First Look Friday: BH Lynx 4.8, Garmin Varia, and Hammerhead One

First Look Friday is an introduction to the products that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re featuring the BH Lynx 4.8 29er 9.9, Garmin Varia Rearview Bike Radar, and the Hammerhead One.

BH Lynx 4.8 29er 9.9

The Lynx 4.8 29er fits squarely in the XC / trail category featuring 120mm travel, a 68 degree head angle, a dropper post and 430 mm chainstays should make for a playful 29er. I dare say that many South African cross-country marathon riders would probably benefit from this style of geometry over the professional racer bikes that amateurs appear to believe they need?

My opinions aside, Dave Weagle was brought on board to help help tune the suspension on the bike. The Lynx employs his Split Pivot design, so it should perform well under pedalling, braking as well as soaking up the bumps. The top of the range carbon 9.9 features Fox Factory suspension, Shimano XTR drivetrain, DT Swiss wheels, Magura MT8 brakes and a KS Lev DX dropper post.

The 2015 Lynx 4.8 29er 9.9 is currently available from BH Bikes SA here.

The 2016 Lynx will be available from January with pricing going live on their website at the end of November.

Specification:

FRAME:Lynx 4.8 Carbon 120mm
REAR SHOCK: Fox Factory CTD Kashima Remote
FORK:Fox Factory CTD Kashima Remote 120mm
STEM:BH Evo
HEADSET:BH Evo
SHIFT LEVERS:Shimano XTR
REAR DERAILLEUR:Shimano XTR
FRONT DERAILLEUR:Shimano XTR
CRANKSET:Shimano XTR 36/26
BB SET:Shimano
CASSETTE:Shimano XT 11/40
CHAIN:Shimano
FRONT BRAKE:Magura MT8 180mm
REAR BRAKE:Magura MT8 160mm
WHEELSET:DT Swiss XM1551 Spline One
TIRES:Michelin Wild Racer 2.25
SADDLE:Prologo X8
SEAT CLAMP:BH SuperLite
SEATPOST:KS LEV DX
HANDLEBAR:BH Evo Carbon Low Rizer
GRIPS:BH
WEIGHT:12,5 kg
RETAIL PRICE:R 79,900.00

Garmin Varia Rearview Bike Radar

Last year, we reviewed the Backtracker and because of our coverage (obviously) Garmin bought the technology and created the Varia. When we tested the Backtracker, it was clear that it needed to integrate its functionality with existing devices to have a chance of being successful. Who better than Garmin to do just that?

The Varia tracks and displays the proximity of vehicles as they approaches the rider from behind. This information is displayed either on the Varia head unit or on a compatible Edge device. The rear radar unit also functions as a safety light which increases its brightness as a vehicle approaches the rider in the hope of drawing the driver’s attention to the cyclist.

The Varia radar unit (for use with a compatible Edge device) goes for R2,899, while the radar unit and display unit retails for R3,899.

Hammerhead One

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akKyhPXZQGI
The Hammerhead One uses a unique LED display to guide you on a bicycle to your destination. The Hammerhead One is controlled via a smartphone app. You can search for your destination through the app and instruct the Hammerhead One to direct you there. You can also upload .GPX files should you wish to follow an existing routes. We’ll be testing the Hammerhead in various scenarios to see where it fits best.