Pete wraps his best of the kit that was on display at Whittlebury Hall at the 20th edition of the Core Bike Show.
The 20th edition of Core Bike Show had the usual spread of current kit, kit launching at the show and some stuff we can’t tell you about yet.
Here’s our pick of the best on show.
DMR
DMR have a big year in 2025 and will be celebrating for the duration.
Their new Sect frame is yours for £430; made from a double-butted, heat-treated 4130 tubeset; a 69 degree head angle, enough toe overlap and standover for all your spinning whizzbees and comes in 24 or 26″.
The new Sweeper bar has the same construction as the Odub handlebar but, as the name suggests, it sports a 12 degree backsweep for a better position whilst sat down on an ebike. Also new to the range is a direct mount stem that has been designed to look exactly like the Defy stem already in the range.
Radic Performance
Radic Performance’s Kaha brake is the first mountain bike brake offered by the Kiwi automotive specialists. This 4-pot brake is able to be run on DOT 5.1 or Mineral oil (involving a seal change), has 2.3mm thick rotors, bite point and reach adjust and steel braided hoses. The front brake, with pads and oil weights in at 310g. On sale for 1200 NZD, which at the time of writing is around £530 per pair. Keep your eyes out for a review coming soon.
Ortlieb
Beyond the excellent collab with Ortlieb and Trash Free Trails, resulting in this excellent custom Velocity pack, the German bike packing brand had some new kit on show.
Quick release is now the name of the game, with the saddle bag now leaving the mount on the rails, rather than you removing everything and having to faff about remounting it. Same goes for the Handlebar-Pack Flex bar bag that locks into a mount either side of the stem. Also new is the Velo Sling that can be used as a bar bag for snacks etc, but also doubles up as a shoulder bag should you be wandering into town.
KMC
KMC are best known for their chains, but did you know almost all of them come waxed? KMC are now offering wax lube for your non-KMC chain or to refresh your current KMC chain. KMC claim that wax outlasts traditional oils, attracts less dirt meaning your drivetrain stays cleaner whilst running smoother and is biodegradable.
Topeak
Tired of attaching your pump to then have to attach your pressure gauge and go again? Topeak have you covered with the E-Booster Digital. Its Smarthead fits both Schraeder and Presta and will get tyres up to 120psi (8 Bar). USB-C rechargeable in 45 minutes and weights in a measly 162g.
The Mountain Morph was long the king of larger pumps for bigger days out, and it has had an update. This pump is high volume for inflating mountain bike tyres quickly, has a folding T-handle and folding foot rest for use like a track pump. 160psi (11 Bar) might be a little skittery on the trails but it’ll do your road tyres too.
Tifosi
As a human with a big head and a big beak, these Tifosi Moab glasses definitely stood out to our man Pete. The Grilamid TR-90 construction allows you to adjust the frames and contact points to suit, acting almost like memory foam. You also get thee lenses with the glasses to suit your usual riding conditions and they weigh in at a featherweight 31g.
EVOC
Evoc Allride 3D Waterproof Backpack 16L just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? Waterproof zips and taped seams, 3D printed back pads and the usual bombproof EVOC construction should see your sandwiches through the worst of the weather, just don’t take it diving.
Pirelli
Already available as in ebike flavour, the Pirelli Scorpion Race Enduro S joins the M and T in the range. Designed to excel in soft conditions, be it mud, loam or sand. A 120tpi DualWall carcass is paired with the 42a SmartEVO DH Compound. Available in 2.5″ width only, 27.5 or 29″. The 29″ tyre weighs in at 1290g.
