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August has been another busy month for our reviewers, testing a wide range of cycling kit, bikes, and tech. We have wheels and helmets that deliver serious bang for your bike, to innovative gadgets like the Schwalbe Clik valves.
14 products made the Recommends cut last month, and there’s some more info about six of them further down the page:
- Leatt ProClip 8.0 Race shoe
- Ridgeback Tour
- Sidi Ergo 6 Road Shoes
- Tenways CGO600 Plus
- Topeak Fastfuel Platform – Small
- Halfords Advanced Tubeless Track Pump
- Lazer Tempo KinetiCore Helmet
- Insta360 X5
- Schwalbe Clik Valve Conversion Set
- Apidura Expedition Tool Pack (1L)
- Hunt 44_46 Aerodynamicist UD Carbon Spoke Disc Wheelset
- Giant Defy Advanced SL 1
- Tailfin Alloy AeroPack Cargo
- Carradice Harrop Barbag
Giant Defy Advanced SL 1
In Giant’s road line-up, the Defy sits between the lightweight TCR and the aero-focused Propel. It shares much of the TCR’s DNA but offers a more relaxed geometry, wider tyre clearance, and greater frame compliance.
Our reviewer Stu says, “The Defy is a stunning bike to ride, whether you want something efficient to ride hard or to head out for multiple hours and not get beaten up on rough roads. At full price it’s at the upper end of the market, and there is some really tough competition if you are willing to make a few sacrifices.
If you can get a good deal, though, the Defy is arguably the pick of the bunch in the carbon endurance options.” Good news – at the time of writing, you can get a £1,700 off at Tredz!
Read our review of the Giant Defy Advanced SL 1
Hunt 44_46 Aerodynamicist UD Carbon Spoke Disc Wheelset
The Aerodynamicist range of wheels has been around for quite a few years now and has impressed us when reviewed, and the 44_46 Aerodynamicist UD Carbon Spoke Disc Wheelset continue to impress with great all-round performance and one hell of a lot of bang for your buck!
The front rim is 44.5mm deep with a 31mm external width, with the rear 46mm deep and 30mm wide. Each has a 22mm internal width and a hooked design that lets you run both clincher and tubeless tyres.
Our reviewer says, “Overall, I highly rate the Aerodynamicist wheels – I can’t find anything that niggled me or that I’d want to change. They are basically fit and forget”.
Read our review of the Hunt 44_46 Aerodynamicist UD Carbon Spoke Disc Wheelset
Lazer Tempo KinetiCore Helmet
Buy now for £25 from Team Cycles
For everyday riding, commuting or weekend miles, the Lazer Tempo KinetiCore helmet delivers much more than you’d expect for the money. It’s a lightweight, well-ventilated lid that offers modern rotational impact protection, all at a surprisingly low price.
Our reviewer adds, “At around 258g this uni-size helmet is one of the lightest I’ve worn at this price – in fact, it’s pretty light compared with a lot of high-end lids, weighing just 17g more than Lazer’s range-topping Z1 KinetiCore.”
With an RRP of £39.99, the Tempo KinetiCore is excellent value – and at the time of writing, you can pick one up for just £25 from Team Cycles.
Read our review of the Lazer Tempo KinetiCore Helmet
Schwalbe Clik Valve Conversion Set
Buy for £13.95 from Fawkes Cycles
Some riders are perfectly happy with Presta, Schrader, or Woods/Dunlop valves, and may see the Clik solution as solving a problem they never knew they had. But this new take on the humble valve is surprisingly practical: it latches onto a compatible pump with little force and just two fingers, and most existing Presta or Woods/Dunlop pumps work fine.
Reviewer Mike calls Clik “the easiest and most foolproof way to inflate your bike tyres.” It’s the first truly innovative alternative to traditional valves in over 130 years. Clik is easier, faster, cleaner and overall far more user-friendly than any alternative. And it’s only a few quid per wheel to upgrade.
Read our review of the Schwalbe Clik Valve Conversion Set
Insta360 X5
Buy from Insta360 X5 for £519.99
The Insta360 X5 fixes the biggest headache of 360° cameras: those easily damaged, protruding lenses. With removable lenses, it’s now a real game-changer.
Is it the camera for you? Our reviewer Dave says, “For riding, I think it offers a lot. Just the fact that you can stick it on an out-front mount and simultaneously get footage of yourself and the road ahead is a huge bonus, and the range of other shots you can get with a camera like this just makes it easier to put together an interesting vid.”
Read our review of the Insta360 X5
Tailfin Alloy AeroPack Cargo
Tailfin has long been known for its bikepacking gear, and its rack system is very clever and well thought out. The Cargo has an 18-litre waterproof main compartment and a further 1.5 litres of mesh cargo pockets either side, giving you a total of 21 litres.
On the bike, it’s an impressively solid experience. Unlike some bikepacking saddlebags, there’s no swaying around at all – it’s a super sturdy solution, says reviewer Josh. It’s expensive, but if it suits your needs, well worth the cost.
Read our review of the Tailfin Alloy AeroPack Cargo
To see the full archive of products that have been awarded road.cc Recommends badges over the years, head over to the road.cc Recommends section
