Lids, locks and more at third edition of PressCamp Winter

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (BRAIN) — The third edition of PressCamp Winter got underway Wednesday as editors and other representatives from 14 endemic and non-endemic media outlets met with eight companies representing 10 brands spanning a range of categories from commuter accessories to high-end road bikes and performance e-MTBs.

Media and exhibitors took a break early in the day for group road and mountain rides (big shout-out to dirt guide Samuel Kelly Brehm of Newbury Park Bike Shop, who soldiered on after an alarming face plant in the early going) before returning to the Westlake Village Inn in Southern California for the day's final series of 45-minute sit-downs to talk new product.

A sampling of what we saw on Day 1: 

Lazer

Lazer debuted its Revolution mountain helmet at last year's Interbike show, and the versatile, accessory-friendly enduro lid is now set to reach retailers March 1 through distributor QBP. Retailing for $160, the Revolution comes in three sizes and features the SMS Safety Mounting System — designed for the helmet to pass CPSC safety standards with accessories like an action camera or headlight attached — plus Lazer's advanced Turnfit adjustment system for extra-secure fit, 23 vents, and optional pop-on ear pads for added protection.

Around Sea Otter time, Lazer will also offer the Revolution in a MIPS version as well as an aftermarket chin bar for full-face protection. The chin bar will eventually come packaged as an option with the Revolution helmet as well, said Lazer “PR helmeteer” Christopher T. Smith.

Lazer is also showing the second generation of its LifeBeam integrated heart-rate sensor and transmitter, which debuted last year on the Belgian brand's Genesis road helmet. At 45 grams, the new iteration is less than half the weight of its predecessor, thanks largely to advancements in battery technology, Smith said. A sensor at the forehead connects to a transmitter mounted in the back of Lazer's Z1 road helmet that communicates with Bluetooth and ANT+ devices.

Benefits of the LifeBeam system include eliminating the need for a chest strap and, Lazer says, improved accuracy of data and a quicker refresh rate. Available starting next week, the USB-rechargeable LifeBeam DIY aftermarket kit will retail for $130. It will also come packaged with the Z1 helmet for $350. 

Abus

The German bike security brand updates its best-selling Bordo 6000 folding lock with the stainless-steel Bordo Centium, set to reach U.S. retailers in April. The lock's bars are covered in a leather-like textured coating, rather than silicone, for a classic look that is enhanced by a leather tab on the strap securing the lock holder.

While many folding locks load vertically into their mounts, making them difficult to use in frames with tight front triangles, the Centium's mount loads from the side for easy use in a wide variety of frame sizes and shapes, said Joan Hanscom, PR and marketing manager for Abus USA.

The Centium features Abus' Plus cylinder for high security and keying to any other Abus lock with the same cylinder. It comes packaged in a wooden box, and retailers who order four locks receive a wooden tool box for merchandising made by a nonprofit near Abus' headquarters in Wetter, Germany, that provides vocational training for those with special needs. The Bordo Centium will retail for $149.

The lock gets a companion helmet in the Hyban Centium, with features including a removable leather brim, brushed gray finish, rear light with three modes, leather chin tab and pinch-proof Fidlock magnetic fastener. Set to arrive at retailers in late spring, the helmet will retail for $99.99.

Alpinestars

Italy's Alpinestars, with U.S. offices in Southern California, came to PressCamp Winter with the first samples from its fall 2016 cycling collection, based on a layering concept for cold conditions.

The foundation of the collection is a long-sleeve base layer to absorb sweat and keep the rider dry, said Giulo Neri, media services for Alpinestars. This is complemented by Alpinestars' Mid Layer insulating jacket or sleeker Hurricane XC-style jacket.

The layering is topped off with the second-generation All Mountain 2 WP hardshell jacket, with improved breathability over the previous version while preserving the same waterproofing, a new venting system to promote airflow through the front and out of the back of the jacket, a sleeve pocket for waterproof storage of a cell phone or other items, an adjustable hem, and a helmet-compatible hood with draw cord for snug fit over the rider's lid.

The fall 2016 collection also includes the lightweight Descender 2 jacket, made from rip-stop fabric and coming in at half the weight of Alpinestars' previous iteration of the garment. Its packable design, with Velcro tabs and integrated bag, means the jacket can be balled up and stored under the saddle, making it suitable for commuters as well as mountain bikers, Neri said.