Here’s another dose of fresh gear to get you through the weekend. BikeTube released their Butane tubes that offer a lightweight alternative to standard tubes, plus a low priced hand pump. 4iiii Inovations is selling pre-set cranks with their new PRECISION power meter installed along with providing a custom install service. Additionally, Flectr launched their Gravel Guard frame protection systems that offer self-healing properties and a thicker frame protection alternative.
Get the weights, prices and compatible options after the break.
BikeTube Butane Tube
New from BikeTube are their Butane High-Performance Road Tubes. By using a 0.73mm tube construction and an aluminum valve stem they’re able to shave around 50g off (a pair – varying with stem length) of a standard rubber tube. Stem lengths range from 48mm to 80mm, while tube widths include 18 – 25mm and 25 – 32mm. Butane tube weights include – 700 x 18 – 25c : 74 g [48mm] : 75 g [60mm] : 77 g [80mm] – 700 x 25 – 30c : 82 g [48mm] : 83 g [60mm] : 85 g [80mm]. Weights may vary +/- 3 g. The $8 Butane tubes have a noticeable weight loss compared to BikeTube’s standard tube offerings that use brass valves and weigh about 96 g for a 18 – 25mm tube [48mm valve] and 130 g for a 25 – 32mm tube [48mm valve].
Since you’ll need something to inflate those new tubes, BikeTube also has a new Air Handler mini pump which should do the trick. The pump is pretty compact and includes a switch to go from high volume to high pressure with a price tag of just $12.
- Patented piston system pumps air in both stroke directions
- Two-stage switch allows high pressure pumping with minimal effort
- Patented Auto Head automatically adapts to Presta or Schrader valves
- Polished aluminum barrel
- Rated to 120 p.s.i.
- 6.5″ (16 cm.), 3.8 oz., 107 grams
- Spare rubber grommet included
4iiii Innovations PRECISION Power Meter
4iiii Innovations claims to have the lightest power meter in the world with their PERCISION meter. It weighs only 9 grams and sports their 3D technology which allows riders to analyze the vertical and horizontal forces on the crank. Plus, it’s compatible with ANT+, Bluetooth computers, smartphones and other products provided by 4iiii. Replaceable 2032 batteries, a 100+ hour run-time and low battery alerts make it easy to manage over time. System options available including pre-installed Dura Ace cranks (dual sides) $1,500 : left-side arms are available in 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace, XT and XTR from $400 – $600. You can also have them installed on your personal cranks for $400 (left arm), $600 (drive-side), $750 (dual). A list of compatible cranks is found here – opens Word doc web page.
Flectr Gravel Guard
Photo c. Flectr
The Gravel Guard from Flectr focuses on providing high-impact-damping film to protect your frame from rocks, gravel and day-to-day abuse. The 0.36mm film provides a barrier that’s thin enough to keep the surface from catching against other objects, and thick enough to absorb the force of potential road/trail spray. It also has self-healing properties that keep the guard from appearing damaged after impact. They have five options available through their website starting at €8 for small patches and up to €39 for the XL frame protector kit. They’re also releasing them on Kickstarter where products starting at the €12 pledge.
