3rd Prize winners: Lezyne Mini Drive in Silver:  

Mike Morton
Mike Thompson
Gareth Parry
Andy Goode
Tim Morton
Chris Poulter
Constantin Ruge
Susan Bowles
John Tipping
Ian Macfadyen

2nd Prize winner: Lezyne Power Drive XL LED Loaded Pack:   

Andrew Hewitson

1st Prize winner: Lezyne Super Drive XL LED Loaded Pack: 

Well done to all of you! You will be contacted in due course by Wheelies.

We’ve teamed up with Wheelies to give you the chance to win one of 12 fantastic Lezyne bike light prizes including:

1st Prize: Lezyne Super Drive XL LED Loaded Pack (one winnner)
2nd Prize: Lezyne Power Drive XL LED Loaded Pack (one winner)
3rd Prizes: Lezyne Mini Drive (Silver) (10 winners)

A Lezyne Super Drive XL LED Loaded Pack could be yours!

The Lezyne Super Drive XL LED Loaded Pack is bursting with performance features and is perfect for serious mountain biking and road cyclists. Featuring up to 500 Lumen output, this powerful unit is lightweight with a durable CNC machined aluminium body with side visibility cuts and MOR Optics. This new compact light includes the Infinite light replaceable battery feature with an intelligent power indicator button that allows you to check power levels any time. The pack is extremely easy to use and mount with no tools required and fits a wide range of handlebar diameters via a universal hard mount composite bracket that provides full angle adjust positioning. 

The Lezyne Power Drive XL LED loaded pack is a new powerful compact performance unit with infinite light feature. It features up to 400 lumen out-put with a stylish, lightweight, durable CNC machined aluminium body with side visibility cuts and MOR Optics. The Infinite Light replaceable battery feature and the intelligent power indicator button that allows you to check the power level at any time will ensure you will never run out of battery juice in the dark. This unit is simple to use, and mounts easily on to a huge range of handlebar diameters using the universal size, hard mount composite bracket.

The Lezyne Mini Drive Front Light in silver is a neat compact 150 Lumen light with Uniform Power Beam reflector and lens assembly that produce a dual purpose beam pattern that illuminates both near and far terrain without sacrificing visibility in either field of vision. It features 100% CNC-machined aluminium housing with a high – capacity Li-ion battery that is rechargeable and replaceable. Programmed with three steady modes and two high-visibility blinking modes this pack comes with two durable Composite matrix handlebar mounts (31.8mm, 25.4mm) with a thumb screw for easy installation and secure attachment.

To be in with a chance to win one of these fantastic prizes from Wheelies, answer this question (click here for a hint):

TERMS & CONDITIONS: By entering you are agreeing to receive details of future offers and promotions from Factory Media and related third parties. This competition will close on November 28.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: By entering I also confirm I have read and accept the terms & conditions of the prize draw, competition rules and privacy policy.

One (chain)ring to rule them all: SRAM’s single-ring-minded XX1 chainset.

SRAM XX1 group

SRAM’s Olympic gold medal winning 11-speed, single chainring transmission is the most single-minded go-faster gearing system ever created for mountain biking. By losing the complication of a front derailleur and double or triple rings, SRAM reduces the number of things that can go wrong, while a wide-range set of 11 sprockets out back provides race-ready gearing.

You don’t get super-low gears but you aren’t going to win any races by winching up hills in 22/34 anyway.

Up close and personal with SRAM XX1

More information from SRAM
UK supplier: Fisher Outdoor

Exposure’s new Reflex light is a genuine advance in light usability.

Exposure Reflex front light

At £450 it’s not quite the most expensive light around, but with self-regulating electronics that dim its three LEDs when you slow down it’s definitely the cleverest.

That functionality means that you’ll usually get three hours of full power out of a charge instead of just two, and the ten other modes on offer give you up to 36 hours of run time. Best of all, the LED display on the back tells you exactly how much light you have left, so you know when it’s time to head home.

Exposure Reflex front light review

More information from Exposure Lights

Shimano XTR Trail pedals are light, shiny and lovely.

Shimano XTR Trail pedals

Sure, you could ask for the Deore XT equivalent, which are only a tad heavier and less nicely-finished, but their hollow axles, top-quality bearings and non-stick finish make the Shimano XTR trail pedals the Bugatti of clipless pedals. Shop around a bit for a deal, and they’re even an affordable luxury.

Shimano XTR Trail pedals review

More information from Shimano
UK supplier: Madison Cycles

Enve carbon fibre rims are light, tough and stiff.

Enve AM carbon fibre rims

If you genuinely want to save weight, your wheels are the best place to start, even though the old claim that weight on the wheels counts double isn’t quite true. As well as saving static and rotating mass, lighter wheels also reduce your bike’s unsprung mass, which can make your suspension work better. Triple win!

But very light aluminium rims are flexible and fragile. Enter carbon fibre – is there anything it can’t do? Carbon rims are stiffer and stronger than equivalent aluminium rims, the best of them even shrugging off the near-abuse that is downhill racing. Enve made the first rims to win a downhill World Cup, and the AM rims are the all-round incarnation of that technology.

