It might be April Fools' Day, but there's no fooling around for road.cc's reviewers at the moment as we get stuck into our spring and summer gear reviews - although we felt foolish heading out in a jersey and shorts this morning thinking it was warm with the sunshine pouring through the window, only to find out it was about 4°c...
Rondo HVRT AL
£1,499.99
The Rondo HVRT AL blends classic styling with bang up-to-date features, with a 10 speed Shimano Tiagra drivetrain, clearance for 650b wheels with road plus tyres and disc brakes. What's more, the full carbon fork can also be tweaked to make the geometry more aggressive thanks to Rondo's TwinTip technology. Just a flip of the chip in the fork switches the bike between a more relaxed commuter and a rapid racer. Being an all-rounder, it's also equipped with mudguard mounts. The ultimate alloy do-it-all? Find out in Stu Kerton's review later this month.
hotlines-uk.com
Castelli Undersaddle Mini pack
£25.00
This compact saddle bag from Castelli has room for an inner tube and flat kit, and fits neatly right under your saddle with no overhang which will appeal to racers. Castelli say it's weather-resistant, and there's also an adjustable hook and loop attachment strap system.
saddleback.co.uk
Fumpa miniFumpa
£109.00
The handy little device should take the hassle out of pumping your tyre on the go without the debris that comes with C02 cartridges. On a single charge the miniFumpa can pump up more than two 700c road tyres from flat, with a maximum tyre inflation rating of up to 120 psi - which should cover you for all distance rides unless you're really unlucky. Charging is via USB, and it fits presta valves. Fumpa say you should be able to get to 100 psi in 43 seconds on a 23mm tyre, and a 25mm tyre should get to 90psi in 41 seconds. Did it leave Mike Stead feeling deflated? We hope not, but you can find out in his review soon.
fumpapumps.co.uk
Asgard Access E Plus Bike Storage
£575.00
Intended to house up to three e-bikes (but of course suitable for other bike types too) the Access E is a large metal storage shed designed to protect your bike(s). Made from weatherproof steel and weighing over 19 stone, it has a whole host of security features to keep the thieves at bay, such as heavy-duty double-doors, a reinforced easy-lift lid, heavy duty locking shrouds and a door deadbolt. For even more security the unit can be bolted to the ground using the supplied fixing bolts, just in case some very committed robbers decide they want to lift the whole thing. There is also a mounting plate to attach e-bike chargers. Is it bullet (and more importantly thief)-proof? The verdict will be in soon.
asgardsss.co.uk
Rudy Project Defender Graphene ImpactX Photochromic 2
£191.00
The Defender "blends an innate racing attitude with the most advanced eyewear technology to provide unparalleled comfort to athletes and weekend warriors", so say Rudy Project. They have an adjustable nosepad and temple-tips, offer a wide field of vision and there are protective soft 'safety bumpers' to offer plenty of cushion. The 'Power Flow' ventilation system, i.e. gaps at the side to maximise airflow, should also keep you cooler. George Hill is out testing them at the moment, with a review due later this month...
yellow-limited.com
To read all road.cc's latest test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you want some more advice before splashing the cash, check out our buyer's guides.
The end of an icon. A real pity, particularly for those who worked there and for the regulars....
Experimental traffic orders have left the building, no doubt. So a massive waste of tax payers contribution for little to no benefit. The few near...
I put on a cheap ebay brake booster just before the bike was relegated to 3rd choice and was very impressed but I haven't tried fancy cables yet....
These debates perpetuate because there are naive people who think the world can be divided into yes and no answers, and that apparent...
Why aren't there right wing echo chambers?...
Maybe they were attracted by some bollards?
Any news yet? This reply is over a week old.
"Not waterproof Might not work with your fingering technique" Phrasing!
I have to say I've had the bog standard Garmin HRM for 10 years or so now, used several times per week, and it's still working perfectly
Thanks, that's the target. Or I could get a big hat.