Five cool things has been on a bit of a test kit hiatus after our Eurobike adventure last week, but now we're back in Blighty and back trying out all our test bikes and gear that has already landed in the office... here's the latest lowdown!
Profile Design DRV/Aeroa 120 Drop bar
£69.99
Weighing in at 316g for the 38cm wide version, the DRV/AEROa is described as "a high-performance aluminium aero drop bar", with a truncated airfoil top section for optimum aerodynamics, comfort and stiffness. The bars include a 7 degree ramp angle and 4 degrees of flare in the drops for better ergonomics and a more natural wrist angle for enhanced comfort and control. Are they now Stu Kerton's best bars? You can out in his review shortly...
freewheel.co.uk
£3,799.99
Everything you like about Genesis' classic Croix de Fer, but in luxurious titanium... this 2020 version of the Croix de Fer Ti comes equipped with Shimano's new GRX gravel-specific groupset, and the frame is in 3Al-2.5V double-butted titanium. Genesis say the tube profiles are designed to give "a stiff and efficient pedalling platform, retaining the same connected feel and 'in-saddle' comfort for which the steel CdF is famed". 37mm gravel-specific WTB Riddler tyres with nice tan sidewalls should make for a comfy ride, and of course you get 12mm thru-axles with disc brakes as standard. A titanium delight? Mat Brett's test report is due later this month.
freewheel.co.uk
£24.98
Pro Bike Tool say this small but mighty pump can inflate up to 100 psi, with the oversized piston design enabling it to reach a decent pressure with 30% fewer pumps compared to conventional mini pumps... so you won't burn all your energy inflating your tyre if you get a flat on the road! The CNC machined aluminium shaft makes for a sturdy build, yet it weighs in at just 130g and is 22cm long, perfect for stashing in a jersey pocket. Has Stu Kerton now got an inflated opinion of this pump? His review is coming soon.
probiketool.com
£54.99
These stylish aluminium guards are suitable for tyre widths up to 42mm, with the angular profile and matte black finish complemented by a clean and simple 3 point fixing system with black stays for a discreet appearance. The total weight is 543g including all the fittings, and they're suitable for 700c road-style wheels.
zyrofisher.co.uk
£2,750
Austin Cycles make some of the world's lightest and most luxurious folders, with our test bike coming equipped with 11 speed Shimano Alfine hub gearing, a belt drive and carbon wheels. The frame, bars and seatpost are also carbon, and the frame can be folded and built back up again in as little as 10 seconds. Is it a Brompton killer? Find out in the full test report early next month...
austincycles.cc
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.
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 was Staff Writer at 220 Triathlon magazine for two years before joining road.cc in 2017, and reports on all things tech as well as editing the road.cc live blog. He is also the news editor of our electric-powered sister site eBikeTips. 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.