The lightest 3D printed padding saddle you can buy? Five cool things coming from Bjorn, Specialized, Campagnolo, Gripgrab and Kostume
I can only apologize for the astronomical prices of some of these products, but they are quite interesting (and ‘cool’ some would say) so take your pick! This week’s highlights include a saddle that’s claimed to be the lightest in the world with a 3D printed chamois, funky bib shorts, quite possibly the nicest gravel wheels out there, a windproof base layer and another product from the Specialized/Fjällräven collection…
£365.00
It was the Hill Climb Nationals this weekend so it seems fair to include a super light saddle! This Bjorn Setka claims to be the lightest in the world with a 3D printed pad, and it’s easy to see why with our 143mm wide saddle (155mm also available) weighing just 131g on the road scale of truth. CC. Let us know in the comments section if you spotted a lighter…
Low weight is pretty useless without comfort (unless you’re going uphill) and so Bjorn says he used 3D printing to create a complex structure without overloaded areas during a ride. The brand claims this is possible using Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) to produce “exceptional mechanical properties, resolution and surface finish”.
There’s also a rather generous weight limit (for a super light component) of 120kg, and Bjorn also promises durability thanks to its 7x9mm carbon rails.
Kostume Men’s Signature Bib Shorts
£180.00
Do you want all the invisible pieces of your best cycling shorts to be really classy? These new Kostume Signature bibs could be the ones for you! The Kostume shorts also have many more serious premium features, such as recycled main fabric and suspenders, raw-cut leg hems and minimal flatlock seams.
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For £180 you also get unique features such as the exclusive Italian-made cushion featuring a four-layer construction combining three types of memory foam, with an aloe-infused microfibre top surface designed for use without chamois cream.
Kostume also uses its innovative racerback design, allowing the back of the shorts to be pulled down for bathroom breaks without having to remove your top layers.
Campagnolo Levante Carbon Gravel Wheels
£1,350.00
Campagnolo’s 1485g Levante carbon wheelset is 30mm deep and designed for gravel riding. That means you get a 25mm internal width to accommodate 38-76mm tires, but these stand out from the crowd thanks to Campagnolo’s C-LUX mirror finish, which you’ll typically find on the Italian marque. best road bike wheels as the Bora Ultra OMC.
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Campagnolo claims these wheels are light and nimble, stiff on the climbs and sure on the descents thanks to the Handmade Ultra-Light Carbon (HULC) rims. I’ve put these rather handsome wheels through their revolutions in both tubeless and tube-type form, and you’ll be able to read my full verdict in the weeks to come…
Gripgrab Thermal Windproof Short Sleeve Base Layer
£56.00
Gripgrab has made a name for itself for its high quality winter cycling gloves and accessories… but did you know that he also does base layers? This basic windbreaker claims to replace a vest, and Gribgrab says the fabric used on the front and shoulders “blocks up to 80% of air particles bombarding your torso.”
> The 10 best windproof cycling jackets 2022 — packable outer layers to protect against the cold
Gripgrab adds that many windproof base layers feature a second layer panel of non-stretch windproof membrane material which can restrict movement and lead to heat buildup. Theirs, however, uses a new single-layer fabric that is exceptionally breathable and flexible. Jo Burt tested him to see if he can really take all his vests to the charity shop…
Specialized/Fjällräven Räven Women’s Anorak
£265.00
Specialized says this jacket is excellent for biking or hiking with four-way stretch material, a relaxed fit for the bike, reflective accents, and wind resistance. Other features include a two-way zipped ventilation opening at the sides, zipped hand pockets and reinforced mesh inner pockets at the bottom, as well as a stowable hood.
> How to Bikepack: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started
The jacket packs some weight at 552g on our scale, so we’d expect some serious protection from the elements! Lara Dunn reviewed this one, and her full review will be live on road.cc very soon.
For all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our review section. If you want more tips before spending money, check out our buyer’s guide.
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