First Look Friday is an introduction to the products that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re previewing the Gobi M5 saddle and M5 BOA shoes from fi’zi:k and Vittoria’s Mezcal G+ tyres.
fi’zi:k Gobi M5 VS Manganese
Gobi M5 VS Manganese: Versus MTB saddles combines the best of fi’zi:k’s proven saddle designs and technology and offers something new to meet some riders’ needs: a central relief channel.
The Gobi range is specially designed to give the best shape, weight, support, flexibility and durability for Marathon and Enduro/All Mountain riding. The popular Gobi design has been updated and its long-nose shape, which allows for a lot of rider movement, has been retained. They’ve also retained the original Gobi’s Twin Flex and Wing Flex technology and updated it with the latest composite shell and rail technology to make the saddle stronger and lighter than ever before.
The Gobi M5 VS Manganese features a carbon reinforced Nylon shell, with Tail Flex – a flexible, supportive rear section aiding smoother transition on and off the saddle, and Wing Flex technology – which enables flexibility where your thighs meet the saddle – and a manganese rail for light weight, strength and durability, along with the Comfort Channel along the length of the saddle for maximum soft tissue comfort. It also features a Microtex cover for ultimate durability on the trail.
Specifications
- Shell: carbon reinforced nylon WingFlex, TailFlex
- Rail: Manganese
- Cover: Black Microtex
- Side Cover: Black Printed Microtex
- Rear Cover: Black Cordura
- Padding: Low density with pressure relief channel
- Weight: 240 g
- Integrated Clip System compatible
fi’zi:k M5 BOA
The M5 Boa represents Fizik’s second generation of shoes in that it replaces its predecessor’s ratcheting buckle and hook-and-loop straps with a Boa wire enclosure..
As with the ratcheting buckle version, the M5 Boa features uppers comprising Microtex synthetic leather, mesh, and anti-scratch genuine leather. Fizik places the latter around the toe box and heel cup in order to resist abrasion while traversing talus slopes on foot. The lightweight mesh fills the voids between the leather sections for a heightened sense of cooling ventilation. And at the interior, the soft Microtex liner provides a lasting comfort over bone-rattling trails in balmy conditions.
The Fizik Superlight insole is the same model used in the M5’s road counterpart, the R5 Uomo. And while it’s not custom moldable like with the line-topping M1’s 3D-Flex insole, it does help to absorb trail vibration and support your arch to alleviate metatarsal hot spots. A complement of aggressive lugs affords positive traction on those scree-scrambling moments when the bike has to be shouldered. The stiff, carbon-reinforced nylon outsole ensures that no pedal energy is lost to flex during those moments when you’re testing whether or not that rock chute is actually climbable.
Specifications
- Upper Material: [toe and heel] leather, [body] mesh
- Lining: Microtex
- Closure: Boa
- Sole: carbon-reinforced nylon
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-hole mountain
- Claimed Weight: 360g ea, size 42
- Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years
Vittoria Mezcal G+
Vittoria’s Mezcal G+ was on of their first tires that was available with their new 4C and G+Isotech compound. The Mezcal is aimed at cross-country riders with a low profile, fast rolling tread pattern and is available in 27.5” and 29” versions in either 2.1” or 2.25” widths. It is billed as a fast all-rounder with an updated modern and clean design with defined centre ridge tread with capable side knobs, emphasized on speed.
Features
- Defined centre-ridge tread for low rolling resistance
- Low profile, densely spaced knob configuration
- Multiple effective braking and climbing edges
- Capable side knobs
- Tubeless Ready models available
- Claimed weight: 700g (29″ x 2.25, TNT Tubeless Ready)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbVL57dke3o
4C
4 Compounds (4C) is exclusively developed by Vittoria to achieve performance products without compromise. Vittoria 4C is a layering process, using 4 separate compounds in the same tread. The 4C process offers unmatched versatility, by allowing for separate base and surface compounds, in both the centre and side areas of the tread. Benefiting from the different properties of each compound, including the G+ Isotech, their distribution is extensively tested to deliver the best products imaginable.
G+ ISOTECH COMPOUND
G+Isotech is Vittoria’s unique Graphene compound with revolutionary G+, as provided by technology partner Directa Plus. No compromise is necessary with this compound that is superior in speed (rolling resistance), grip, durability and wear resistance.
