Technology Week 2023: New boots, brakes, lights and handles

Giro Formula Pro shoes

gyro The new Formula Pro shoe is designed to meet the needs of the modern trail rider, with a relatively low weight, dual-order Boa system and a carbon composite plate for pedaling efficiency. Sensor rubber is used for the outsole, with deep lugs to aid in off-bike traction—this isn’t just a road shoe revamped for mountain bike use.

The layers of polyurethane are thermally bonded to the upper fabric (translation: a rubber material that sticks to the shoe) to protect it from abrasion, and the toe box is reinforced for additional protection.

When it hits stores early next year, the Formula Pro will be priced at US$300. There’s also a “regular” formula that uses a single Boa disc and retails for $250.

Formula and Formula Pro will be available in three different colors in sizes 39-50, in half sizes for 42.5 – 45.5. Formula Women’s Model will be available in two different colors in sizes 36-43, with half sizes from 37.5 to 42.5.

Ergon GXR Grips

Argon The newest XC Slip Handle is now available in 32 or 34mm diameters. The German-made grips are made of Ergon’s AirCell rubber, and weigh just 53 grams per grip, including the end cap. The GXR has a slight taper to its shape—it’s a little wider on the outside where the edge of the rider’s palm rests. The rubber surface has some texture, though it’s fairly minimal, which makes the grips comfortable with or without gloves. The knobs come in black, blue, red or orange, and are priced at $24.95.

Trek Commuter Pro RT Light

Days are getting dramatically shorter in the northern hemisphere, which means it’s time to either hibernate or turn off the lights. Trek The latest solution to brighten the night is Commuter Pro RT.

As the name suggests, it’s partly aimed at occupants, with features like the ‘Commuter Kind Beam’, which focuses the beam on the road rather than on the eyes of an oncoming rider, a daytime running light feature, and the ability to pair wirelessly with Trek’s Flare RT tail light.

When it’s time to get off the road and into the woods, the Commuter Pro RT has a 1,000-lumen high beam setting that’s bright enough for proper stone riding. At full power, the runtime is 1.5 hours, and the average setting increases 500 lumens to 3 hours.

The Commuter Pro RT is $159.99 and comes with a USB-C charging cable and an adjustable rigid stand.

Hayes Dominion T4

Hayes Launched earlier this summer, the new Dominion T4 brakes are a lighter-weight version of the well-acclaimed Dominion A4. The 50g weight savings per brake are achieved with a carbon-fiber lever blade manufactured by Reynolds, a tool-free reach adjuster and a generous helping of titanium hardware. Any excess material has been removed from the four-piston caliper, and there is also a reservoir cap fitted to the lever body.

A group that just came out for review, and so far has offered the very light movement and smooth power that the original A4 brakes are known for. Find a full review once you’ve gone enough miles on these undercover tampons.

MSRP: $325 per wheel.