The Tour de France is just about to finish in Paris, but road.cc‘s Tech of the Week is where the action’s really at. We have loads of new products from brands like Shimano and Garmin, and the strangest aero components from the Transcontinental Race, but we’re kicking off with a new bike lock that’s proving to be incredibly popular…
What’s so special about this bike lock that immediately shattered its Kickstarter funding target?
A new bike lock that aims to secure your frame, both wheels and even the saddle has smashed its Kickstarter funding target with more than a month of the campaign still to run. Seven days after launch (when we last checked on Friday lunchtime), Cordalock had attracted more than £50,000 in pledges against a funding goal of £7,500.
Cordalock may look like a conventional cable lock, but there’s more to it than that, according to its creators.
“A succession of hardened steel rings surrounds a braided stainless-steel cable core, combining articulation and flexibility with mechanical protection,” they say.
“The rings are not simply placed side by side. Their bullet-shaped profile allows each ring to fit into the next, creating a continuous protective structure while preserving flexibility.”
The system consists of a central locking mechanism with separate loops that secure both wheels and, on one version, the saddle as well. Rather than using a single continuous cable, Cordalock features two independent loops connected by the central lock. Cutting one loop won’t release the other. It’s entirely mechanical, requiring no battery or smartphone app, and is operated with a single key.
> Which type of lock is best for your bike?
So what’s the benefit of this design?
“Cordalock’s independent closed-loop architecture forces an attacker to defeat more than one protected point in a full-bike setup,” say the designers.
As for security, we haven’t had the opportunity to test Cordalock ourselves, and it hasn’t yet received a Sold Secure rating. However, the company claims that each cut takes more than 20 seconds using an 840W, 11,000rpm Makita angle grinder, with a thief needing to make at least two cuts to steal a fully secured bike.
The company also says that, in separate testing, the articulated ring construction caused a compact 350W battery-powered angle grinder to jam.
What about weight? The 3-in-1 version, which secures the saddle as well as the wheels, weighs 2.8kg, while the 2-in-1 model – without the saddle loop – comes in at 2.1kg.
When it’s not in use, Cordalock can be clipped to a frame mount, carried in a bag or worn across your body.
How much money are we talking? Get in on the Super Early Bird offer and you need to pledge €157 (about £135) to be in line for a Cordalock 2-in-1 or €165 (about £141) for the Cordalock 3-in-1. Delivery is estimated for December 2026.
As we always point out, pledging money through Kickstarter is not the same as buying through a retailer; rewards are not guaranteed.
Garmin acquires TrainingPeaks
Tech company Garmin has acquired TrainingPeaks, the digital platform used by endurance athletes and coaches to plan, track, and analyse training, along with the TrainHeroic training app.
> Check out our TrainingPeaks review
Garmin says, “The acquisition strengthens Garmin’s fitness ecosystem with customizable coaching experiences for endurance, strength and performance-focused athletes across every stage of their fitness journey.”
In an email sent out to users, TrainingPeaks MD Lee Gerakos said, “Our objective is to expand access to more authentic coaching experiences – connecting athletes with human coaches who guide, motivate and inspire them to reach their goals.
“We wanted to proactively assure you that TrainingPeaks will continue to operate as a cross-platform ecosystem, enabling athletes and coaches to use the devices, platforms and services that best suit their needs.
“We are incredibly excited for the capabilities this expanded ecosystem will enable for you to continue to grow and develop as an athlete.”
Homemade aero hacks turning heads at the Transcontinental Race
Keen dotwatchers will know that Transcontinental Race No12 is taking place right now – a self-supported race across Europe with the clock never stopping for sleeping, eating, or anything else.
This year’s event is from Trondheim in Norway to Kalamata in Greece with four control points on the way. As ever, there’s no set route – navigation is very much part of the challenge – but successful riders will cover about 5,000km (3,100 miles).
You can keep up with the racing here.
We are intrigued, though, by Robert Müller’s setup.
