We’ve all ‘hit the wall’ or cracked pretty badly when out on a ride, so this week’s highlights from our bulging pile of bikes, kit and gear on test might help prevent that so-called bonk.

The Supersapiens glucose monitoring system to fend off running out of gas, Suunto’s heart rate monitor to see how much effort you’re putting in, the Spoked Training app to “train smarter”, Rapha’s long-sleeve jersey to ward off the cold and a chain cleaner from Juice Lubes… because no one likes a squeaky chain! 

Supersapiens Glucose Monitoring System and Energy Band Version Zero

£130/28 days

2022 Supersapiens
2022 Supersapiens (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Supersapiens Glucose Monitoring System and Energy Band Version Zero is a glucose biosensor that streams your glucose data to the Supersapiens app in real time. 

The energy band is a one-off purchase costing €159 (around £137) and the monitoring system priced at £130 for 28 days comes with 2 two biosensors – each one lasting 14 days. 

2022 Supersapiens Energy Band Version Zero - Libre Sense Biosensore.jpg
2022 Supersapiens Energy Band Version Zero - Libre Sense Biosensore (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Supersapiens says: “This is for those who are looking to dial in their personal nutrition, increase energy, reduce inflammation, promote recovery, sustain performance, and know exactly whats going on inside their bodies.”

You are able to visualise how everything impacts your glucose levels, every minute of the day with the aim of learning how to turn your data into positive behaviour changes.

2022 Supersapiens Energy Band Version Zero.jpg
2022 Supersapiens Energy Band Version Zero (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

It currently integrates with Garmin, TrainingPeaks and Apple Health. Check back in a couple of weeks to see if Jamie agrees that you will “never bonk again” after using this. 

www.supersapiens.com


Suunto Smart Heart Rate Belt 

£69

2022 Suunto Heart Rate Belt 2.jpg
2022 Suunto Heart Rate Belt 2 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Using a heart rate monitor allows you to monitor the intensity you’re riding at, and Suunto says its Smart Heart Rate Belt “provides accurate heart rate data without compromising comfort.” 

> Check out the best heart rate monitors 2022

It is compatible with Bluetooth smart devices and suitable for multiple sports including swimming, with 30m water resistance. 

2022 Suunto Heart Rate Belt 1.jpg
2022 Suunto Heart Rate Belt 1 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The strap is adjustable and washable and comes in sizes S (56-82 cm), M (70-110 cm) and L (96-160 cm). 

www.suunto.com


Spoked Training App 

£11.99/month 

2022 Spoked Training App
2022 Spoked Training App (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The best cycling training apps help provide structure to your riding. Spoked says it is your personalised cycling coach, helping you “build your knowledge base and learn the finer details of cycling.”  

It claims to combine the personalised nature of a cycling coach and the accessibility of an app into a smart plan for any level of fitness and goals. 

Based on your training performances every session is personalised to you, so hopefully bonking won’t be a frequent occurrence! 

www.spoked.com


Rapha Men’s Brevet Long Sleeve Jersey 

£155

2022 Rapha Brevet Long Sleeve Infinium Jersey.jpg
2022 Rapha Brevet Long Sleeve Infinium Jersey (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Admittedly, this isn’t directly going to prevent you from bonking… but Rapha says this long-sleeve jersey is recommended for cold conditions, and staying warm on long endurance rides is key to not cracking. 

> Check out the best winter cycling jerseys 2022

This jersey also features high-vis stripes around the chest and a reflective armband “for high visibility.” 

2022 Rapha Brevet Long Sleeve Infinium Jersey - back.jpg
2022 Rapha Brevet Long Sleeve Infinium Jersey - back (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

There are three large cargo pockets offering “ample storage for essentials”; plenty of room for ride snacks to test out the Supersapiens system. 

www.rapha.cc


Dirt Juice Boss in a Can, Chain Cleaner

£8.99

2022 Juice Lubes Dirt Juice Boss in a Can Chain Cleaner
2022 Juice Lubes Dirt Juice Boss in a Can Chain Cleaner (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Again, not a bonking prevention tool, but no one likes hearing their own – or someone else’s – squeaky chain! 

There are lots of gains to be made from a clean drivetrain with reports of 1-2% power losses from a grubby chain. 

> Check out the best bike chain lubes 2022 

Juice Lubes Dirt Juice Boss In A Can works as a spray-on drivetrain degreaser which they say will “restore it to box-fresh, ready for a fresh coat of lube.” See what Dave has to say in the next couple of weeks about whether this really does send “oily, greasy grime packing.” 

www.juicelubes.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.