More triathlon gear tests than any other website. EXPERT REVIEWS of the latest and best tri kit, including bikes, running shoes, wetsuits and clothing.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The 2XUs have plenty of high-end features for the cheapest guards on test. The stirrup removes the need for a tight band around the ankle, which can result in blood pooling in the foot. Stitching is neat and robust throughout and should ensure a good working life. The silicon gripper at the top does a […]
As one of the pioneers of compression clothing with a heritage of producing some outstanding compression tights, bib shorts and tri-suits, we expected great things of the Skins calf guards. Disappointingly, they just didn’t deliver. Having measured our tester’s calf to confirm his size as a medium, the guards still slipped on far too easily […]
Catlike is most synonymous with stylish helmets but their performance eyewear also graces the faces of the pro peloton, including the Movistar team. The D’Lux is the top model in the range and they’re a lightweight but durable plastic-framed affair with interchangeable lenses and an adjustable nose bridge. They’re free from innovation or anything that […]
What Alison McConnell doesn’t know about inspiratory muscle training really isn’t worth knowing. The British physiologist has been the driving force behind the now widespread integration of this training modality into the programmes of many different and high performing athletes. This book is, therefore, something of a bible for all sports participants looking to be […]
This new Trispoke from US-brand Cole is a real high-quality offering. It’s full carbon with a 58mm-deep rim, 64mm spoke profiles and a weight, on our test model at least, of 736g, which is reasonable for a wheel of this type. It runs on sealed bearings that are super-smooth out of the box – give […]
This lightweight bra from German brand Anita will keep everything under control when training. It offers plenty of comfort and control, and goes up to an H cup – great for those with fuller chests or who wear multiple bras to get that extra support. It dries quickly thanks to its highly functional microfiber fabric, […]
Depending on the shape of your head, the 777 is either one of the best- or worst-fitting helmets available. If it takes to your noggin, it’s snug but not tight and secure without pinching. But if the 777 and your bonce don’t immediately bond, then forget it. However much you adjust the chin straps or […]
As the name suggests, My Protein has traditionally fed the needs of power athletes. But the new MP Max One range offers some premixed solutions for us more endurance-inclined triathletes. The Energel is the brand’s first appearance on these pages and it’s a fairly simple affair – not dissimilar from the texture of an SiS […]
Their heritage may be steeped in the mountain bike market but recent history has witnessed Polaris diversify into road and tri. The Equilibrium is their 2011 tri-specific shoe: designed in America, made in China and sold in the UK at a mid-range price point. It features a single reverse strap, heel loop and wide opening […]
Smart design features, as to be expected from a top-end triathlon suit
He’s amusing, arrogant and controversial. And one of the world’s best athletes. As such, reigning Ironman World Champ Chris McCormack is a sport fan’s dream and I’m Here to Win is certainly chock-full of revelations, soundbites and gossipy snippets (Faris al Sultan’s mum asked Macca to leave her son alone). Even if some of the […]
Normally the M-Dot endorsement means an exorbitant price tag, but with these glasses from Foster Grant coming in as the cheapest on test, do they buck the trend and deliver a must-have bargain? For £26, they’re not at all bad. The dark polarised lenses do a good job of reducing glare and provide a high […]
Jetblack declare that they’re “proudly an Australian company” on their packaging. And, as the second Aussie offering on test and at the highly competitive budget end of the market, they’ve nailed it. The opaque plastic frames won’t win any fashion awards but they’re far from ugly and have a certain retro cool factor about them. […]
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