We’ve got plenty of tech news to tell you about this week, including a new all-road bike from Sarto and your chance to pick up a Rapha bargain, but we’re starting with Boardman’s first premium junior range since 2014. just in time for you-know-what
Boardman Bikes has introduced a new range of premium JNR (Junior) bikes, the first since 2014, which includes six models, from a 12-inch balance bike to models with 26-inch wheels.
“Lightweight triple-point alloy frames with smooth welds and metallic paint finishes follow the design principles of the adult range,” says Boardman. “Ergonomic contact points, carefully considered components and assured geometry ensure they perform as well as they look.”
Five of the models are inspired by Boardman’s HYB (Hybrid) range, which means they are designed to be versatile enough for tarmac, grass and gravel. Boardman says weight has been kept low and he’s focused on size-specific components like brake levers, handlebars and saddles.
The sixth model in the range is a 26-inch wheeled version of a Boardman ADV (Adventure) bike with drop handlebars intended to get kids going faster on mixed terrain.
Boardman JNR 12in Balance, £180
The 12-inch Balance JNR features a triple-point aluminum frame and a Tektro mini V-brake.
Boardman JNR 16in, £280
This is designed to provide the progression from balance bike to pedal bike.
Boardman JNR 20in, £340
The Boardman JNR 20in comes with a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain.
Boardman JNR 24in, £380
This one has a 9-speed Microshift system.
Boardman JNR 26in, £420
Boardman calls the JNR 26in a premium adult bike, just in a smaller size.
Boardman ADV JNR 26in, £480
The ADV JNR features a Shimano/Microshift shifting system and Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
The Boardman JNR range is available now, except for the Boardman JNR 12in Balance, which is expected at the end of November, from Halfords and Tredz.
More information here
Online cycling app Zwift has launched a new Makuri Islands Tour, giving users the chance to explore the roads of their newest world.
“The Makuri Islands Tour lets you complete the series however you want, whenever you want,” says Zwift. “For traditionalists, take part in the Tour of Makuri Islands group events on the events calendar. For socialites, see a scene with your friends at a club event or MeetUp. For the more competitive, complete a race on the programmed course and for those in training, complete a stage while training. It really is the most convenient way to progress through a course while staying on track with your fitness goals.”
The six stages of the Makuri Islands Tour cover every corner of Makuri from Yumezi, “a fantastic rural destination with lush green fields, ginkgo forests and cherry blossoms,” to Neokyo, which is “full of tall buildings , stunning neon.” shiny billboards and expressways”.
The first four stages will be in Neokyo and Yumezi and the last two will be held on the unreleased Urukazi map. You can choose between long and short routes for each stage.
You can schedule your trips on your own time or sign up for a group event. From November 25, there will be a week to catch up on lost stages for group outings. Complete all six stages to unlock the Tour of Makuri Islands kit. The Makuri Islands Tour runs until November 30.
More information here
Italy’s Kask has introduced a new helmet called the Sintesi that was designed as a one-stop shop for riders who like to mix things up, be it on road, gravel or trails.
The Sintesi has a claimed weight of 230g (in medium size). One arrived for review here at road.cc and we weighed it at 237g, so close. That’s pretty low.
The helmet features an EPS (expanded polystyrene) shell and polycarbonate outer shell, breathable, anti-bacterial/anti-static Blue Tech padding and Kask’s Ergo Fit adjustment system. The three strap anchor points are placed out of sight in the side and rear inserts of the outer shell.
Kask says: “Like all helmets in the range, the new Synthesis was developed using the Kask WG11 rotational impact test, an in-house protocol… which measures the performance of its helmets against rotational impacts.”
> Kask WG11 vs MIPS: Which cycling helmet technology is better?
The Sintesi features reflective details to improve visibility in low-light conditions and is available in 11 different color variations.
The Kask Sintesi retails at £90.
More information here
Rapha will be holding two archive pop-ups this month, one in Birmingham (11-13 November) and the other in Bristol (18-20 November).
“Packed with a wide range of clothing and accessories, Rapha’s Archive Sale will offer reductions of up to 70 per cent on products from past seasons,” says Rapha. “RCC members will have priority access.”
