Louis Garneau Elite Lazer Tek Shorts and Jersey
Competitively priced triathlon suit, and very comfortable too
Matt Baird
Rugby Legend Rory Underwood Takes on Triathlon
Rory Underwood has found a new way to spend his time after a glittering rugby career: Triathlon
Carnac Triathlon Shoes
The new Carnac Triathlon shoe is brimming with ideas. To start with it has a carbon sole with an integrated air intake system. But wait, the real innovation comes with a rubber heel that allows it to collapse as you put your foot in to speed entry, before pulling the shoe back into shape using […]
Polar RCX5 Multi
Polar has persisted with the armband-mounted sensor approach to GPS speed/distance monitoring. The advantage of this is a compact wrist unit that’s noticeably slimmer than the Gamin 610. The downside? It’s another piece of kit to misplace or remember to strap on when you’re heading out to train. The RCX5 has plenty of great features, […]
SaltStick SaltStick Dispenser
SaltStick manufactures electrolyte capsules, the content of which is designed to replace electrolytes lost when sweating. Being small and water soluble, the capsules aren’t the easiest to carry and protect from the elements, so SaltStick has designed this clever little dispenser. It comes with a Velcro strap and clip so it’s easy to attach to […]
Complete Fitness Palm Paddles
The Palm Paddle is a swim training aid aimed at improving your technique. Made from plastic, it’s shaped to fit into the palm of your hand and has a single strap for your middle finger. The paddle works by allowing water to slip around your palm, thus reducing grip from your hand and increasing the […]
VIVOBAREFOOT Ultra M
Combining an ultra-lightweight upper (with more than a hint of Crocs about it), removable neoprene sock liner, minimal midsole and a quick-pull lacing system, the Ultra is seemingly perfect for the triathlete who wants a speedy T2 and a barefoot feel to their run. Slipping them on, they feel super comfortable without socks and the […]
Elite Aeton Triathlon Drinking System
The Elite Aeton is one of only a few aero drinks bottles on the market with the downtube-mounted Speedfil and Profile Design Aerodrink its closest rivals. In terms of capacity, the Aeton holds 750ml (compared with 900ml in the Profile and 1,200ml in the Speedfil) so it comes up a little short there, but this […]
Running Doc’s Guide to Healthy Running
There’s nowt worse than an injury raining on your training parade, so whether you need healing or just want to prevent injury in the future, we’d recommend reading this. It begins by outlining the benefits of exercise, and helps you to understand how your body changes and adapts to endurance exercise. The author, Dr Maharam […]
ENVE Smart System 6.7
Let’s deal with the elephant in the room first – the £2,250 price tag. It’s £350 more than Zipp 404s, £405 more than Easton EC90s and a staggering £1,155 more than our ‘Best on Test’ Strada 88mm wheelset (issue 258, 220). However, once you see what’s gone into developing them, splashing this much cash seems […]
Blackburn Atom 4.0
Opinions on the aesthetic values of the Blackburn’s head unit were divided but it’s certainly not the least attractive computer on test (the Union definitely takes that prize). The speed sensor is a beast, though, and although the fin styling is a nod to sleek lines, it could definitely do with losing some bulk. Mounting […]
Pro SX4-W Wireless
There are plenty of people who’ll argue that you only need the seven simple functions on offer from the Pro SX4-W. And we know plenty of triathletes with high-end power meters and computers suffering from chronic paralysis by analysis who could do well to heed this advice. The neat head unit looks really classy and […]
Cateye Velo 8
On its own in the bargain basement, the Cateye Velo is a no-frills, old-skool wired bike computer. In these modern days of wireless and GPS fitting it evokes a touch of nostalgia, but apart from having to neatly route the wire it’s a simple zip-tie job. And we genuinely do think that there’s still a […]
Union 9WN
Both the packaging and head unit of the Union look a bit dated. The head unit in particular has a distinctly 1980s vibe and, while that may have a certain retro appeal, you wouldn’t put it on your P4. Its nine functions tick all the important boxes but there’s nothing so special that you’d overlook […]
Knog Nerd 12
Our tester let out a sigh of relief as he unpacked the Knog. Without a zip tie or rubber band in sight, installation is a genuine fiddle-free thirty-second job. Combine this with the two-bike memory and the Knog is perfect for dual-bike use. This tester happily swapped it back and forwards from his road to […]
Cateye Strada Wireless
Stylish, compact and in a range of colours, the understated head unit exudes minimalist class and the eight functions it offers are a solid no-nonsense affair. No bells and whistles but nothing superfluous, either. The sleek sensor mounts easily with a couple of zip ties but, although the jubilee clip fitting mount is easy to […]
Boardman 22 Function
Setting up and installing the Boardman is a breeze. The neat, if slightly boxy, speed and cadence sensors zip tie on, and the head unit mount attaches to either stem or bars with a simple but effective rubber band system. The head unit isn’t exactly a looker but the display and unit size are good. […]
Sigma BC 1609 STS Cadence
In the looks department the Sigma is head and shoulders above the competition. Both the speed and cadence sensors have a stealthy mean appearance, and the head unit looks genuinely cool and wouldn’t look out of place on a carbon mega bike. The sensors fit easily with a couple of zip ties, and the head […]
Topeak Panoram V10c
Delivering both speed and cadence for under £65, the Topeak gets off to a good start. But once you begin installation, you quickly fall out of love. The wireless cadence sensor is neat enough and a simple zip tie affair, but that’s as good as it gets. A wired speed sensor really belongs on a […]
Polar CS100B
Coming from the pioneers of heart rate monitoring, the Polar computer has a lot to live up to. All the key functions are present, and offering heart rate compatibility at this price is excellent. Although you don’t get a chest strap with the package, it seems most triathletes have a Polar strap knocking about somewhere. […]
Zoot Ultra CompressRX
Coming in as the most expensive guards on test is always a tough gig, but the Zoots shared a lot in terms of feel and design with the Compressport entry. They also replicated many of the plus points, including a really graduated and compressive fit, no excessive tightness at the cuffs and durability. Although they […]
Sugoi Piston 200
Made out of a similar Lycra material to both 2XU and Skins, the Sugoi calf guards again slipped on far too easily. The medium size supplied, which corresponded perfectly to our tester’s calf measurement, gave little sense of compression or support. The quality of the stitching on the seams seemed good and the silicon gripper […]
Craig Alexander Interview Part 2
Here’s part two of our interview with Craig Alexander. Crowie talks Macca, the rest of the season and why he’s looking forward to race Lance…
Compressport Ultra Silicone
Getting the Compressport guards on was a battle but, unless you’re trying it in transition, this tends to be a good sign. The material felt durable and the cuffs and one-piece tube construction of the actual guard should mean no fraying or split seams. Neither the ankle or below-the-knee cuff were excessively tight, and the […]
