It’s now 2022, but we still have lots of interesting products released towards the end of last year which we have been testing over the hols! Here’s our top five… 

Velocio Alpha Merino Air Jacket

£195

Velocio Women’s Alpha Merino Air Jacket
Velocio Women’s Alpha Merino Air Jacket (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

This top layer is claimed to have the warmth of a heavy winter softshell but with the weight of a long sleeve jersey, with Velocio saying it’ll provide “the perfect balance of protection and breathability for a range of conditions”.

> 55 of the best winter cycling jackets – stay warm and dry when it’s cold and wet

Pertex’s Alpha Wool is used as interior insulation on the sleeve, front and collar, while Pertex’s Quantum Air is designed to provide a wind and water resistant barrier to help trap heat while maintaining “class-leading breathability”. Does this jacket cover most winter riding needs? I’ve been testing the women’s version; my full report is coming soon… 

eu.velocio.cc

Northwave Fast Trail Bibtight 

£144.99

2021 Northwave Fast Trail Bibtight.jpg
2021 Northwave Fast Trail Bibtight (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Designed for trail riding, these bib tights feature a stretch fabric insert on the knee to match the pedalling movement, while the water repellent lower leg should protect against splashes and mud. Bluesign certified Thermo Dream fabric is used for the lower part, from the waist downwards. The stretchy fabric has a brushed finish and is scuff resistant, says Northwave. Two side pockets are also included for extra storage. Steve Williams has been heading out to the gravel tracks recently and his verdict is coming soon…

www.i-ride.co.uk 
 

Pro Stealth Team Saddle – Curved

£179.99

2022 Pro Stealth Team Saddle Curved.jpg
2022 Pro Stealth Team Saddle Curved (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Pro’s Stealth Curved Team Saddle is a short length, wide nosed saddle that’s designed to support competitive cyclists who maintain an aggressive, aero position, yet suffer from moving side to side while pedalling.

> How to choose the correct saddle for you and your riding

The Curved version has a rounded rear profile and slightly narrower nose to help make left and right movement comfortable. A broad cut out is also included to prevent discomfort in the perineal region. Is this Steve Williams’ saddle soulmate? He’ll be reporting back shortly…

www.freewheel.co.uk 

Look 765 Gravel RS Disc

£5,499

2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - fully loaded.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - fully loaded front.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - fully loaded rear.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - bars 1.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - bars 2.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - bars 3.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - bottle cages.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - bottom bracket.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - cassette.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - chain stay.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - clearance.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - crank.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - down tube bosses.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - down tube.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - drivetrain.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - fork.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - frame detail.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - front disc brake.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - front mech.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - head tube badge.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - head tube.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - lever.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - pedal.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - rear disc brake.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - rear mech.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap handlebar bag end pocket.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap handlebar bag straps.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap handlebar bag.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap saddle bag 1.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap saddle bag 2.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap saddle bag clip.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap saddle bag roll top.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap saddle bag straps.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap top tube bag stem loop.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap top tube bag strap.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - Restrap top tube bag.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - rim.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - saddle and post.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - saddle.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - seat post bolt.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - seat stays.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - seat tube junction.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - stem and spacers.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - stem.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - top tube bosses.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - tyre 2.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - tyre.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - UCI sticker.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - underside bosses.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - riding 1.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - riding 2.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - riding 3.jpg2022 Look 765 Gravel RS Disc - riding 4.jpg

The 765 Gravel RS bike features a carbon frame with a sporty endurance geometry, and chromatic finish is really neat, too –  it changes colour according to the light.

The stays are designed with two deflection points which Look says enables a 15% increase in the natural compliance of the carbon. Also, by flattening the tube its vertical movement can be improved while increasing its lateral rigidity. Together, Looks says these seat stays filter shock while increasing traction and control on rough terrain, without increasing the frame’s weight.

> 19 of the best 2021 gravel bikes & adventure road bikes

The 765 comes equipped with Sram’s Rival AXS wireless groupset, Fulcrum’s Rapid Red 500 wheels fitted with Hutchinson Touareg 40mm tyres to help provide comfort on long distance rides. It;s also loaded up with Restrap’s matching bikepacking bags too. Stu Kerton has been hitting the off-road tracks over the hols and his full report will be landing on the site soon…

www.lookcycle.com 

Topeak Ninja Master+ Cage Z 

£7.99

2022 Topeak Ninja Master+ Toolbox T11 - on Ninja bottle cage 1.jpg
2022 Topeak Ninja Master+ Toolbox T11 - on Ninja bottle cage 1 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

This is not just a water bottle cage, Topeak’s Ninja Master+  allows you to add tools, Co2 inflator kit or inner tube holder and is compatible with all Ninja accessories so you’re covered for basic repair and maintenance. Matt Page is testing this cage with Topeak’s Ninja Master+ Toolbox T11 (£51.99) and his full reviews on the two products will be landing on the site soon…

topeak.com 

For all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you want some more advice before splashing the cash, check out our buyer’s guides