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raphacargobibshorts-pocket_2.jpgFive cool things coming soon from Tifosi, Primal, Rapha, Kask and BBB
Spring seems to have given summer a miss and skipped straight to autumn, to almost quote a famous scene from Monty Python's Holy Grail... and while we're back in our full-fingered gloves and longs, road.cc's reviewers are still out testing to the max in all weathers. Here are some highlights that are out with reviewers this week...
Tifosi Cavazzo Tiagra Commuter Disc
£1,649.00
This bike is aimed at tourers and commuters (hence the name) and has mudguards mounted as standard. Tifosi claim to have made one of the most versatile bikes money can buy, suitable for fast commuting and the club run, right up to gravel riding. It can take up to 40mm tyres (32mm tyres and Miche Race rims come on our test model) and the hydraulic, flat mount disc brakes have a 160mm rotor up front with 140mm at the rear. The frame is a blend of Toray Carbon fibres, and it's electronic groupset-ready should you want to upgrade the full Tiagra groupset you get on this build for £1,649. Can the Cavazzo really do it all? Look out for Mike Stead's review on the site next month.
tifosicycles.co.uk
£195.00
They caused quite a stir when they were launched in early March, and these premium adventure-orientated shorts drawn particular attention for the sizeable pockets on the sides; dubbed 'banana pockets' amongst some of the 1.5 million or so of us who saw their advertising campaign on YouTube. Rapha say that by placing pockets on both legs and the upper back, the bibs free you from needing a traditional cycling jersey with pockets so you can wear a regular tee or whatever the hell you like on top. They're made with a lightweight water-resistant material, and suitable for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. A perforated chamois is also added which is designed to dry quickly so you can get some extra days out of them on your adventures. Are those banana pockets actually genius, and are they really worth that huge price tag? Dave Arthur is finding out...
rapha.cc
£80.00
It's no secret we're a fan of Primal kit here at road.cc Towers (after all, they do make the greatest cycling garment of all time, our famous road.cc Evo jersey) and this one is designed for the warmer seasons with a stretchy polyester fabric that's designed to move with your body and wick moisture away. Interestingly it has silver ions in fabric, which Primal claims destroy odours caused by bacteria... which will stop you from ponging after sweaty times in the saddle. How does it stack up against other airy summer best jerseys? James Whateley is testing this one with a review due shortly.
primaleurope.com
BBB Samurai Telescopic MiniPump 210mm
£29.95
Sure you can stuff them in your back pocket, but it's good to know you can save some space and mount this powerful little pump on your frame too with the mounting bracket included. Weighing just 124g, the Telescopic is made with lightweight 6061-T6 aluminium and has an extractable hose. BBB claim it inflates up to 9 bar or 130 psi, and it also has a valve cover to help keep your valves clean. The unique screw-on valve system is designed to fit Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves, and the whole unit is just 210mm long. Dave Arthur is assessing this pump's power at the moment.
windwave.co.uk
£169.00
The Valegro is the latest all-round road lid from Team Sky's helmet maker of choice, and it's packed with technology to keep you cool and comfortable. Weighing just 206g for a medium, the Valegro has patented MIT Technology that adds a polycarbonate shell on top for complete protection, plus Kask's In Moulding system to join the layers together which is supposed to improve shock absorption. It has a whopping 36 air vents and an internal lining for fast wicking, and highly conductive padding to stop static building up while you ride. A soft leather chin strap and smooth padding make it a luxurious option for race day. Is it worth the investment? Mat Brett will be telling us soon...
kask.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.
Jack has been writing about cycling and multisport for over a decade, arriving at road.cc via 220 Triathlon Magazine in 2017. He worked across all areas of the website including tech, news and video, and also contributed to eBikeTips before being named Editor of road.cc in 2021 (much to his surprise). Jack has been hooked on cycling since his student days, and currently has a Trek 1.2 for winter riding, a beloved Bickerton folding bike for getting around town and an extra beloved custom Ridley Helium SLX for fantasising about going fast in his stable. Jack has never won a bike race, but does have a master's degree in print journalism and two Guinness World Records for pogo sticking (it's a long story).
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7 comments
Had anyone at Rapha watched "Superbad" they would know "No one's got a handjob in cargo shorts since 'nam."
Looking forward to the review on the Giant Propel Disc [the 'cheapest' version] when that comes out....saw the first look video back in March.
Lycra cargo shorts. Whatever next?
Gravel specific socks, with pockets, for £20. But I'm sticking to M&S so what do I care. LOL
Tiagra on a 1600 quid bike? Now that's just plain wrong.
Historically yes, but functionally the gap is so small now that it comes down to whether you want 10 or 11 speeds. For me Tiagra is the sweet spot - shifting is as good as 105 and all the components are cheaper. If it was a rim-brake bike people tend to feel that the 105 calipers are better but that's about it.
Somewhat impressive to find a carbon frame rated for racks and panniers - including low-riders.
The market for a race orientated frame that can take guards AND racks and not be constrained to 28mm tyres with guards AND made of CF has been empty. Low riders on CF forks is not a new thing, certainly the higher end Specialized Globe and Tricross models with their FACT carbon forks are bombproof and will easily take 10kg and more should you require them to on the low rider mounts.
The 2009 Sirrus Pro Ltd I bought (as NOS last year) has guard and rack mounts but as per all the Sirrus models no low rider mounts despite the same CF forks as the Globe & Tricross. I rarely use low riders so not a major problem and you can fit a front rack without them anyways. What I love about the Pro Ltd is that it's not a disc frame, can fit 45mm tyres WITH mudguards and has a proven 9M FACT carbon layup as per their enduro & Stumpjumper models, one rung below the World Champion winning S-Works.
I specifically sought that variant because though it gives away a few hundred grams I know it's going to be a lot more robust. I think Specialized have missed a trick because they had all the know how and had utilised it on the tricross. A race orientated carbon frameset with all the fitments as per here would have filled a gap for the modern day touriste/audaxer/long distance rider as well as being able to use it off road and as a commuter.
IF the frame proves it's ready to be used on harsh UK roads and can take the loads and gets a thumbs up from the reviewer it could well go really well over here though I know a lot of the old school will frown because it's not steel/ti and carbon will melt if you look at it wrong.