The hottest new gear – ION’s Rascal Select BOA shoes, Sungod’s Airas ZF glasses, Syncros’s Torque Wrench 2.0 and Smith’s Engage MIPS helmet

199.95 Clipless kicks for getting rowdy, with a dizzying price tag

These are ION’s flagship gravity shoes, with a more rearward cleat position than the German brand’s trail offerings and a BOA L6 system to dial in the fit. The sole is designed to be stiff from front to back, to maximise pedalling power, but with lateral (side-toside) flex to prevent your foot tilting on the pedal. ION claim their Rubber Soul CL outsole offers optimum traction both on and off the bike, thanks to dedicated ‘climbing’ and ‘pedal’ zones. A cushioned EVA midsole helps soak up hard landings, while a rubberised heel and reinforced toe cap provide protection from trail debris. The PU fabric used for the uppers looks durable, and has vents to keep your feet cool. Inside, the soft lining has been designed to both resist wear and stop your heel sliding under acceleration. The high price means the Rascal Select BOAs are up against the cream of MTB shoes – stay tuned for a review soon. www.ion-products.com