This week’s Five Cool Things is a tech-packed edition with some intriguing new gadgets on test. Could the Oakley Meta Vanguard be the first smart glasses to really make the cut? We’ve also got a rethink of the classic saddle bag from Pakbrite, a bike dryer that claims “hurricane power”, a new action cam from Insta360, and Topeak’s mini electric pump. Here are the previews, with full reviews coming soon.
Oakley Meta Vanguard (£499)
2025 Oakley Meta Vanguard.jpg (credit: road.cc)“Engineered for pure performance”, the Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses certainly aren’t the first smart sunglasses to try and break through in cycling, but they could be the first to make it a success.
The main ‘benefits’ over conventional sunnies are the ability to video record your rides in 3K, with hands-free capture, and “immersice audio” for listening to tunes or your favourite podcast. Aesthetically, the glasses don’t look dissimilar to the current large-lensed cycling shades in Oakley’s range.
This tech doesn’t come cheap though, so Jez Ash is finding out if they’re worth the extra over less intelligent sunglasses. Check back soon for his full review.
Pakbrite Carbon Capsule Pro Waterproof Storage + Integrated Taillight (£154.24)
2025 Pakbrite Carbon Capsule Pro Waterproof Storage and Integrated Taillight – side.jpg (credit: road.cc)“The saddle bag reinvented”, but did it need reinventing? A lot of us use saddle bags and a lot of us use rear lights, and Pakbrite has decided to combine the two into a carbon fibre tube that not only has 400ml of storage but also doubles up as a 300 lumen rear light.
According to the brand, the storage capsule is compatible with cylindrical, D-shaped and aero seatposts, and it’s rated IP67 waterproof. But is it easy to live with? Jack Evans is finding out.
Dynamic AirForce Max blower (£119.98)
2025 Dynamic AirForce Max blower.jpg (credit: road.cc)The AirForce Max “turbofan with hurricane power” might take the prize for most buzz words, but can it’s performance live up to the name?
Dynamic Bike Care says, “a microfibre cloth or towel will dry most of your bike, but the AirForce Max is the tool to target hard-to-reach areas”.
The AirForce Max has an aluminium body and four blowing modes. It features a 240W motor, and claims up to one hour and 15 minutes of constant airflow. It’s USB-C rechargeable and is said to hit speeds of up to 130,000 RPM.
Insta360 X4 Air (£359)
2025 Insta360 X4 Air.jpg (credit: road.cc)> Which action camera is best for cycling?
The Insta360 X4 Air is a cheaper and lighter version of the brands flagship X5 action camera. It still has many of the popular features such as replaceable lenses and 8K recording, now packed into a body that is a claimed 35g lighter.
360 cameras have surged in popularity in recent years, and with recently updated competition from DJI and GoPro, Insta360 hopes the X4 Air will help you “ditch the bulky gear” while staying ahead of the pack.
Dave Atkinson is currently putting it through its paces, so check back soon for the full review.
Topeak E-Booster Digital Mini (£109.99)
2025 Topeak E-Booster Digital Mini.jpg (credit: road.cc)Is it time to make the switch to an electric bike pump?
With so many mini electric pumps now on the market, is it finally time to ditch the fiddly mini pump, and skip the hassle and waste of CO₂ cartridges, in favour of going electric?
The Topeak E-Booster Digital Mini is a rechargeable bike pump, that the brand claims can achieve a maximum pressure of 120psi. It weighs 146g and measures 5.4 x 3.4 x 7.2 cm, so you can easily carry it in a jersey pocket.
Iwein Dekoninck is using it right now to see if it’s worthy of a place on your Christmas wishlist.
For all the latest full test reports on road.cc, head over to our reviews section. For more advice before splashing the cash you can check out our buyer’s guides, and head over to road.cc Recommends to find all our top-rated products in one place.
Source link
