“Double the power when you need it, half the size when you don’t”: is this new pump the solution to your puncture woes? Plus, own Wout van Aert’s old bike, headphones that leave your ears uncovered, “the ultimate direct drive trainer”, and more tech news

We’ve got loads of new tech to tell you about, including Suunto’s bone-conduction headphones, how you can buy bikes ridden by Wout van Aert and Marianne Vos, and just-released products from Fizik, Ortlieb, and Moots, but we’re starting with what BBB describes as “the world’s first truly smart mini pump”…Is BBB’s tiny DoubleShot the solution … Read more

Halfords’ cycling revenue falls owing to “significantly worse than anticipated” bike market, as it continues shift towards motoring services

While cycling retailing giant Halfords’ revenues were up in the third quarter of 2023, the lingering turmoil in the bike industry meant that its performance in the cycling market was down by 1.2 per cent, which the company has labelled as “signifcantly worse than anticipated”.In the Q3 trading update posted by the retailer yesterday, Halfords revealed … Read more

“Volunteer” cyclists to be invited for trial allowing bikes on Manchester trams, as councillors express “serious concerns” about safety

A trial allowing bikes on Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram line is set to invite “volunteer” cyclists to assess the “risks and issues” of the policy change — one of Mayor Andy Burnham’s key election pledges — and is set to take place after months of deliberation and delay. However, opinions among councillors seem torn on the issue, with … Read more

Le Col Women’s Pro Bib Tights

The Le Col Women’s Pro Bib Tights keep you very warm without being restrictive or uncomfortable thanks to an innovative combination of fabrics and a great chamois. The weather resistance is excellent, keeping out the worst of the winter weather, but the legs come up slightly short on me – something to check if you’re … Read more

Magicshine RAY 2600B Bluetooth bike light

The dual-lens Magicshine Ray 2600B Bluetooth Bike Light has an impressive battery life, numerous mounting options and a smart handlebar remote. And its powerful 2,600-lumen maximum output makes it easily bright enough for riding unlit routes both on and off road – it’s just a shame such an impressive piece of hardware is paired with … Read more

Near Miss of the Day 888: Police to take action against driver who emergency stopped “six inches” from cyclist and seven-year-old son after “blindly following car in front”

The Metropolitan Police have taken prompt action against the driver seen in today’s Near Miss of the Day footage emergency braking to avoid a collision with a father cycling with his son in a cargo bike, after the motorist “blindly” followed the driver in front at a turning. road.cc reader Ashley tells us the Met has … Read more

“Cycle to work schemes are sucking the lifeblood out of cycle shops”: Bike shops tell Parliamentary Committee of “need for urgent systemic change” to Cycle to Work scheme

The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) and senior figures from cycling retailers have met with MPs from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW) to make their case about the “need for urgent systematic change” to the Cycle to Work scheme. The meeting comes two months after the ACT and bike shops hit back at … Read more

Selle Royal Explora saddle

The Selle Royal Explora saddle is one made for comfort rather than performance or low weight, and is aimed at those of us who enjoy leisure riding, both on and off road. There’s no getting away from the fact that at 415g it’s a bit of a weighty beast, so if you’re a budding racer … Read more