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UCI rules do not apply here, hence a transparent bowl shielding most of the handlebar area, including the aero extensions and front light.
And at the back, he has a customised container with a top that’s Velcro-ed in place and a makeshift faring smoothing over the edges.
Müller said, “This is a very cheap and heavy Chinese bike because I cannot afford a €10,000 bike like many other (and sponsored) riders are using. I don’t have access to aero testing, scientific bikefitting and the latest technology. So I thought, how can I close the gap to the professional and sponsored riders without spending money and this is my solution.”
Unconventional it may be, but Robert Müller is in sixth place at the time of writing (Thursday 23rd July).
Parcours expands vibration-damping VibraCORE wheel range
Following the launch of the Strade GT earlier this year, British wheel brand Parcours has unveiled three additions to its premium GT Series covering road racing, time trial and triathlon: the Chrono GT, all-new 3S GT and Disc GT.
The Strade GT was the first wheel to use VibraCORE tech – incorporating recycled carbon in the rim structure to improve comfort and performance by reducing vibration. The new additions bring VibraCORE to Parcours’ high-performance aero range.
The Chrono GT wheelset is UCI compliant, with 62mm front and 65mm rear profiles. It uses the same carbon spoke hub architecture as the Strade GT, and weighs just 1,275 g. The Chrono GT wheelset price is £2,499.
Parcours has also introduced the 3S GT tri-spoke wheel (£1,499) and a Disc GT rear disc (£2,399)
All three models are optimised for 30mm tyres. If you want all the details, check out Parcours’ white paper covering the launch.
The 15 grand glass exercise bike we somehow missed
How on earth did we miss this? The Ciclotte Teckell Glass Bike has been around for years but it has passed us by until now and you definitely deserve to see it.
Ciclotte says, “This revolutionary bike has been developed in accordance with a precise ergonomic study and equipped with an electromagnetic transmission with turn-multiplier system that allows high training performance. The pureness of the circle, innovative technology and the quiet dynamism of a home fitness object.”
This Italian design certainly looks distinctive, especially that handlebar although we can’t vouch for the ergonomics. Form ahead of function, we’re saying – but we’ve not used it. The saddle is from Selle Italia, though.
Ciclotte says, “All Ciclotte bikes are compatible with an optional 3D visor system, offering 12 fully immersive routes, ranging from alpine terrains to the African savannah. Additionally, a mobile device integration kit is available, providing seamless connectivity to both smartphones and tablets.”
The price is a barely-worth-mentioning £15,284.
The design is also available in other materials, including walnut (£13,600).
Iron Man makes a surprise Tour de France appearance
Members of Team TotalEnergies lined up for this year’s Tour de France individual time trial earlier this week wearing Iron Man-inspired aero helmets. That’s Iron Man as in the Marvel character, not Ironman the long-distance triathlons.
TotalEnergies’ helmet sponsor HJC has a long history of working with Marvel on the motorcycle side of things.
“We want to highlight this relationship, while providing something fun for the superheroes of the TotalEnergies racing team. Why? Because it is fun.”
The HJC helmet in question is the Adwatt 1.0, which retails at €309, or about £299.99 in the UK
New Abus helmet comes with visors for different rider builds and positions
In more aero helmet news – was there something going on this week? – Abus has released its new TimeShifter lid which it describes as “the fastest Abus helmet ever”. It worked with aero specialist Swiss Side on the new design.
You know the usual script: how many watts will it save you?
“[We] deliberately chose not to make generalised wattage claims,” says Abus. “Instead, the new TimeShifter was developed and validated through a multi-stage process involving 112 CFD simulations, 194 wind tunnel runs, and 39 velodrome tests. The goal was not to create a helmet for a perfect lab position, but rather the fastest Abus helmet for the widest possible range of riders and real-world racing situations.”
Abus says the TimeShifter is the first TT helmet to feature two interchangeable visor shapes which alter the helmet’s effective width and shape, “helping optimise the interaction between the rider and helmet”.
