More triathlon gear tests than any other website. EXPERT REVIEWS of the latest and best tri kit, including bikes, running shoes, wetsuits and clothing.
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 […]
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 […]
Very affordably priced compared to many pedals on the market, Time’s Xen E is a decent performer… despite initial impressions. The basic design and cleat are exactly the same as the company’s RXS series, but with a white plastic resin body that reduces manufacturing costs. This feels and looks decidedly plasticky – especially after a […]
First impressions: the EA70s look great. It’s a positivity that remained on every ride… The 26mm deep-section rim is pointed enough to add some aero edge, but still gives a competitive weight and a responsive feel that a lot of more expensive wheels would be happy to match. The machined braking surface also means good […]
Spending a bit more on Speedplay than you would on its Light Action Cro Mo pedals gets you these slightly lighter 324g stainless-axled versions, but otherwise it’s the same inverted pedal pros and cons. The Zero cleats adjust unsprung float anywhere between 0° and 15° and, once learned, double-sided entry means no flip or tip […]
A very affordable set of wheels. The double-spoke set-up is eye-catching and the white painted rims with machined braking surfaces look plenty pro. But don’t expect miracles: several makers have tried the paired-spoke design and most have quickly returned to conventional spoking. This set had really slack spoke tension throughout and creaked alarmingly as a […]
These pedals are right at the top of Look’s extensive range but, if you want the best connection to your bike, they have to be on your shortlist. Top money gets you a titanium axle in a carbon-fibre body, which Look also employ on their bikes. The result is the lightest full-size pedal here (282g). […]
At first sight, the Exustar pedal is a direct copy of Look’s classic Keo pedal, but there are some subtle differences in detail and feel. The Look Keo is certainly a very good benchmark to copy, with its broad platform and easy toe-in engagement, making for a solid, stable and reliable connection on the bike, […]
The 324g Spiuk is a good fit for many riders, but still hot and heavy for the money. The Nexion is another lid trying to bluff its way with a ‘one size fits all’ shell, but at least this one is shaped well enough to avoid obvious rock and wobble. The twin tab ratchet strap […]
We got a bit of a shock when we price-checked the LAS because it looked and performed like a much cheaper pot. For a start the large, 260g, one-size-fits-all shell didn’t fit anyone very well at all. There was sideways rock on smaller heads and a really perched feel on larger lumps. Cranking up the […]
Shimano has tried various types of clipless road pedals, but its latest Look-style versions are definitely the best. Toe-in engagement of the three-bolt cleat is identical to Look’s, but with a much harder, abrupt ‘clack’ in and out, even on the lowest tension setting. On a positive note, the broad body and stiff roll-free feel […]
The sharply styled 308g Estro is no generic jelly mould design, but its airy fit needs looking after. With its push-button ratchets, the skeletal cradle gives an immediately comfortable, sweat- and pressure-free fit. Medium and large shell sizes should give a decent close fit for most riders, too. Big vents covering deep ribs mean a […]
Giro has contributed significantly to developments in helmet technology, but the Monza doesn’t really contribute anything new despite its relatively high cost. The third-generation Roc Loc grabs the back of your head securely in a girth- and height-adjustable grasp. Add three sizes for a close fit, plus easily adjusted cam-lock buckles at the strap ‘Y’, […]
Helmets are a relatively recent addition to BBB’s product portfolio, but this cool-running 274g lid gets things off to a good start. It looks slightly basic from the outside, but it’s actually got a lot of quality features beneath its shell. For a start the rear cradle uses exactly the same closure set-up as the […]
Bell has been making helmets for longer than most and the 314g Ghisallo is a fully-fledged, high-performance, high-protection helmet. The big dial-adjust ‘GPS’ cradle gives a super-secure feel straight away and the deep shell drops right down over your ears for a real feeling of enhanced protection. Three shell sizes also mean an accurate basic […]
Rudy’s mid-price 252g melon protector isn’t the coolest or most protective, but it’s a snug, stylish fit with a quality feel for the money. Our small to medium sample is definitely on the small side, perching on top of your head rather than extending lower round your skull. The dial-adjust cradle means it’s not going […]
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