Road.cc's reviewers are busy bees as we move into the Autumn. Here's the lowdown on some of the latest kit and equipment we've been testing to help you make an informed choice on your bike-related purchases...
Bkool Smart Go
£349.99
The Spanish brand have revamped their entry level smart trainer, that can now reach up to 800 watts and simulates slopes of up to 8%. The noise level is 75 dB at 30 kph, and it can connect wirelessley to ANT+ and bluetooth devices. It disassembles into just two pieces and weighs jusy 9.85kg, and is compatible with all wheel sizes. A modern, stylish design completes this wheel-on trainer, and Dave Atkinson is currently trying it out in his pain cave to see if it stacks up to the flurry of other new smart trainers that have hit the shelves this year...
i-ride.co.uk
dhb Blok thermal long sleeve jersey
£59.99
This loud and proud thermal jersey from dhb looks perfect for cooler temps that are around the corner, with a fleeced lining countered by breathability and wicking properties to make it a versatile garment for autumn and winter. The jersey has three pockets (including a water-resistant one in the middle) an internal elasticated silicone gripper on the hem and a reflective insert on the back for some extra visibility. Does it's performance stand out as much as its looks? Stu Kerton's verdict is just around the corner.
wiggle.co.uk
Granite Hex Stand
£62.00
This stand attaches to your bike through the crank arm, and at 750g and easily foldable, portable enough to take on the road with you for last-minute fettling before a race. It's suitable for any hollow crank axle bike, and is height-adjustable with a 65mm range. It's available in six different colurs and will fit pretty muc any Shimano road crankset and even the CX70 and CX50 cyclocross cranks. Liam Cahill will be telling us if it stands above other stands at this price point in the coming weeks...
granite-design.com
Shimano Compact wind vest
£54.99
Shimano have fully branched out from components with their latest selection of clothing, and this new wind vest is packable yet is supposed to provide plenty of protection from the elements. Both windproof and water resistant, the vest is small and light with 360 degree reflectivity for bonus safety points.
madison.co.uk
Abus Gamechanger aero road helmet
£179.99
This aero road helmet was unveiled by Abus back in April, and is now the official race helmet of the Movistar pro cycling team. The claimed gamechanging credentials of the helmet lie in its aerodynamics, optimised to allow for aero-efficient airflow at different head angles as well as the optimal, level head position. The large air channels also ensure that the head remains at a comfortable temperature, and Abus have also included their own Multi Shell in-mold for safety (we'd expect nothing less from a brand also renowned for rock solid bike locks). Is the 260g Gamechanger truly a game changer? Liam Cahill is finding out now, with a verdict coming soon...
zyrofisher.co.uk
Check back on road.cc's review section to see full test reports of all these products plus many more.
Could Siobhán paint it red and noone would notice it?
Feel so sorry for the family, likely to be in temporary accommodation for at least 6 months.
I've posted before about being 69, lifelong cyclist as my main transport, much of it in, through, under, over London and how it's bicycles that...
200 people out of a close by population of how many? Just build it and stop being a wuss
To paraphrase Field of Dreams, "Build it right and they will come: and use it!"
And a Happy Christmas to you, road.cc staff!
The odds of not being able to find a single pedestrian - just one, note, "any pedestrian" - in an area containing more than about ten of them who...
I love how wannabe racer reviewers talk about fork flex under braking like their tyres are made of glue. I find traction gives long before fork flex.
They don't make them like they used to
Thanks for using my picture of chocolate in your opening picture. The original can be found here, chocolate! | LongitudeLatitude | Flickr.