First Look Friday is an introduction to the products that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re featuring the BH Lynx 4.8, SRAM’s Roam 40 wheels and the Factory Lite gloves from Oakley.
BH Lynx 4.8 Carbon 29” 9.5
The Lynx 4.8 sits firmly in the cross country trail bike category, with 120mm travel, short stays and a 68 degree head angle. A bike that will let you compete in a long distance endurance event on Saturday and on Sunday head out to enjoy some tricky trails. Going on the reputation of the Split Pivot suspension layout, there’s no reason the Lynx shouldn’t pedal as well as it descends. That’s the idea anyway, we’re eager to see just how well the BH performs as a cross country all rounder.
The carbon 9.5 model comes kitted with suspension from RockShox, the Reba and Monarch doing duty in the front and rear respectively. A mix of GX and other SRAM components make up the 1x drivetrain while Magura MT4 brakes are tasked with stopping your momentum. To add to the trail flavour, a KS Supernatural dropper post comes standard. The wheelset is BH’s own Super Lite wrapped in Michelin rubber.
Specifications:
- FrameLynx 4.8 Carbon 29″
- Rear shockRock Shox Monarch RT
- ForkRock Shox Reba
- StemBH Lite
- HeadsetBH Evo
- Shifter leversSram GX11
- Rear derailleurGX 1400 175 32T
- Crank setSram S1000 32T
- BB SetSram
- ChainPC1130 11S
- CassetteSram 1150 10/42
- ChainSram
- Front brakeMagura MT4 180mm
- Rear brakeMagura MT4 160mm
- WheelsetBH Super Lite
- TyresMichelin Wild Racer 2.25/ Grip’R 2.25
- SaddlePrologo Kappa
- SeatclampBH Lite
- SeatpostKS Supernatural
- HandlebarBH Lite Rizer
- GripsBH
- Weight12.4 kg
- Retail PriceR57 500
SRAM Roam 40 wheelset
The Roam 30 and 40 wheelsets are SRAM’s more cost conscious wheelsets fitting in below the Roam 50 and 60 offerings. The Roam 40 wheelset features a UST tubeless aluminium rim measuring 21mm internally and 25.5mm externally. The Roam 40 wheels use 24 straight-pull spokes front and rear with a two-cross pattern. While the Roam 30 wheels makes use of brass nipples, the Roam 40 features aluminium nipples to save weight. The rear hub uses 4 pawls and a ratchet ring with 26 teeth, meaning 52 points of engagement and 6.9 engagement degrees.
The SRAM Roam 40 wheelset retails for R11,300.
Specifications:
- Wheel sizes26″, 27.5″, 29″
- Weight1560g (26″), 1615g (27.5″), 1695g (29″)
- Spoke Count24
- Spoke Pattern2 cross
- TypeCustom – straight pull
- FinishBlack oxide
- Rim shapeTubeless ready – Asymmetrical 2.5mm offset
- Rim usedAluminium 6061 T6
- Spoke lengthSolo Spoke
- NipplesExternal alloy
- ColourBlack Ano
Oakley Factory Lite Gloves
The Oakley Factory Lite gloves look to offer lightweight comfort while still giving sturdy protection. Instead of padding on the palm, the Factory Lite use a durable leather-like material called Calrino, which promises to protect while providing feedback to the hand. Oakley make a point of their O Hydrolix moisture management technology which carries sweat from the hand to the outer layers of the glove to control warmth. The Oakley Factory Lite retail for R499.
We’ll be slipping these gloves on and testing Oakley claims of a durable and lightweight mountain biking glove.
Is it just me that thinks those roams are super overpriced for what they are?