priced and sensibly built, this top tube bag from accessory specialists Deuter is zippered and has velcro attachments to secure it to your frame. It's even got some reflective detailing for extra visibility and has a volume capacity of 0.5L. Does it hold enough stuff for the price? Sean Lacey has this bag on his steed at the moment.
Specialized Torch 1.0 road shoes
£80.00
These entry level kicks from Specialized still take advantage of their Body Geometry ergonomics found in their high-end road shoes, according to Specialized. They have three velcro closures for an adjustable fit and a composite outsole for plenty of stiffness where you need it. Are they too much of a compromise? Mike Stead is finding out...
£7.50
This cycle-specific small goods pack has just been successfully funded on Kickstarter, and aims to take the stress out of fumbling for your things when you're out on a ride. Weighing just 15g, waterproof and washable, the bag is designed to hold puncture protection gear and your phone, keys and money while conveniently fitting in your jersey pocket. Is it better than a good saddle bag and top tube combo? Mike Stenning is trying it out with a report coming soon.
£89.99
Thought jeans and cycling didn't mix? Endura are urging you to think again for your next commute, with the release of these stretchy, "technical performance" jeans. They're made from 55% cotton, 30% polyester and 15% nylon with a mechanical stretch, and a slim fit extended back for ergonomics while you're in the saddle. They have a cycle-specific cut, seam-free gusset panel and rear patch pockets that you can pull out so your stuff is secure. Can cycling and denim really work? Our man Iwein Dekoninck will be giving his verdict shortly...
For all the latest road.cc test reports, head to our reviews section.
Jack has been writing about cycling and multisport for over a decade, arriving at road.cc via 220 Triathlon Magazine in 2017. He worked across all areas of the website including tech, news and video, and also contributed to eBikeTips before being named Editor of road.cc in 2021 (much to his surprise). Jack has been hooked on cycling since his student days, and currently has a Trek 1.2 for winter riding, a beloved Bickerton folding bike for getting around town and an extra beloved custom Ridley Helium SLX for fantasising about going fast in his stable. Jack has never won a bike race, but does have a master's degree in print journalism and two Guinness World Records for pogo sticking (it's a long story).
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12 comments
None of these products are cool. Fluorescent jacket is sensible, but not cool. Little bags, reinvented Velcro shoes! Practical isn’t cool.
You sound like my kids.
Now tidy your room.
I use an old glasses pouch as a nicnacpac because it is made from a velvet-ish material which grips the inside of my jersey pocket thus preventing it falling/bouncing out. IMO, this is the most important feature for any of these ride wallets, but it never seems to get mentioned. A zipped valuable pocket is the best solution though.
Doesn't sound very waterproof
It's true, that's also an important feature. Phone lives inside a placcy bag inside the pouch. There must be a product which doesn't fall out my pocket and is waterproof too (and doesn't involve old glasses cases and placcy bags)!
I tried on a pair of Levi's cycling jeans once. I guess my cyclists legs are not skinny enough because I looked idiotic. Druther just wear tights or baggy proper riding shorts.
£89.99 for a pair of jeans?!?
"Coming soon" - the Deuter Energy Bag, which a quick search of my emails reveals I ordered from Wiggle in February 2016.
It's getting hard to tell what's a new article and what's a repeat (see recent winter clothing re-run). Any chance you could categorise articles according to whether they're genuinely new, old but with updates, or just plain old please road.cc?
The Deuter Energy Bar might not be brand new, but we've never tested it before so it's new to us, hence why it has featured in the five cool things article, which is a roundup of products we're testing.
Most of the time the products are going to be brand new but sometimes there might be products that aren't new but we've simply not gotten around to testing yet. Hope that's okay with you? How did you get on with your Energy Bag?
Can't remember when I last had to "ot" a storm...
I was caught in it as I wrote this Barry, hence the odd typo
Storming performance - probaly should have pulled over rather than texting and riding though...