Ergon only had a couple of updates, but we’re glad to see the backpacks getting a major overhaul. After our lukewarm review of the original version, the new BX2 looks promising thanks to better strap designs and a simplified version of their Flink linkage at the shoulders. They also had a new GS2 grip with composite bar ends…more pics and info for both after the break.
Prologo has new men’s and women’s road and mountain bike saddles, many with carbon rails and sub-200g weights, and Thule showed off their new Raceway Platform trunk-mounted rack. Click on through to see it all…
Not only does the rear get some smaller contact patches, but the height-adjustable shoulder yoke is now tool free. To adjust, simply de-Velcro the upper pads and shoulder harness section, slide it to the appropriate height and re-attach. It also comes in Ergon Green. Two sizes are available, Small and Large for people under or over 5’9″.
Lots of seemingly well placed interior storage. They don’t come with a reservoir, but they do have the necessary sleeve and straw holes to work with any of the fine bladders from Camelbak or Hydrapak (our two favorites).
Thankfully, the new version does away with the rigid plastic waist band, and the upper ball-joint Flink pivot is replaced with plastic loops that attach the shoulder straps to the yoke to allow the bag to move with the shoulders. The zip pockets on the waist band are a welcome feature.
The new GS2 is a slightly larger version of their GX2 grip, with a bit taller bar end that uses their GFX composite material versus magnesium or carbon like the GX1 series. It’s available in small or large size grips at 222g or 231g (claimed) respectively.
PROLOGO
Prologo’s new Zero saddles are flat, carbon shelled road/XC saddles available with either Nack10 carbon or titanium rails. Below them to the right are new women’s specific versions of the Scratch Pro and Nago Evo saddles, both with solid Ti rails. Specs for all are (click to enlarge):
The Zero has an almost perfectly flat top for those that prefer a shape without any kick up at the rear (like the Scratch shown below in top pic). Carbon rails are taller than wide for a bit more strength.
The Nago Evo X10 Nack (described, not shown) is Prologo’s latest mountain bike saddle that adds a Nack10 carbon rail option to their off-road lineup, with XC/Marathon stated as the intended use. At a claimed 158g with or without their Slide Control embossing on the nose, that’s a darn light saddle. Versions shown are the Ti-railed models.
Thule’s new Raceway Platform trunk mount bike rack gives those without a hitch the option of using a tray-style bike rack. This keeps the bike’s weight from resting on the top tube, which inevitably scratches and scuffs the frame and just isn’t as stable.
The claw arms come down on the top tube and lock, holding everything in place and providing a modicum of security. The mounting arms are fully adjustable to fit everything from a flat-backed cargo van to a sedan’s trunk.
The entire rack folds flat against the vehicle when not in use (left), and the tray arms slide out to fit your bike’s wheelbase – or slide one each bike slightly sideways to keep saddles and handlebars from squabbling over shared space on long road trips.
Other news: The Archway and Gateway they showed at Interbike last year are finally shipping.
