We're all back to work and somewhat gutted that the warm weather has sharply slipped away, but those of us of the paler persuasion are grateful of the chance to let our burn lines subside! Here's some of our pile that we'll be continuing to test to the max in the decidedly cooler climes this week...
Topeak Versamount
£7.99
This handy-looking contraption from Topeak allow you to mount extra bottle cages in various places on your bike where there are no integrated frame options. The band style clamps simply go through the bottle cage holes and are made with engineering-grade plastic, which is supposed to keep your bottle and its cage firm and secure. Does it do the job? Mike Stenning has it on his bike now.
extrauk.co.uk
Hövding 2.0 Airbag for Cyclists
£219.00
We've been tracking Hövding's innovation for some time (check out our crash test video from last month). It replaces the helmet with a device that looks like a snood/collar-type thing when worn around the neck (you can change the cover if you want a more stylish one) and in the event of a crash, it balloons out like an airbag to give you a much softer landing than if you were to smack your head straight on tarmac. The collar encloses the airbag system is made of black, waterproof, dirt-repellent functional fabric that rests comfortably around your neck, and it's also pretty easy to put on - once the bag has blown up your Hövding is used, but they offer crash replacement offers and it's a hard-wearing device that should last you as long as you don't suffer that unfortunate crash. Could these really replace the humble lid for urban cyclists? It's almost time for our verdict to be delivered courtesy of Mike Stenning later this month
shop.hovding.com
Rapha Technical T-Shirt
£55.00
It's a plain black t-shirt, and it's £55... so what can Rapha's tee do that others can't justify the outlay? As part of their 'Explore' range (which includes the much talked-about gravel shorts) Rapha say it can be worn on or off the bike and uses a light micro-mesh fabric with a gradient knit structure that's the same as their Flyweight Jersey; so while it's loose-fitting to look a bit less serious, it's still made to be breathable and suitable for fast riding should you want to. Would our reviewer recommend splashing out north of fifty quid for it? Dave Arthur's review is coming soon.
rapha.cc
Bragi Dash Pro wireless headphones
£299.99
Bragi's innovation is described as "the next generation of true wireless earbuds", offering a strong Bluetooth connection and high quality audio without wires. While you might not want the musical features on the bike, it's good to know that off it the integrated MP3 player can hold up to 1000 songs without having to have your phone connected. With Bluetooth, it's a simple one-touch set-up to connect your device. For getting more out of your rides, Bragi have their Bragi App that offers fitness tracking with an 'on-board activity coach' that will presumably bark orders and keep you motivated during your ride. Can this MP3 player/coaching tool in one wireless package justify the price? George Hill is listening through them at the moment.
bragi.com
Litelok Gold wearable bike lock
£100.00
Proclaimed as "the world's lightest, flexible, gold security bike lock", Litelok launched via a Kickstarter and have proved popular for the functional and versatile design, and a rock-solid construction made from Litelok's patented material called Boaflexicore. You don't need a key, instead Litelok has an integrated Lock Stopper that you remove with a quick release mechanism, then clicking the rest of the lock together to secure your bike. Did George forge an unbreakable bond with his? Check back for the full review soon.
litelok.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.
I needed to send a set back for an overhaul:(
It's a mark of how weak your pompous pontificating is that you're forced to make up things I never said in order to try to defend your "look at me...
I don't think it would be a great idea to pass behind a vehicle with a big blind spot, especially on a penny farthing.
Got mine at Aldi - they are rejuvenated if you wash them.
'I was so lucky that I was doing the speed limit' (!) http://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17d598vj0qo
It's mentioned in benefit #2 in the article...
Pneu ballon and hookless rims are back, I still have some 27" Birmalux rims in the shed somewhere.
Well yes, but it is the holidays
I have the gross misfortune to live on her "patch". The state of roads policing (and the actual roads) and consequent danger everytime one gets on...
Thank you for that excellent forensic analysis, I couldn't figure out where I'd gone wrong! Must drink more coffee and put on glasses before trying...