Bellwether Clothing

New from Bellwether the Aires jersey and Forma bib knicks both stand as high-end technical cycling garments that come in at a relatively affordable price. The Aires is their top model and features multi-fabric construction with ventilated mesh inserts. Silicon elastic grippers help keep your back covered while the arms are elastic free for comfort. Colour options are white, black or Ferrari red. The Forma bib knicks use 'Lycra Power' fabric which lends extra compression and muscle support. A 3D moulded 'chamois' combines with silicon leg grippers and flat-lock seams to enhance the fit and feel. Like the Aires jersey, these shorts are offered in black, red or whire. Expect to pay around $80 for the jersey and $120 for the bib knicks.

Enve Wheels

At l,354g for the pair, the 26-inch Enve Composite XC wheels are up there with the lightest cross-country/MTB wheels available.They also sell for $3,389 a pair; that's as much as a decent complete bike and a lot more than alloy wheels of the same weight. Where the Enve wheels vary is in the strength and stiffness that they offer. While they have the weight of a 'race-only' wheelset, Enve says they are strong enough for day-in day-out racing, training and all-round trail riding. To back this up, the all-mountain version of these wheels (with a rim that's only 55g heavier) has been used successfully in world cup downhill competition. In addition to being light and strong, the Enve wheels also feature a UST tubeless inner rim profile. You can also get them in a 1,424g 29er version for $3,498.

BBB Impulse PH Sunnies

The Impulse wraparound sunnies feature a photochromatic lens that automatically adjusts to suit the conditions. Light transmission varies from 85% to just 17%, which should cover almost any daytime riding situation without the need to swap lenses. They also feature ribbed silicone grippers on the arms to prevent slippage and should sell for around $159.

Fox RP23 Shock

For 2012 the popular RP23 Boose Valve rear shock gets a new 'Adaptive Logic' system. Previously you could select one of three firmness levels for when the ProPedal platform was activated, allowing the rider to tune the shock to their desired'climb mode'. For 2012 the ProPedal will be factory tuned to what is currently the number three, or firmest setting, and the three stage dial will adjust the shocks tune when it is in the open or 'descend mode'. The three levels of descend mode adjustment will then allow the user to tune the damping to suit their preferences, while always having the firm climbing mode close at hand. Expect to see this shock as standard spec on many upper-end trail bikes for 2011.

Formula RO Brakes

Italian brake manufacturer Formula has launched a new model called the RO. It uses oval pistons in the brake calliper—a system that's unique to this particular model. Being oval allows the piston to be 18% bigger than their other models while retaining a compact calliper design. The result is said to be category leading power with the weight of a cross-country brake. All-up the RO weighs 36 Ig (lever/calliper/rotor and hose) and a pair should sell for $800 wirh standard rotors. You can also purchase them with Formula's new alloy/steel rotors for $870 or wirhout rotors for $680 a pair.

DT Swiss XMM Fork

            Suspension-wise, Swiss manufacturer DT is probably best known for their super fancy carbon-clad suspension forks, but they’ve now launched a more affordable line. Rather than carbon, the lower legs are formed from magnesium – like many other brands. The main difference with the DT design can be seen in the unique arch that links the sliders; it is made using two cast magnesium parts that bond together to form a single hollow bridge. Called ‘Torsion Box’, it is said to be substantially stiffer than a traditional solid arch with no weight penalty. The XMM should weigh around 1,650g in the 9mm QR version and 1,745g with a 15mm thru-axle, and the one platform converts to either 100, 120 or 140mm travel options. DT’s ‘Twin Shot’ dampers offers three externally controlled options; fully open, a reduced travel mode for climbing and a full lockout. Expect to pay around $1,070.

American Classic Road Tubeless Wheels

            For 2012 American Classic has added another option to the growing number of tubeless compatible clincher wheels. While they still have spoke holes on the inner rim and need tape to make them airtight, they feature a special inner rim profile with a lip to securely hold the tyre bead once inflated. Interestingly, American Classic has opted for a wider than normal 22mm rim profile with lower bead hooks. This allows the tyre carcass to spread out further, effectively making it wider than it would be if mounted to a traditional rim. The idea is that you can use them with a narrower tyre to save weight without compromising the contact patch and cornering grip. Speaking of weight, the American Classic Tubeless wheels are extremely light, coming in at 1,179g  for the pair. Pricing should be around the $1,100 mark.