These shoes are the most affordable of the three Vertigos in Northwave’s range and are hard-wearing but perfectly comfortable. They’re pitched at the enthusiast and, although this doesn’t mean that normal riding is compromised, they tend to let you down if you’re out on a particularly aggressive ride. For example, the upper and outsole resilience […]
If it was all about looks, then these Scotts would have already scored top marks with a fresh, ‘elite’ style. Comfort-wise they’re not bad, either. They fit well round the main part of the foot and there’s no perceivable heel lift, probably helped by the small rubber bumps that grip onto your sock. You may […]
There are two models of ZS1-R, this one being the lower-priced, non-carbon version, with an additional 10g per shoe. It’s not as glossy as its carbon namesake, and has the same outsole as the cheaper dhb R1 shoe, which is disconcerting given the price difference. But the ZS1-R makes more use of the interchangeable winter […]
Looks aside, these seem to be a bit of a bargain. They aren’t the most glamorous cycling shoes but they’re light on your feet, have a wide range of cleat compatibility and are extremely comfortable even during long rides. There was no irritation or potential blistering at any location, which is surprising for economy shoes. […]
It’s difficult to be too critical of any product that provides such acceptable performance at a rock-bottom price. The entry level R1s are by no means perfect, though. Although they’ve received a number of plaudits, you should be aware of a few compromises. Firstly, these shoes aren’t put together with the finest materials, and there […]
This Adidas offering employs a classic three-strap closure system, making it easy to complete mid-ride adjustments. The straps are a bit on the short side to give any huge leverage, but they always had sufficient length for complete closure. The construction of the uppers includes the use of Agion antimicrobial material to help tackle bad […]
Minoura’s VFS G is close in price to the company’s V270 but a better-looking all-round operator once it’s set up. It’s a similar design to the Elite Crono Mag, and it’s crucial you assemble the tail section carefully as any looseness means serious wobble at high speeds. A block under the front wheel is vital […]
The CycleOps is a sturdy beast that big-legged sprinters will love. The locking tripod design is stable, though it’s a bit of a tight squeeze to get the rear axle in. The monster motor/flywheel unit gives you so much spin you could make a cup of tea between intervals and it’d still be going. That’s […]
We got a shock when we saw the Minoura’s price because it looks like a dog’s dinner. Actually using it, though, reveals a pedigree training chum. The new H-frame design is scruffy in welding, but unfolds into a solid base that’s adjustable for wonky floors. The plastic cam lever locks the bike in and the […]
Blackburn has produced rock-solid trainers for decades, but this turbo Terminator is an acquired taste. The angular frame with locking A struts is stable, and the winder and screw axle clamp makes solid bike connection easy. It barely lifts the bike so you don’t need to chock the front wheel. The resistance is controlled by […]
Elite offers a huge range of trainers, but this mid-level offering is the best option for most garage racers. The three rear roller positions cope with different wheel sizes, but the unbolting and rebolting means it’s a pain setting up. But that’s about the only weak point. The urethane-coated roller reduces slip and provides a […]
For £30 more than the company’s Tesla trainer, Riva’s top model delivers an improved performance – but not enough to justify the extra expense. The double A-frame design is reliant on flat floors, but it’s stable enough for a sprint once you’ve levelled it. The mixture of big QR cam on the offside and locking […]
The Sirius Gel isn’t perfect, but it’s a lot easier and more pleasant to use than many other turbo trainers. For a start, the V frame actually locks open and closed, so it’s not going to accidentally collapse while in use, or unfold and flatten your toes when you pull it out of the cupboard. […]
Despite gaining the unenviable title of ‘cheapest-looking trainer we’ve reviewed’, the Gist does a decent job. The wheel engagement with exposed Allen key cam is basic but effective, and the broad A frame is stable. The resistance unit is cantilevered off the back on two triangular plates with a screw bolt to adjust to different […]
Riva is a new brand to us, offering plenty of features for the price, even if the sturdy frame isn’t matched by a similarly butch performance. The unit is easily assembled and the broad frame is stable. The QR latch and lock-nutted screw thread onto the wheel skewer quickly and securely, and the latched metal […]
Fan-equipped turbo trainers have always been the basic budget option. Unfortunately, this one shows exactly why magnet and fluid units are so popular. The frame of the Beto is pretty good, being fully assembled from the box. As long as you lock them out properly (we didn’t and the whole unit fell over, taking us […]
The RD-400’s monochrome finish and big-windowed hub flanges look classy, and each set is individually handbuilt and numbered. Their 25mm semi-aero rims with a machined sidewall give strength and comfort, while the nipples for the aero spokes are tucked up inside out of wind’s way (luckily a purpose-designed spoke wrench is included). Sealed cartridge bearings […]
Shimano first started using superlight alloy rims with a reinforcing layer of carbon fused on top on its non-aero Dura Ace wheels. The fact you’re now getting similar light, but extremely strong, performance at £400 is a big value bonus. While relatively heavy hubs mean overall weight isn’t particularly low, it’s definitely not slow. Sixteen […]
This Gipiemme wheel is lighter and more aero than the company’s T-Due, but still didn’t particularly impress. (Also, while the wheel stated ‘024’, these are definitely ‘020s’.) Like the T-Due, semi-aero 25mm rims give a pro look at pocket-money price, which the bladed spokes amplify. The weight and hefty rim clunks over rougher road sections, […]
The second set of Pro Lites we’ve tested lately, but despite similar looks the Stelvio is a very different wheel from the Como. It may cost more, but there’s a lot more on offer. You’re still getting 30mm rims for a bit of wind-cutting advantage with alloy nipples for saving weight, and the handbuilt build […]
This 105 level set-up combines modern looks with traditional bearings for an eye-catching choice. The sidewall spoke insertions and paired lacing are gone; there’s still a 3mm asymmetric drilling offset to reduce dish, but otherwise it’s easily-tuneable business as usual. And the tight and even lacing of the straight pull, butted and bladed spokes never […]
Tom Ritchey hates excess weight, which shows in this miniature single-sided version of his MTB pedals. The tiny forged steel body certainly keeps weight down but, combined with the small MTB-style two-bolt cleat, makes engagement tricky. Hit it bang on and you’re fine, but miss even slightly and the smooth sole of road shoes will […]
The Open Pro has been the separate rim for ultra durable competition for decades. The double-eyelet design spreads stress through both inner and outer rim beds while the shallow, low-profile design gives a more forgiving ride than deeper aero-section extrusions. That means more comfort and less chance of a collapse, even if it picks up […]
The Pro Lite range goes right up to the highest carbon disc strata, but even this basic wheel has some likeable features. For a start, Pro Lite is very proud that all its wheels are fully handbuilt. Spoke tension throughout is impressively even and brass nipples make truing them yourself easier. Loose ball bearings also […]
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