“Wind tunnel testing with professional athletes showed that, depending on shoulder width and cockpit setup, visor choice can deliver measurable marginal gains,” says Abus. “While the Narrow Visor can offer advantages with a compact arm position, riders with a broader upper body or more open setup may benefit from the Wide Visor.”
It’ll cost you, though. £530, to be precise. If you don’t want the Stormtrooper vibes of the Polar White version shown here, it’s also available in Velvet Black.
Spots and watts
Mario Cipollini might have raced in a full tiger skinsuit (just the once, as far as we remember, although he wore plenty of other wild outfits over the years) but, let’s be honest, it was a fashion risk even for him. If you like, though, Yorkshire brand Paria will do you a Leopard Print Short Sleeve Jersey for £89 (men’s and women’s versions are available).
In for a penny… get the matching bib shorts (£90) too. And the cap (£16.50).
If you’re looking for outlandish, Paria has you covered, although there are more subdued options in the range too.
Cadex launches lighter, redesigned Aero Integrated handlebar
Cadex has introduced a new Aero Integrated handlebar which it describes as “a completely redesigned one-piece carbon cockpit that combines aerodynamic efficiency, race-winning stiffness and refined ergonomics in a lighter package”.
Made from T800/T1100 carbon, the Cadex Aero Integrated handlebar comes with a claimed weight of just 255g (in the 400mm x110mm version). The reach is 72mm, the drop is 125mm and the aero top sections sweep forward from the centre by 6.5°, which is a feature that’s becoming more common these days.
It is compatible with the previous generation Giant TCR/LivLangma and Giant Propel/Liv Envliv, and with the current MY27 generation of Giant Propel/Liv Envliv too. It is supplied with a spacer/reducer to fit a 1-1/8 – 1-1/4in round steerer.
It’s priced at £674.
New Shimano RX710 gravel shoe borrows S-Phyre tech while undercutting flagship by £100
Shimano has introduced a new SH-RX710 gravel shoe that’s said to be inspired by the top-level S-Phyre RX910 (£369.99) but at a £100 lower price.
Shimano says, “At the heart of the RX710 is a lightweight carbon-reinforced midsole with a stiffness rating of 9 out of 12. This creates an efficient pedalling platform that helps riders maximise every watt while maintaining comfort for long days on the bike. A low stack height construction enhances the connection between rider and bike, delivering a stable and responsive feel whether accelerating on smooth gravel roads or navigating rough, technical sections.”
The upper is synthetic leather and closure is handled by micro-adjustable Boa L6Z dials. Shimano’s Pontoon Cleat System is designed “to deliver a more stable interface between shoe and pedal while simultaneously providing confident walkability off the bike”.
The Shimano RX710 gravel shoe is priced at £269.99. We’ve requested a pair for review on road.cc.
Gamin unveils Cirqa health and fitness tracker
Garmin has announced the screen-free Cirqa Smart Band that’s designed to track your fitness and wellness without the need for a subscription. It offers “up to 10 days of battery life and provides around-the-clock health and fitness monitoring with data that can instantly be accessed through the Garmin Connect app”.
Cirqa tracks metrics like heart rate, Body Battery (Garmin’s energy monitoring), skin temperature, and VO2 max, and will connect to your smartphone’s GPS to track rides and runs.
The Cirqa Smart Band is £179.99 and we have one on the way for review.
In case you missed it earlier in the week…
- This wild new German gravel bike could “redefine gravel racing and everyday adventure riding”, claims its creator
- Tadej Pogačar’s Colnago TT2 time trial bike: ready to win the Tour de France?
- Mercian’s new all-road bike, Old Man Mountain’s updated bikepacking setup plus more cool things for adventure from Rapha, Thule and Topeak
- The most useful tech trends to copy from Tour de France pros — wide tyres, short saddles and tubeless are in, narrow cassettes are out
- Aero through the ages at the Tour de France: Why cheating the wind is now more important than ever at the world’s biggest bike race
- Is it time to reduce the UCI’s 6.8kg bike weight limit? We weigh up the pros and cons
