In this week's Five Cool Things, we've got a slew of interesting products that have made it into our office ahead of testing. We've got the latest iteration of Ragley's Big Al, Fox's Transfer dropper post and CushCore's Trail focussed tyre inserts. On top of that, there are also grips from AMS and Endura's summer-going jersey and trousers. As always, we'll highlight the coolest stories of the week.

• The best gravel bikes we've tested that you can buy and get shipped to your door
• Best MTB knee pads - protection for demanding trails
• What is a Mips helmet? Is it safer, what does Mips mean?

With Eurobike taking place at the moment, there has been a number of cool releases popping up, with one of the most exciting being Bosch's lightweight Performance Line SX e-bike motor. This means big things for Bosch as it now offers a lower power, lighter weight motor that'll find a welcome home in mid-powered e-bikes, whether that's gravel or mountain bikes. On top of that, CushCore has released an e-bike-specific tyre insert that's said to be the strongest yet and Hutchinson has bolstered its range with the Wyrm tyre. Oh, and we can't forget Berria's new Bravo, an XC bike that uses flex for vibration damping.

Moving onto features and Suvi explains why the shortest distance is often the sweetest and we explain the differences between SRAM's SX and NX drivetrains. We also show you how to upgrade carbon wheels.

As for reviews, we've got three gravel bike verdicts for you, with each bike being surprisingly different. First off, Stu checks out Vitus's Venon Evo-GR Rival AXS, an all-round ripper. Pat's reviewed the locally made Windover Bostal, a steel gravel bike and Suvi has written up her thoughts on Specialized's Crux Comp, the priciest bike of the three.

Ragley Big Al

There's nothing quite like a hardtail's blend of sheer simplicity and all-out fun trail manners, and it looks like Ragley's latest Big Al will deliver just that. For 2023, Ragley has given its full range of bikes an overhaul, gracing them with more modern geometries and fresh colourways.

For the Big Al, Ragley's enduro alloy framed 29er, that means that a large frame gets a 480mm reach, a mega slack 63.5-degree head tube angle and a 75-degree seat tube angle along with a 435mm chainstay. As for spec, it's kitted out with a RockShox Yari fork that delivers 160mm of suspension. There's a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with SRAM G2 RS brakes. Nukeproof's Neutron rims are wrapped with tyres from Maxxis in the form of an Assegai at the front and a DHR II at the rear.

• www.ragleybikes.com

Fox Transfer Factory Dropper Seatpost

£400

Dubbed the gold standard of dropper posts, this iteration of the Fox Transfer is said to be lighter than before. The brand has also made it overall shorter with a decreased insertion depth that allows for a longer travel post to fit into more frames.

On test is the Factory model of the Transfer which means it gets Fox's uber-slippery Kashima coating that's not just there to up the bling factor. Fox says that this coating is durable and results in less friction for a smoother and more durable post. Available in 30.9 and 31.6 diameters, the latest Fox Transfer can be picked up in 100 to 200mm lengths. 

• www.ridefox.com

AMS Berm grips

£23

AMS might be better known for its frame protection, but the company has dipped its toe into other parts and accessories, including the Berm grips. These measure 135mm in length and feature a tapered profile, meaning they are narrower or thinner towards the inner end and it gradually gets thicker towards the outer. To put that into numbers, the inner is 29.5mm and the outer is 33.9mm in diameter.

Elsewhere, these flangeless grips get a fine diamond texture with a classic and very common waffle pattern on the underside. There's a single locking ring and AMS says that a pair weighs no more than 100g.

• www.allmountainstyle.com

CushCore Trail

£170

CushCore's range of tyre inserts was already fairly comprehensive but the brand has been working on more products to suit particular styles of riding. Here, we have CushCore Trail, a tyre insert that's been built to suit the demands of trail riding.

These inserts already look a little different to what we've seen before from CushCore as they're shaped with special channels that help spread sealant and air more effectively around the tyre and insert. The material has also been engineered to squish progressively, which should be noticeable when cornering.

• cushcore.com

Endura Burner Lite jersey and trousers

£55 - £100

Just a couple of weeks ago, Endura introduced the Burner Lite kit, which is long-sleeved and legged garment designed for downhill and enduro riding but in warmer climates. They fit the bill, it's built with moisture wicking and breathability at heart as it utilises stretchy fabrics and laser cut perforations.

• www.endurasport.com

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