The rain's still lashing down, and we're still battling through! While it's a bit miserable to say the least, the silver lining is that we've got plenty of interesting bits and bobs coming through to try out which is taking our mind off being soaked all the time. Here is this week's test pile selection...
Time Osmos 15 road shoes
£270.00
The Osmos 15 is top of Time's all new performance road shoe range, with a full carbon sole that is vented for max breathability. Two BOA IP1 dials are responsible for opening and closing. Time recommend rocking them with their own pedals and cleats (of course) with which they say the bioposition will be around 21.5mm that should allow for maximum levels of pedalling efficiency. Worth the high asking price? Simon Smythe is your tester, and his verdict is coming early next month.
feltbicycles.co.uk
Rapha Explore Hooded Gore-Tex Pullover
£250.00
Rapha launched their new range of Gore Tex-infused products last week, and this waterproof hooded rain jacket is designed for year-round adventure. It has a sizeable chest pocket for extra storage, and is totally waterproof to see you through the worst of downpours thanks to the Gore Tx Active three-layer construction. The quarter-zip pullover style and comfortable soft feeling next to the skin means Rapha recommend it on or off the bike, and the storm hood has an elasticated closure that can be worn under a helmet for the ultimate weather protection. It even packs down into an integrated 'stuff sack' which doubles as a pillow for overnight pit stops. Was our tester David Arthur happier wearing it on the bike than he was in the photoshoot? Find out in his full review next month!
rapha.cc
Genesis CDA 20
£699.99
This budget all-road machine from Genesis is described as the little brother of their all-conquering steel-framed Croix de Fer, and it's had a bit of a makeover for 2020. The geometry and handling is designed to be the same as the Croix de Fer, and it's now in aluminium to save you some cash. Shimano's Sora 9-speed groupset should provide reliable shifts, and Promax DSK-300 disc brakes should make for equally reliable braking. It has mounts for panniers and mudguards to make it suitable for the commute, and tough 37mm tyres wil be more than enough for gravel tracks and brief off-road riding. Stu Kerton is ut riding it in all weathers now, with a full review due shortly.
freewheel.co.uk
Northwave Flash Arctic GTX Winter Boots
£209.99
it's getting to that time of year again where your toes are going to freeze without some sort of overshoe... or perhaps you don't need them if you go for a winter boot with built-in weather protection, like the brand new Flash Arctic GTX from Northwave. The inner Gore-Tex Koala membrane is fully waterproof and windproof, and Northwave say it should keep your feet perfectly toasty down to a bitter -10c. The snug-fitting upper with the BioMap Aero Overlap construction is designed to reduce aerodynamic drag, and paired with Northwave's NRG Air Carbon Reinforced sole that is rated 8.0 on their stiffness index, you shouldn't have to sacrifice performance for comfort. Has Dave Atkinson ditched the overshoes? His verdict is coming soon.
i-ride.co.uk
Swiss Side Pion Disc Brake wheelset
£461.85
Weighing 1,800g for the pair, the Pion is described as a wheel that should excel in any terrain, with a stiff and lightweight deep section 32mm aluminium rim. They're tubeless ready and come with the durable DT Swiss 370 hubs and DT Swiss Aero Comp bladed spokes, which Swiss Side say makes the Pion a "high performance all-rounder". High-end stainless steel bearings and single sided seals should ensure buttery smooth, low friction performance, that our tester Liam Cahill is currently trying out in the rain...
swissside.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.
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