Christmas Presents for Cyclists 5

Words by Simon Whiten

CycleTechReview’s contributors lay it on Santa’s table

You may be pleased to hear, after the common thread running through the first four articles in this series, that Alastair McNeill is not into cross – yet. However, his mountain biking escapades are hardcore to say the least and the increasingly ambitious nature of his rides off-road have him asking Santa for ‘protection’…

To start he’s after a Poc back pack / back protector, such as the VPD 2.0 Spine pack 25. It’s available via 2Pure in the UK and whilst not a cheap item at £170, is of the usual POC quality, so should last. It is tested to rigorous motorcycle safety standards and has a host of features. The back protection adapts its shape to your body whilst providing exceptional protection under impact; there’s a hydration compartment, and the fabric is designed to be mud shedding. Perfect for Alastair!

POC VPD 2.0 Spine pack 25

To go with that he fancies some matching POC knee protection. It’s state of the art protection using material that conforms to the shape of your knee to give comfortable riding and good range of motion, but then stiffens under extreme impacts. They are tough as well with Kevlar stretch fabric protecting them from abrasion. However, at a retail price of £100 Alastair had best be prepared to sell that point hard to whoever he wants to buy him these.

POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee

His next request is for a Lupine front minimax light. This is one feature packed little light: 145g and smaller than a mobile phone, but still producing 1200 lumens if needed. It has a 3 hour run time on a setting good enough for evening training in the unlit lanes, making it a great gift for any cyclist. However, once again it’s an expensive piece of kit at £350 or $400. It’s available in the UK from Lerevet Productions.

Lupine Piko TL MiniMax

Apparently on hearing about this article, Alastair’s daughter also got in on the act and asked for an Islabike Beinn 26. These bikes, being well equipped and of rugged design, have a definite cult following. One person on our review team recently sold his two Islabikes second hand, for a profit and the buyer travelled from Germany to collect them…

Islabike Beinn 26

Next up is new boy Gary Stanesby…