More information from Enve
UK supplier: Saddleback

It must be Christmas: time for a new edition of the immensely popular GoPro Hero.

GoPro Hero 3

It’s surely no coincidence that GoPro has launched a new version of its incredibly popular helmet cam just before Christmas for the last couple of years. The latest GoPro Hero 3 Black edition features wifi connectivity, 4k video shooting, 12 megapixel stills, 120fps shooting at 720p, all in a smaller, lighter body than the Hero 2.

GoPro unveil WiFi-enabled Hero 3 camera

More information from GoPro
UK supplier: Madison Cycles

Pedro’s Master Tool Kit is a toolboard in a box.

Pedro’s Master tool kit

With 64 essential, top-quality tools in a waterproof, pressure-resistant case, this is the tool kit you pass on to your grandchildren. There are a few unique items in here, like Pedro’s ingenious Vise Grip sprocket tool, and plenty of space to add extras like a torque wrench.

Best of all, you just open the box and fold out the wings and it’s all laid out and ready to use – it’s like having a toolboard in a box.

More information from Pedro’s
UK supplier: 2pure

Lezyne CNC Dirt Floor Drive is a luxury big-volume pump. Mmmm, shiny!

Lezyne CNC Dirt Floor Drive ABS Track Pump

Brilliantly practical as well as great-looking, the Lezyne CNC Dirt Floor Drive pushes a large volume of air per stroke, so it’s quick to get a mountain bike tyre up to pressure. The guage is at the bottom so it won’t smash when you knock the pump over and the hose is long enough to reach a bike on a stand easily.

Lezyne’s threaded chuck is unusual, but really practical as it holds and seals well, without requiring you to fight with a quick-release lever. If you’re in a hurry, a slip-on Presta chuck is included.

More information from Lezyne
UK supplier: Upgrade Bikes

Asgard’s Large Cycle Shed does exactly what it says on the tin.

Asgard Mb5 Large cycle shed

Every mountain biking bloke and blokess needs a shed. Asgard’s Large cycle shed is exactly what it says on the tin, a three-metre long steel box to protect your rides from the elements and deter the light-fingered from nicking them. There’s room here for several bikes, or, if you can resist the constant siren song of N+1, a couple and room to work on them.

It weighs a third of a tonne and needs a flat concrete base, so this is a serious invstment in storage, but surely your ikes are worth it? We’d be tempted to combine it with a Pragmasis metal shed shackle or ground anchor for ultimate security.

More information from Asgard

The top-spec edition of the fi’zi:k Gobi saddle is a featherweight 149g.

Fi’zi:k Gobi 00

At just 149g, the Gobi 00 is one of the lightest cross-country saddles you can buy. It’s swoopy shape provides support for big efforts, while its carbon Wing Flex shell moves with you to make it one of the comfiest seats for day-long efforts.

Most of the weight saving comes from replacing metal rails with braided carbon fibre and how can you resist a saddle with “glossy thigh slides”. Ooooh, missus!

More information from Fi’zi:k
UK supplier: ExtraUK

Saris Bones RS rack is brilliantly designed and simple to use.

Saris Bones RS bike carrier

Hanging bikes off the back of your car keeps fuel costs under control and it’s easier than hefting them up on the roof. But many boot-mounted bike racks are faff of straps and hooks to fit.

The Saris Bones RS holds three bikes and is held in place with ratcheting steel straps that can be locked into place. Once it’s set up, it’s a doddle to pop off and on.

More information from Saris
UK supplier: Paligap

Transport and accommodation all in one. Beach not included.

Danbury Caravans VW Camper

For the very deep of pocket and self-indulgent, here’s some retro transport that combines a way of getting to the trails with somewhere to stay once you’re there. Prices start from about £25,000.

More information from Danbury Caravans

Lezyne Saber metal tyre levers

In an ideal world tyres would slide easily onto the rim and require only a mere press of the thumbs to slip them into place. But the reality is that getting tyres on and off rims can sometimes be a hard-fought battle.

There are certain combinations of tyres and rims that work well together, but some that just plain don’t. And if it’s tubeless tyres you’re trying to mount to a rim, that can be a whole other level of hassle.

You’ve probably got a toolbox liberally scattered with an assortment of plastic tyres levers, and I bet some of them are broken. While trying to get thick dual-ply downhill tyres mounted on wheels for the Megavalanche earlier this year I discovered the fantastic Lezyne Saber steel levers. And – wow! – what a difference they made. Suddenly it was easy to lever even the most resistant tyre onto the rim.

They’re forged and CNC machined from chromoly steel and they’re tough as nails. At 165mm they give enough leverage to get even the stubbornest tyres to mount, and the hook part is wide for good purchase on the rim. Yet they don’t bend even when fitting the most stubborn tyres. Care does need to be taken not to scratch the rims.

And rather handily there is a 15mm pedal/fixie axle bolt spanner on the other end. There’s even a bottle opener as well, so when you’re done fitting your new tyres you can grab an easy beer.

