Mavic’s HC shorts are designed for longer rides or road races. The padding is plentiful and the thickness varies to produce the most comfortable and flexible padding you could wish for, with the external elastic gripper holding the shorts in place well. The shoulder straps are made from breathable netting and are well shaped with […]
Shimano proudly claim that some of the world’s leading triathletes helped them design their WT51 shoe – and it shows. This shoe boasts both funk and function: the super stiff yet light carbon-fibre sole offers good support to the foot and aids pedaling efficiency, while its sleek good looks mean anyone wearing them looks the […]
Mavic and Zipp are usually the first names to spring from people’s lips when they’re talking about aero wheels. But while that pair may have the highest profile, they are far from the only stalls in the deep-section marketplace. FSA isn’t exactly a newcomer to that market but is hoping its K-Force wheels will help […]
The Knog may be the most style conscious of the panniers we’ve tested, with discreet yet distinct design touches, but it’s not without substance. Its main compartment is large enough to take clothes, tools and food, plus there’s a padded pouch for a laptop and/or documents, with another mesh pouch on top of that for […]
Dawes is often seen as a byword for affordable, no-frills kit. But a product has to do more than simply be a bargain to be any good. Not that the Dawes pannier is a disaster; it’s just you get the impression that they’re hoping its low price will give it a bit more leeway in […]
The Yamaska may not be as tough as the Carradice CarraDry but it does use the same Rixen Kaul fixing system to clip to your bike. It makes for a solid binding, and the neat design means it remains rigid and rattle free over cobbles, kerbs and potholes. It’s also smaller, but this means there’s […]
At first glance the Outeredge seems a basic little brute, but look closer and you find it has some neat tricks up its sleeve. It shares the same tough, waterproof PVC as the Carradice CarraDry on its front and back, while the plastic-coated fabric on the sides are similar to the AGU Yamaska 435. The […]
Compared to the largely understated black offerings available these days, the silver CarraDry is the loudest pannier around. But while it may be the most ‘disco’ thanks to its shiny exterior, it’s also the most cavernous, with a maw capable of swallowing a 27-litre load. Two clips and an adjustable hook attach it securely to […]
Already hugely respected in the bike world for their high-quality components, the new Sport Wind Vest proves that Bontrager can also cut it in the world of apparel. The vest is sleeveless and manufactured from a densely woven microfibre, resulting in a super lightweight and wind-resistant option. But as such, it won’t hold up to […]
Doing longer rides and need to take more water bottles with you? Or just don’t fancy ruining the aerodynamics of your frame with a couple of large vessels? Either way, placing water bottles behind the saddle may be the answer to your woes. The Giant Trinity Bottle Cage System attaches securely to the saddle rails […]
The sleek styling instantly marks the Infinity out as Diadora’s top-of-the-range tri-specific bike shoe (as worn by Jodie Swallow). The outsole isn’t fully carbon, however, but ‘carbon-injected nylon’ that still provides a good feel and power delivery. It also boasts a multi-fit attachment with replaceable base plates for any cleat fitting. A large tab on […]
It’s a hugely reassuring experience to witness a hard-case bike box, like this one from B&W, fall off a moving luggage lorry and to then find your bike perfectly intact inside. Less encouraging, however, is the way earlier versions of this very box seemed prone to splitting at the hinges. You could solve this with […]
French company Mavic has an acclaimed heritage of manufacturing ground-breaking bicycle wheels. Since 2008, however, they’ve expanded their range into accessories and clothing. The Helium is the lightest functional shirt in their road cycling range and is designed for use in temperatures above 28°C. The shirt is well-ventilated by a three-quarter length zip, and the […]
Equal fastest in our 0-60psi bike pump time test, good at high pressures and very simple to navigate, the Blackburn AirTower is a real gem. The pressure gauge is positioned at the bottom and the dial is a tad cluttered, but the figures are still very clear to read. And again, there’s the usual moveable […]
This is a lightweight plastic pump with an ergonomic handle that allows flex. Form has overtaken function, though, as the handle is polished metal; it looks and feels good, but if you’re not paying full attention you might find your hand slipping during use. Not that this hinders performance – the Park Tool was equal […]
Raleigh is probably the most famous of all UK bike manufacturers, with an illustrious history dating back to 1890. Their range over the years has encompassed all types of bike, from the iconic Chopper to a Tour de France-winning road bike for Joop Zoetemelk in 1980. 2009 sees them reinventing their road bike range after […]
Mavic Cosmic Carbones were one of the original high-performance deep-section wheelsets to emerge from the famous French brand many moons ago. Now available in various weights and rim combinations, the latest SL version can also be purchased with a Powertap 2.4 wireless rear hub (£1,365 for rear wheel alone) fitted in the factory. The usual […]
dhb has received many plaudits for fantastic value in terms of bang for your buck. Here’s an option that’ll surely be appropriate for these credit-crunching times, right? While this was the case for the R1 road shoe, unfortunately we cannot extend the same praise to the Tri Road. There are shared components [with the R1] […]
Louis Garneau have clearly identified the key requirements of a triathlete with the Carbon Tri HRS and delivered a highly functional shoe. All components perform perfectly with a stiff sole that permits a highly responsive riding experience, a positive and well-positioned pair of straps, and a surprisingly low weight given the slightly bulky silhouette. The […]
Sitting in the middle of their tri-specific range, the TR51 is the latest in a long line of successful shoes from Shimano. Notably, Shimano haven’t deviated from their tried and tested carbon outsole. Although it still offers comparable stiffness, the TR51 isn’t the lowest profile option and makes you feel more detached from the road. […]
Sporting a low-profile white carbon sole and a two-strap closure design, the CX311C is Lake’s top of the range tri-specific shoe. They’ve done a good job with the liner and they’re comfortable enough to ride sockless in, but there are questions over long-distance comfort. The fit’s comfortable and, unlike the Sidi, these have a generous […]
Spiuk’s Casta sits at the lower end of the tri shoes market but, sadly, the term ‘bargain’ doesn’t apply. In fact, with the major outsole component being shared with the cheaper dhb Tri Road (see review elsewhere on 220triathlon.com), we’re struggling to justify the difference. This shoe also suffers from a poorly fitting upper that […]
As with most Sidi’s, the first thing you notice is the ‘bling’ factor. The T2 opts for the classic gloss white scheme followed, as usual, with the snug Italian fit we love – unless you have wide hobbit feet that is! The shoe is constructed from a single thickness lined upper; this is supremely soft […]
Amongst the more expensive shoes we’ve recently tested, the Exustar is equipped with a high-quality and very stiff carbon sole. But this is where the positives end. The shoe’s been lined for sockless use, but where this adheres to the stiff synthetic outer it becomes very rough. This, in turn, makes for a painful riding […]
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