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Five cool things coming soon from Oakley, Fat Lad at the Back, HJC, Selle Italia and Bike Box Alan

More of the top tech that's come through road.cc Towers recently for testing...

The gear's still coming in thick and fast, and we're still getting the miles in to deliver our recommendations on all the latest cycling kit, bikes and gizmos. Here's our pick of the pile this week...

Oakley ARO5 helmet

£199.00

oakley_aro5_helmet_-_front.jpg

After ruling the eyewear roost for years now in cycling (and sport in general) Oakley unveiled their first line of bike helmets at Eurobike last summer. They're now available to buy and it seems like they've put in some impressive homework without slapping on a huge price premium over other high-end helmets. The ARO5 is built for speed, optimised in the wind tunnel using computational fluid dynamics and a clay modelling process to fine-tune the shell to slice through the air. Oakley have used a BOA lace fit system which takes the clutter from around your head, making it easier to slip in your (preferably Oakley) eyewear. All Oakley's helmets come with MIPS as standard, and there are seven ARO5 colourways to choose from (including a team Dimension Data version). Have the optical giants come up with the optimal helmet to pair with your super cool shades? Sarah Langridge will be telling us soon. 
oakley.com/en

Bike Box Alan Premium Bike Box

£438.00

Bike Box Alan Premium Bike Box 1.jpg

With the customisable sticker options Bike Box Alan looks the part, and also has some of the loftiest recommendations out there amongst travelling cyclists and triathletes. Weighing 11.6kg, it should be able to get through customs comfortably under the weight limit with any modern bike. It claims to fit anything, even 29ers, and has an anti-crush pole for extra security. 15 cushioned straps secure your bike safely, and Bike Box Alan say it takes a mere 10 minutes to pack. Is there a better box out there? Dave Atkinson will be telling us when he's returned from somewhere sunny later this month... 
bikeboxalan.com

Fat Lad at the Back GPLUS cycling jacket

£144.99

Fat Lad At The Back GPlus Cycling Jacket.jpg

FLATB say this is their most versatile jacket, cut from a soft touch stretch fabric that is supposed to feel like a jersey yet also provides plenty of weather protection. The three-layer membrane is designed to keep out the rain and wind, while it's also breathable so can be worn on spring mornings. Does it deliver a weighty performance? John Stevenson is reviewing this jacket at the moment. 
fatladattheback.com

Selle Italia Novus Boost Kit Carbonio Superflow L3

£219.99

Selle Italia Novus Boost Kit Carbonio Superflow L3 2018.jpg

It's got a huge name and a huge price tag, however the Selle Italia Novus Boost etc etc is designed to be adaptable for different sit bone types. It's all in the bevelled tip that has a compact shape so many different riders should be able to find a perfect position. Double-density padding provides plenty of comfort, and Selle Italia's Super Flow tech is supposed to reduce perennial pressure. Is it the perfect perch? George Hill is testing it now. 
zyrofisher.co.uk

HJC Furion helmet

£149.99

hjc_furion_helmet_-_front.jpg

Another lid, and this one from Korean brand HJC is an all-out aero road option that has been wind-tunnel optimised for maximum speed. It's also super light at 190g, with an air channel system and 15 vents to provide cooling. A 3D fit system with three different size options should be enough to cover all heads, and there are four different colourways.  
extrauk.co.uk

For all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you want more advice before splashing your cash, check out our buyer's guides

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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3 comments

Avatar
peted76 | 6 years ago
1 like

HJC are huge in the motorbike helmets and have been around for ages, I like the look of their lids.. but yes Stu does looks like he's about to cry.

Avatar
zero_trooper replied to peted76 | 6 years ago
0 likes

peted76 wrote:

HJC are huge in the motorbike helmets and have been around for ages, I like the look of their lids.. but yes Stu does looks like he's about to cry.

Thanks for the info. Looking forward to the review  1

Avatar
zero_trooper | 6 years ago
2 likes

Stu's got a face like he's heard that there's an Oakley helmet up for testing, but when they've divvy'd up he's been given some dogshit Korean one no-one's ever heard of.

A bit like reviewing mobile phones where you cop the Huawei and your mate gets the iPhone X 

* I'm sure there's nothing wrong with HJC. In the same way that there's nothing wrong with Huawei.... 

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