They’re a little heavier than plastic tyre levers but I would rather have a pair of these in my hydration pack when I’m riding out in the middle of nowhere. If you’ve ever battled to get a punctured tubeless tyre off on the trail side and tried to fit an inner tube, you’ll know what we mean.

They cost £16 which may seem a lot for a pair of tyre levers but we’ve since thrown out all my old plastic levers and use these all the time. They make life so much easier and I can easily see them lasting a lifetime. That’s a sound investment.

Metal tyre levers make removing and fitting tyres much easier

Verdict

The best tyre levers out there.

Pros

Tyre fitting and removing is a doddle
Bottle opener and 15mm pedal spanner

Cons

You have to be careful not to pinch the inner tube
Heavier than plastic levers

Price: £15.99
More information: Lezyne Saber chromoly tyre levers
UK importer: Upgrade bikes

What Lezyne says about the Saber Chromoly tyre levers

This versatile tool serves as a heavy-duty tyre lever, 15mm pedal wrench, and bottle opener. It is made of forged, heat treated, and CNC machined chromoly steel for a durable shop-quality tool that is portable enough for the trail. The 165mm length provides ample leverage for tough tyre beads and tight pedals. Sold as a pair.

Weight: 64g
Size: 160mm

fi’zi:k gets dirty

The fizik M1 mountain bike shoes are the off-road equivalent of fizik’s high-zoot R1 road shoes. The mesh and kangaroo leather upper is attached to a carbon fibre sole. It’s fizik’s first foray into road shoes, but it looks promising.

fi’zi:k entered the shoe market last year with some gorgeously made road shoes. This year they’ve added mountain bike shoes to the line, in the form of these M1 and M5 shoes, which means you should start to see fi’zi:k shoes in more shops because retailers like to stock a broad offering if they’re going to get into a new shoe line.

The £299.99 M1 shoes are, it has to be admitted, a bit pricy. For your money you get a carbon fiber sole, mesh and kangaroo leather upper and a sole with replaceable lugs so you can swap them out if they get damaged.

The sole is made from high-friction rubber and the the toe and sides are covered in anti-scuff leather for extra protection. The straps are made from low-stretch sail cloth, a feature shared with the R1 road shoes, and the insole is a heat-mouldable Sidas unit that really helps make the shoes comfy.

As well as a pair of Velcro straps, there’s a micro-adjust buckle with offset catches that provide finer adjustment that a standard ratchet strap. Three hundred quid is a lot for a pair of shoes, but fi’zi:k have piled a lot of features and quality into the R1.

If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, the new R5 is the ‘budget’ option at £159.99. The upper is mesh and microtex synthetic leather and the sole is carbon-reinforced nylon with fixed lugs. An aluminium buckle provides closure.

There’s also a women’s version of the R5, the R5 Donna.

fi’zi:k’s website

Giro flats out

The Giro Chamber is casually styled, but intended for serious riding.

At the other end of the shoe scale, Giro has a brace of new models, the Chamber and Jacket, for less frantically fast applications. The SPD-compatible chamber is intended for use with platform clipless pedals, while the Jacket has no cleat slot, for pure flat pedal use.

Top downhiller Aaron Gwin was heavily involved with the development of both pedals, which tells you where Giro’s coming from here, but we can see lots of other uses like relaxed trail riding, street and going down the pub.

Both shoes have grippy Vibram soles, and neat details such as a sleeved tongue to keep out stones and dust.

If are getting seriously gnarly, both shoes have a deeply cushioned heel so you can bail mid-air and have a slightly less hard landing – assuming, that is, you manage to land on your feet.

Giro’s website

Lezyne brightens up

The Lezyne MegaDrive puts a pair of LEDs out front for a whopping 1000 lumens output, enough to make this Lezyne’s first serious contender for a serious night-riding lamp.

Lezyne has expanded its range of lights for 2013 and the most notable addition to the selection is the Mega Drive, a 1000-lumen, single-unit light with a replaceable battery.

The Mega Drive has four levels of light, enduro (500 lumen), blast (1000lm), economy (200 lumen), and flash. A long button press engages Race mode, after which only blast and enduro are available so you don’t have to switch between flash and economy modes in steady unlit riding.

This is Lezyne’s first serious off-road light, and it looks promising for the £164.99 asking price. For £199.99 you can get a ‘fully loaded’ kit with a second battery and an aluminium handlebar mount.

If you don’t need quite that much light, the single LED Super Drive XL puts out 500 lumens but has much the same features. It’s beefier than the previous Super Drive because there’s more aluminium in the body. Like the Mega Drive’s finned shell, this serves as a heat sink to allow the LED to be driven harder for more light output.

Out back, Lezyne has more rear lights for 2013, including the USB-rechargeable Micro Drive Rear, which has a super-bright daylight flash mode for getting the attention of drivers who are distracted by talking on the phone, texting, reading billboards and passing members of the opposite sex.

Lezyne’s website