More triathlon gear tests than any other website. EXPERT REVIEWS of the latest and best tri kit, including bikes, running shoes, wetsuits and clothing.
This is the pinnacle piece of race apparel from American tri experts Zoot, and delivers a good balance of comfort and performance. The fabric provides a fine level of compression, but the short (seven-inch) inseam means this manifests mid-thigh. For more muscular athletes this could be a source of discomfort. That said, the hem is […]
As a long-established author of several running titles, Sam Murphy has transferred that great authority to the multisport arena, while the tri expertise here is provided by none other than Richard Allen, one of the country’s finest-ever triathletes. Sam’s understanding of basic training principles – what you should eat and what gear you need – […]
This is a very cushioned shoe – ‘plush’ is the word Brooks use – so it was no surprise to find it was a pleasure to run in from the first wear. And even better was the fact that the quicker you run, the better they perform. But note: these are for lighter runners looking […]
Wicking base layers are a godsend and Camelbak bladders make hydration on the move simple. Combine the two and you should have a winner, right? Well… almost. The first problem was getting it on with the full bladder in place. It wasn’t easy without assistance – not great if you train on your own. Out […]
The ‘Green Monstrosity’, as this top soon became known, is another of Nike’s iconic Dri-FIT range, which will no doubt become a staple part of many a triathlete’s wardrobe in some shape or form. The quick-wicking fabric (a polyester, in this case, that can wick moisture away from the body), combined with a flat-seam construction […]
From the Germans at Abus you’d expect a very good quality, functional product… and the S-Force delivers just that. This lid is extremely lightweight, has 24 vents to maximise cooling and is available in plain white, which makes sense for summer riding. The medium size tested was one of the most comfortable helmets we’ve ever […]
This is not just a lightweight disc wheel – this is the Lightweight disc wheel. At 820g for the rear road version, there isn’t another disc near it for weight, and that individual quality transcends to its instantly identifiable (and slightly hypnotic) looks. Apart from being round, a rear wheel has two further properties: it […]
Aqua Sphere and Ironman have partnered up to launch a new range of triathlon wetsuits. The WRacer represents the ‘pro’ (mid-range) level for women… and very nice it is, too. Specifically designed for the female frame, it fits well and offers enough flexibility in key areas to keep capable swimmers feeling unrestricted in the water. […]
With its aggressive-looking, Klingon warbird-style bar, the Missile is a predatory (if somewhat pricey) performer – and certainly aptly-named. The steeply down-sloped outer wing means the low-set horns give an even more aggressive position than the extensions. At 420mm wide they offer a nice broad, controlled feel, but the riding position takes some getting used […]
Okay, the price is mad, but for a piece of bike-pimping exotica these brakes take some beating. However, good looks and being the world’s lightest equivalent brake at 150 grammes each isn’t the whole story. These stoppers also do the business on the bike. On the R960s, function hasn’t been sacrificed for form. You get […]
This good-looking bra from Shock Absorber will keep everything in place during biking, running or gym sessions. A level three (of a possible four) bra, it offers fantastic support, although the manufacturers don’t claim it will offer optimal levels of support for anyone over a C-cup. It dries quickly and is smart enough to wear […]
Milk can be a perfect recovery food, but these super-enriched cartons of milk are more for the gym-goer than runner or triathlete. This is because they contain a whopping 33g protein due to the added whey protein concentrate; 27g more than an equivalent serving of ‘regular’ milk. This exceeds the needs of most endurance athletes […]
Rollers or turbo trainer? Ah, the cyclist’s indoor training dilemma. A turbo offers more resistance and you don’t need to have circus performer skills to ride one, but rollers are great for developing balance, spinning fast and impressing your mates. Elite’s V-Arion rollers are the crème de la crème of rollers in terms of price, […]
These Bontrager-branded aero wheels match a Steve Hed-designed 50mm deep-section carbon fairing with an aluminium rim and Bontrager hub. They come in at 1,660g per pair so aren’t a mountain climber’s first choice (Lightweight’s carbon set comes in at 1,000g), but equally they won’t hold you up on rolling terrain. Rather than the spokes attaching […]
There are several waterproof MP3 players on the swim gadget market, but the SwiMP3 is unique in that it uses bone conduction of sound, rather than conventional earplugs. For this reason, it’s perfect for swimmers who want to backstroke with the Backstreet Boys or fly with McFly. To wear the device in the pool, you’ll […]
The Training Lite is designed for running (or indeed cycling) in changeable weather conditions by being easy to strip off and stow away as necessary. As you might expect from Orca, this is well-made and comprises a lightweight fabric that has a water-resistant coating and a quality feel, right down to the neat, unzipped pocket […]
This was a new brand for our testing team so there was understandable excitement about taking the shoes out for a stride. Basically, the technology suggests the shoe can recycle your own energy, which in turn results in less stress and faster recovery thanks to the inclusion of what can only be described as a […]
On paper this is the mother of all cycle computers. As well as the usual parameters (wireless cadence, speed, distance), it measures heart rate, temperature, altitude, gradient, total ascent/descent and can probably predict what your mum’s cooking for dinner. It interfaces with a PC via a USB connection and software supplied for ‘easy’ analysis. In […]
Focus may not be the most recognisable brand on the market, but its reputation for great builds and amazing value is creeping into the system and undercutting many of the world leaders’ efforts. Having just signed Olympic medallist Nicole Cooke, Focus has made a great forward leap into the racing world that could gain the […]
Energy-wise this product packs an impressive punch, with a 686.6kcal hit per 500ml. A significant level of this is contained within the carbohydrate content at 73.8g. This product also contains a high level of protein at 35.6g, making up more than a third of your required daily intake. There’s a decent level of sodium in […]
One of the more expensive recovery drinks, Torq has provided us with the classic chocolate and orange flavour. Sadly, the resulting taste is fairly basic, with the orange edge ruining the fresh cocoa flavour. Combined with the slightly synthetic ‘chemical’ aftertaste, it isn’t the easiest drink to swallow. It has an about average energy content […]
The first thing you notice when you open this big tub is that it’s rather empty! Much like a packet of crisps, you’ll be disappointed with the amount of goodies inside. The product, once mixed, is also then extremely frothy with a 50/50 split of drink and froth. These problems aside, there’s a good level […]
This product from PowerBar tastes better than most but doesn’t pack as much ‘power’ as the name suggests, weighing in at the lower end of the spectrum with 199kcal, 35.9g carbohydrates and 12.6g of protein per serving. There’s also zero sodium content, with just 150mg of potassium, so make sure you replenish these from other […]
The Isostar recovery drink is one of the more basic concoctions on the shelves, based upon the classic milk powder ‘home brew’. It contains a relatively low 183kcal for 250ml serving and also has quite low carbohydrate and protein content at 34.7g and 9.8g, respectively. The recommended 250ml does is fairly small, but like most […]
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