Rotor was present with demo bikes on trainers letting anyone try out the new UNO hydraulic shifting group. The only news from the booth was that UNO is in production, so you’ll soon be able to mount the group to your own bike. It’s showing on their website, with our first real look at their cassette (image below).
Check it out along with clever new cleats and entry level pedals from VP, bikepacking bags from Ortlieb and the ultimate socket set from Park Tool…
The cassette uses a one-piece machined steel body for the lower section and heat treated 7075 alloy for the largest two cogs. Claimed weight is 135g and it’ll originally come only in a wide-ish range 11-28 (11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,24,28).
The new VP Components VXE pedals are aimed at first time users for clipless pedals. They’re a bit heavy (400g) and use simple ball bearings inside, but they’re cheap, adjustable and come with these new patent pending cleats:
The VP-C51 cleat adds additional rotational adjustability at the cleat, letting you easily set up the right angle for your shoes without having to dilute the retention strength on the pedal itself. Simple, brilliant, and SPD compatible.
The new Harrier C (right) is a more compact version of the original that adds a concave surface. Weight is the same at 362g per pair.
Park Tool’s new 37-piece SBS3 (foreground) might be the ultimate bike-specific socket set. Longer bits help reach into tight spots (like between brake levers and shifter mounts), and come in every size you’ll need to fix your ride. Behind it is the smaller SBS 1.2, getting 18 pieces in more essential sizes. Both use 3/8″ socket openings for all parts.
Ortlieb’s bikepacking line gets a new small-sized handlebar and saddle bag, and a new frame and top tube bags. All will be available in 2018.
The original larger one was launched last year at Sea Otter.
They get reflective patches and an air release valve to make rolling it up easy…an important feature if you’re trying to stuff and compact a waterproof pack, it’s all but impossible to fully compress without one.
The Gravel Packs are small panniers sold in a pair thatbuse the same lightweight waterproof ripstop nylon as the frame bags. Get a few extra rolls at the top to fully seal them.
