LEZYNE: LED Helmet Mount Finalised

Media Release from Lezyne:

Lezyne LED users will be happy to hear the Lezyne LED helmet mount will be available next month. Production of the long awaited mount began this month and the first round of mounts has already shipped to Lezyne distributors worldwide. Available to the public early February.

The helmet mount is made of a stamped and machined aluminium base and compression ring with a Composite Matrix spherical pivot cradle that holds the LED light. A long Velcro strap attaches the mount to the helmet and a rubber pad on the underside of the mount provides grip. The spherical pivot allows the user to adjust the position of the light in all directions. The mount is compatible with all Lezyne LED lights.

MTBR.com Releases In-depth Review of Super Drive LED

To add to the LED news, the guys of MTBR.com have released an in-depth, 2-page review of the Super Drive LED. Here is what Francis of MTBR.com had to say about the Super Drive LED:

“[The Super Drive] is a ground breaking new light from a new light company.  They could sell a few of these lights at $250 so we suspect they will sell a lot at the $110 price. It is a great beam pattern that accomplishes a flood and a decent spot at the same time. And the real bonus is if you want it brighter, buy two. If you want more run time, buy more Lezyne batteries.”

“The Lezyne Super Drive is not the brightest but it is the most compelling because of its quality and $110 price. We also want to note its honesty in reporting.  Claiming 450 lumens for a measured output of 421 lumens is one of the most honest we’ve seen to date as the industry usually 30% off.”

LED TECH Page to be Launched

To help consumers learn more about the new LED lights, Lezyne will be launching a new LED Tech Page on our website later this month.  It will contain useful information about LED lighting, in general, as well as in–depth details and FAQs about our lights. Check our Engineered Design page page for updates and more Lezyne Tech.

(NOTE: This is a review from the supplier and not a "Tried and Tested" product of Mountain Biker.)

TRIED AND TESTED: SRAM X9 Product Line

Designed to endure the toughest terrain – from steep climbs to technical descents, the X9’s smooth, precision shifting sees you through the toughest days in the saddle.

The SRAM X9 component line was tested on the nimble GT Sensor 1.0 at the recent SRAM 2012 product launch at Contermanskloof in Durbanville.  Third in ascendancy in the SRAM product family (after the XX and the X0 range), shifting was nevertheless buttery smooth and responsive, suitable for cross-country application.

SRAM X9 front derailleurSRAM X9 10-speed front derailleur:

• Wide range 2X10 and 3X10 systems with X-Glide front shifting technology
• High Clamp, Low Clamp, High Direct Mount, Low Direct Mount

SRAM X9 rear derailleurSRAM X9 10-speed rear derailleur:

• SRAM Exact Actuation for precise and dependable 10-speed performance
• Carbon and alloy cage makes it light and tough - 204 grams for medium cage
• 3 cage lengths available - Short for DH, Medium for 2X10 and Long for 3X10
• Style points - 3 color choices to match your ride: Red, Grey, White

SRAM X9 10-speed trigger shifterSRAM X9 10-speed trigger shifter:

• SRAM’s 2X10 and 3X10 Exact Actuation for precise and dependable 10-speed performance
• 232 grams (2X10)
• Impulse Technology
• MatchMaker compatible
• Top cap cable change
• 2 graphic colors available: Red or Grey/White

Elixir 9Elixir 9:

In keeping it in the family, the new Elixir 9 brake set offers loads of confidence when descending the trails and approaching tight corners. The new Elixir 9 incorporates cutting-edge technology and takes the proven Elixir line to the next level of control.

• An updated TaperBore design incorporates a new air-trap feature, resulting in ridiculously smooth control you can count on.
• Combining a two-piece caliper and HS1 cross-drilled rotors make Elixir 9 simultaneously smooth and powerful.
• The introduction of tool-free reach and contact adjust turns our brakes into your brakes, letting you dial in the perfect feel in under a minute.

Truvativ X9 10-speed cranksetTruvativ X9 10-speed crankset:

• Hollow Forged AL crank arms for lightweight super stiff durability
• X-Glide 2X10 and 3X10 shifting technology, 26-39, 28-42 and 22-33-44 gearing 
• New 36-22 and 38-24 chainring options
• New GXP Bottom Bracket System featuring Gutter Seal Technology
• Available in the following bottom bracket configurations: PF30, BB30, GXP and GXP PF
• 3 graphic colors: Red, Grey, White

For further information, visit www.sram.com.

TRIED AND TESTED: Drift HD 1080 camera

Drift, an innovative point of view camera manufacturer, proudly announced the global launch of the new Drift HD point of view camera in July this year.

Compact and feature-rich, the new Drift HD 1080The new compact, durable, easy-to-use Drift HD camera elevates the point of view camera market to a higher level with the most feature-rich, multi-functional helmet camera available to date. To view the new camera in action, please visit, http://vimeo.com/26837038.

Second rear cover to protect the camera when using an external mic or a USB chargerDrift’s signature features such as the integrated LCD screen, wireless remote control, 300-degree rotating lens, 170-degree field of view, multiple mounting options, water resistant casing and professional-grade 1080p/30fps and 720p/60fps high-definition video settings will be integrated into the new Drift HD. Additionally, the Drift HD will inlcude:

• More compact housing, 4 inches (10,16cm) and 4.23oz. (113.40g); 25% smaller than its predecessor
• Replaceable lens
• 9 MP photos
• Second rear cover to protect the camera when using an external mic or a USB charger
• Micro HDMI connector for HD TV playback
• LED recording indicator
• New goggle strap in addition to the curved and flat adhesive mounts, paired with a universal clip for multiple mounting options

Comments:

The camera is feature-rich and easy to use, and the only word of caution would be to ensure that the orientation of the lens is in the correct plain when mounting it to your helmet. The record/stop wireless remote control is an excellent feature with a clearly audible tone indicating that the camera has received signal to record or stop recording. And the 300-degree rotating lens offers a favorable range of mounting options, making it practical to pretty-much mount anywhere…

Rear cover open, exposing the battery and media socketsEven though the side-mount option might appeal to many mountain bikers considering low-lying branches in forest environment, I found this not an option for cross-country helmets as, although a lightweight camera, it was still too heavy for the side of a lightweight helmet; whereas it would certainly not be noticed or felt on a motocross-style helmet for BMX or freeride style riding. Top-mount on a lightweight helmet felt great - just beware of low-lying foliage...

For a full list of specs and features, please visit: www.actioncameras.co.za , or check out the Drift cameras in action here, http://vimeo.com/26828058.

The Drift HD is available in South Africa, with a RRP of R3,750.00.