Peloton Paddock: Magura Press Camp Gear

We’re back from the Tour of California working on some great content at the #PelotonServiceCourse, but we were able to slip away to Sedona, Arizona for a few days to check out the 12th Annual Magura USA Press Camp. This year, Magura has brought under its wing another German brand in Lightweight, as well as built a stronger relationship with crank (and now gruppo) manufacturer Rotor Components, from Madrid. This week we present to you four products from our paddock; one premium set of wheels, a convenient tool, some head protection and hydraulic stopping power developed in the dirt and transferred to the road.  

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RELATED: Check out what else is on test at the Peloton Service Course.

Part of the German based Wissler Group that also engineers and designs aerospace, precision farming agriculture, satellite communications and medical devices, Lightweight branded cycling components and frame manufacturing actually make up 45% of its annual business revenue. New to this summer’s product line is the rapidly developed Lightweight Meilenstein C Disc road clincher. The rim is exactly the same used on the traditional braking wheel – you’ll notice the brake track. During our first ride the wheels accelerated exceptionally (as expected for a 1,390 gram wheelset) and the braking was quiet, yet quick. A double bonded, pentagon shaped hub made by DT Swiss for the new disc version acts as a security net for heat amplification from the rotor. We hope your pockets run a bit deeper than the 47mm rim depth offered on the Meinelstein C Disc, because we expect these lean hoops to cost a pretty penny. David Bergmann, a Key Account Manager, expects only 20-25 first editions to become available on June 1st. $6,500; lightweight.info

Within seconds of unpacking the SKS Digital Air Checker you can begin use of the simple, lightweight and convenient tool. It has a swiveling dual-head for both Presta and Schrader valve stems, as well as a smooth rubberized grip that feels nice in the hand. The backlit display can be toggled from PSI to bars, and the large numbers are easy to read even in pre-dawn tire-pumping situations. An orange ‘deflate’ button allows tire pressure regulation to the tenth decimal and the power button also serves as the toggle between the two pressure metrics. The SKS Digital Air Checker reads a maximum inflation output of 144 PSI or 10 bar, weighs 45 grams and runs on one CR-2032 battery. $25; sks-germany.com

Known more for its dirt friendly, mountain bike helmets, the Kali Protectives Phenom Road Helmet is a relatively light, extremely well ventilated option for roadies on a budget. The Phenom uses all the same technology found in the slightly boxier and premium Maraka helmet and is perfect for hot days in the mountains – we counted 23 total vents, which helped keep us cool during our test rides in Sedona last weekend. The helmet is built with what Kali calls Composite Fusion, featuring a snap-on winter aero cover and an included bug liner. For retention, a Boa closure system is used to allow for easy micro-adjustments on the fly. At 296 grams it is not the lightest helmet, but it’s comfortable and more economically priced than some of the top end competitors on the market. Available in S/M or M/L. $160; kaliprotectives.com

The standard Magura MT8 hydraulic mountain bike brake caliper and rotor have traveled over to the road in conjunction with the Rotor UNO groupset and tested on the new Lightweight Meilenstein C Disc – both brands that Magura USA now distributes. Rotor leaned heavily on Magura for technology and know-how in the hydraulic arena while creating its new UNO groupset over the better part of the last six years.

RELATED: First Look: Rotor UNO Hydraulic Groupset

Magura MT8 Hydraulic Road Brakes are deeply rooted in technology refined in Magura’s successful hydraulic mountain department. They will come with 160 mm discs front and rear for powerfully, precise stopping in the muckiest of road conditions – these brakes were born in the mud. Look for a full review of these as well as UNO once we receive the build to test at the #PelotonServiceCourse. Price TBD; magurausa.com