The kit just keeps on coming! Here are some previews of the latest gear to head out of road.cc Towers and on to our intrepid team of reviewers...
Birzman roar control CO2 inflator
£19.99
There's nothing worse than blowing up a C02 cartridge before it's properly engaged, and Birzman say they're no chance of that with the Roar Control inflator, that allows for precise control of your air flow by lightly turning the cartridge. It takes 16g C02's, is Presta and Schrader-compatible and comes with 3 cartridges plus a neoprene grip to prevent cold-burning your hands for the £19.99 asking price. Is it a roaring success? Stu Kerton's verdict is in soon.
i-ride.co.uk
Schwalbe X-One Speed TLE CX tyres
£49.99
These tubeless, 33mm performance cyclocross tyres from Schwalbe are brand new, and at the top end of their One Cyclo-X series. "A real speed miracle" according to Schwalbe, they have flatter rounded knobbly bits supported by some extra Multi-Rip Blocks for more traction on dry tracks. A double layer of nylon fabric under the tread should ensure good puncture protection, making these look like a failsafe, fast tyre for CX racing.
schwalbe.com
£1,599.00
The 2018 version of this all-rounder from Focus carries on the current trend for versatility on mixed terrain, with clearance for 35mm tyres, disc brakes and a comfort-orientated geometry: "there are no bad roads, there is no bad weather" on this bike, proclaim Focus. Our demo bike as tested by Dave Arthur is equipped with a Shimano Tiagra groupset, Continental Ultra Sport II 28mm tyres and a deep red paint job. Does it do it all? The review is due soon...
focus-bikes.com/gb
Miche Syntium AXY Disc Black wheelset
£469.99
While they're not one of the big boys in the wheel and component world, Italian brand Miche always rate well on road.cc, so we're expecting a nice ride from these lightweight disc-compatible options. Tipping the scales at a claimed 1639g, Miche say they "guarantee excellent smoothness and reliability", and are ideal for mixed terrain or long climbs. 24 spokes front and rear, shallow rims and aluminium hubs with high-performance bearings complete the package. Do discs and climbing go together on this occasion? James Whateley is testing these hoops right now.
chickencyclekit.co.uk
Selle Royal Forum Athletic saddle
£35.50
This is the sportiest version of the plush Forum male-specific range from Selle Royal, with the onus being on comfort over weight-shedding (well you'd think so, as this saddle is a hefty 420g). Selle Royal say it's "the perfect saddle for amateur racing, urban commuting or touring in the Athletic position", and it also features a central channel for extra pressure relief and air circulation. A soft cover and Selle Royal's patented RoyalGel padding is claimed to reduce pressure peaks by up to 40%. Does it live up to these loft claims? Simon Whitby's position on this perch will be on the site soon...
selleroyal.com
For all the latest road.cc test reports, head to our reviews section. If you'd like more advice before splashing your cash, check out our buyer's guides.
After cobbling together a few hundred quid during his student days off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story), Jack bought his first road bike at the age of 20 and has been hooked ever since. He joined road.cc in 2017, having previously worked for 220 Triathlon magazine. Jack's preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking (the latter being another long story), and on Sunday afternoons he can often be found on an M5 service station indulging in his favourite post-race meal of 20 chicken nuggets, a sausage roll, caramel shortbread and a large strawberry milkshake.