More triathlon gear tests than any other website. EXPERT REVIEWS of the latest and best tri kit, including bikes, running shoes, wetsuits and clothing.
If it was simply about style, then these tights would be a hands-down winner, as it makes a refreshing change to see women’s running tights in colours livelier than black or navy blue. So extra points to Orca already! The wide elasticated waistband also makes for a flattering fit, which a lot of women look […]
This shirt would be a solid addition to your wardrobe. It combines a successful moisture-management system with great wind resistance, due to the snug fit across the bicep. This prevented too much wind from circulating and flowing into the shirt across the skin. Surprisingly, the thickset fabric held little water and remained relatively lightweight and […]
Although these tights are one of the least feminine-looking pairs around, they’re also one of the warmest. Made from Saucony’s soft-brushed dryLete fabric, the tights have a comfortable next-to-skin feel that keep your legs warm from the moment you step outside. The fabric has been designed to provide thermal regulation and wick sweat away from […]
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 […]
The specification list for the Saucony running top boasts a proprietary ‘wicking’ material with an SPF of 50-plus. The functional feedback was also positive, offering good levels of overall comfort, which was probably due to the more stretchy material. The moisture control wasn’t among the top performers on test, though, and without any mesh or […]
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 […]
This New Balance offering has a good mixture of fabrics, with a silky and lightweight polyester covering most of the body, and a breathable elastane mix under the arms to provide a welcome level of added flexibility. This has also aided the aesthetic of the top with the side panels creating a pleasant and striking […]
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 Aspiration crew was certainly popular with our testers with a well-liked simple design covering all manner of body shapes. The desirable aesthetic was also stand-out comfortable upon donning and during the run. From a functional point of view, the mesh inserts are correctly located, making a noticeable contribution to the overall thermoregulation capabilities of […]
This Helly Hansen top is immediately recognisable thanks to the signature stripe panels on the shoulders, and it certainly lives up to their long-standing reputation. This tried-and-tested ‘Lifa Stay Dry’ fabric (polyester/polypropylene mix) fabric was superbly soft to touch but, as with many wicking fabrics, it does start to whiff a bit after exercising. That […]
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 […]
The Equilibrium range from Brooks is aimed squarely at tackling thermoregulation during racing and training activities. The polyester and spandex mix certainly seems to function well by maintaining a dry, comfortable feel against the skin, even after a two-hour session. The moisture transfer doesn’t result in a wet feeling shirt, either, and must therefore be […]
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 […]
For a simple application of solid performing fabrics and a comfortable, functional fit, you’ll struggle to beat the Craft Elite. The proCool Extreme material was supple, extremely lightweight and soft against the skin. Although the tests of this top were conducted in fairly humid conditions, the wicking function wasn’t compromised, helping you to remain cool. […]
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, […]
This body contouring design by Adidas creates a striking aesthetic thanks to the quality, loose-fit cut. The design allows complete freedom of movement with the accuracy of the cut ensuring little movement during running. The material itself is comfortable with no rubbing or chafing – surprising given the loose fit, which can often cause gathering […]
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 […]
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