You can find more information and register for the Birmingham archive sale pop-up here and the Bristol archive sale here.
Italian custom carbon specialist Sarto has released a new bike called the Raso that is “for high speeds on bumpy roads”.
“Created to marry racing speeds with the comfort of an endurance bike, Raso is the new all-terrain model… designed to roll fast and feel smooth on the roughest roads to bring aero to every ride,” says Sarto. “Smooth transitions between sections emphasize the frame’s fluid design, complemented by aggressively truncated, custom-formed tubes oriented to meet the wind at all angles.
“Thanks to an innovative structure and design concepts such as vibration dampening seats, Raso is built to offer stiffness, strength, comfort and with room for up to 35mm tires, the versatility to float over any road at high speed”.
The Raso handlebar has a 25mm/10.75° flare, with a 125mm drop and 75mm reach. Like all Sarto models, Raso can be customized with the paint finish added in-house. However, it is also available off the shelf. Prices??
More information here
If you’re looking forward to riding L’Étape du Tour de France 2023, which takes place from Annemasse and Morzine in the Haute-Savoie department on July 9, Santini has unveiled its men’s and women’s clothing collections .
Runners will tackle the climbs of the Col de Saxel, Col de Cou, Col de Feu, Col de la Ramaz and Col de Joux Plane, along a 152 km (94 mile) route with an elevation gain of 4,100 m .
The dark blue and light blue men’s line consists of a T-shirt (£79), shorts (£99), a base layer (£29) and a technical top (£25), while the purple and lilac woman is available at the same prices, although there is no technical T. There will also be coordinating vests (£65), gloves (£25), beanies (£10) and socks (£10).
“The design is inspired by the contours of the climbs the riders will tackle along the route and also pays homage to Haute-Savoie itself with a white cross on a red background,” says Santini.
Items can be pre-ordered now with delivery next June.
More information here
If you were a young teenager in the 1980s, you might remember the Raleigh Burner being up there with Dexys Midnight Runners and Pac-Man as one of the coolest things you could imagine. Oh, and the ability to do the Rubik’s Cube, of course… but I digress. Anyway, Raleigh is bringing back a limited edition 1980s-inspired Tuff Burner to mark the model’s 40th anniversary.
“The new Tuff Burner features a vibrant color scheme with contrasting bright blues and yellows,” says Raleigh. |The double-bore chrome-moly frame with loop tail rear, Skyway Mag wheels and three-piece BMX pad set means pure retro aesthetics.
If you want to get your hands on the limited edition Tuff Burner, you can pre-order one through the Raleigh website. Price is £600.
More information here
Chrome has introduced the Storm 415 boot to its lineup, designed with a leather upper, a breathable waterproof membrane, and taped seams to keep your feet dry.
“With an athletic aesthetic, this versatile boot has been designed to perform whether you’re on a bike, scooter or even skateboard,” says Chrome.
Get a vulcanized rubber sole with a non-slip tread pattern, rubber toecaps and bumpers for durability and reflective heel traction.
The Chrome Storm 415 Traction is available in black and brown/red and is priced at £158.
More information here
After three years of development, American bike brand Argonaut has released its GR3 custom carbon gravel bike – the GR is short for Gravel Racer.
It has clearance for tires up to 50mm wide and 415mm wide.
“The 75mm bottom bracket drop and slack 68.5° front end let you fly downhill, jump over wheels and rip through corners faster than you ever thought possible,” says Argonaut. “Each customer gets a custom carbon distribution pattern, which provides a unique ride quality through the refinement of torsional stiffness and vertical compliance.”
Pricing for the Argonaut GR3 frameset starts at $6,500 (around £5,770).
More information here
Last weekend, I wrote about Warren Mosler's argument that the Fed's rate hikes could be…
Last weekend, I he wrote on Warren Mosler's argument that the Fed's rate hikes could…
Last week, the chairman of the Fed, Jerome Powell said, "the disinflationary process has begun".…
Earlier this week, I joined Romaine Bostick and Scarlet Fu Bloomberg TV. The Congressional Budget…
Tomorrow morning, I'll be joining CNBC's Squawk Box to talk about a new effort tax…
Former Vice President Mike Pence talks about privatizing Social Security. The remarks came Thursday before…