ION’s new clothing & protection for 2018 are mostly updates to existing gear with new fabrics (more knits!) and improved features. But there is still some all new kit like the new Raid flat pedal shoes. Last summer ION debuted a pair of trail-ready shoes – the clipless Rascal & flat pedal Raid Amp – that were popular enough they get a lower cost sibling for next season.
Raid flat pedal mountain bike shoes
The new Raid shoes are designed to offer the performance of the Raid Amp for flat pedal mountain bikers in a shoe with a more low-key street look. The new Raids get the same SupTraction Rubber Soul FL sole as the Amps for plenty of grip on pinned platforms. Their synthetic upper is a bit more simple than the more expensive Amps, but they still get a shaped reinforced heel cup and vented tongue. The Raids will come in either black or gray and a 37-47 size range.
K-Pact Zip full coverage mountain bike knee pads
We reviewed ION’s great light weight K-Lite Zip knee pads this past spring, but if you are looking for more full coverage and better protection beyond the kneecap their K-Pact pads are a more solid option. Now the more protective knee pads get the same easy on-and-off zip closures.
Beyond the zippers the asymmetric cut of the full coverage K-Pact Zip pads remain unchanged, but they do get the improved perforated neoprene of the lighter pads to make them much more breathable around the SAS-TEC primary pads. The new K-Pact Zips will come in three colors – black, this combat red & the gray of the pads we tested earlier this year – and a four size range from S-XL.
If you are looking for something lighter, the minimalist mesh & memory foam ‘Sleeve’ style pads that had been available for elbows (E-Sleeve) gets updated now available for knees too (K-Sleeve.)
Gat light, flexible mountain bike gloves
We liked the lightweight mesh and unpadded Gat mountain bike gloves when we tested them last year. Well for 2018 they get updated with some styling from Grandma and her knitting needles. The new Gat gloves are still light & flexible, but now use a more open synthetic knit fabric that is said to offer similar breathability with more scuff protection & better durability. They keep the same thin seamless synthetic leather palm, and again get a bit of light molded rubber protection over the knuckles to protect against close encounters with woody plants on the trail, plus a touchscreen friendly forefinger in three colors and sizing from XXS-XL.
Ledge padded mountain bike gloves
The more gravity-ready Ledge padded gloves get the same open knit treatment as the Gat. They still get the touchscreen finger tips, reinforced knuckle protection, extra layer protection over the outer fingers, and the Ledges all-over Grind-Pad padding on the palm for when you end up sliding down the trail on your hands.
Shelter 3-layer waterproof mountain bike jacket
The new Shelter is a stretchy fully waterproof 3 layer riding jacket for cold & wet trail days. It gets fully taped seams, waterproof zips, two side pockets, back of arm zip vents, and a helmet ready adjustable hood. With claimed 20,000mm water column waterproofing & 20,000gr/m/24h breathability it should do well to keep you dry and not overly sweaty. It comes in this Blue Nights color or all black and in sizes S-XXL.
Rampart 16l trail mountain bike backpack
The updated Rampart is a combo between hauling and protecting. The narrow pack is well ventilated and comes in a smaller 8l version or this 16l trail pack for longer days on the bike far from the trailhead. Both incorporate a lot of open mesh & corrugated padding where they contact your back, plus a SAS-TEC Spine Plate back protector. Inside there is plenty of storage for up to a 3l hydration bladder and all the other gear you need to sort and haul along for the ride.
