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 sawn-off pump is super-portable, but only the astonishingly patient and pectorally blessed will enjoy using it. It’s the shortest pump here, which is lucky as it doesn’t come with a frame mount. But it’s not too heavy at 128g and the twist-lock, twin-valve head is easy to engage. It takes 375 strokes to achieve […]
One of the most expensive mini-pumps around, Blackburn’s AirStik CF is also the easiest to use and the pimpiest. In practical terms, however, there’s nothing that this does that the standard alloy barrelled AirStik (half the price at £19.99 and only 5g more) doesn’t. And at 160g, it’s heavy, too. I was also worried about […]
This stylish retro inflator turned in one of the surprise performances of our tests… but it won’t suit every situation. While weight (104g) and length (23cm) are happily mid-pack, its polished silver and black all-metal construction sets it apart visually. However, the real stand-out feature is that it uses an old school screw-on hose, rather […]
This is a true miniature model of the full-sized Road Master Blaster frame-fit pump, right down to the little tube notches at either end. It’s certainly a cute idea, and at just over 100g and 22.5cm it should stow away unobtrusively. The low-profile bottle cage clip is secure, with a rubber pullover strap for security […]
A very sleek-looking pump, Specialized’s ATM takes patience but does have some nice features. The slim alloy construction looks class and the patch stash (with two glueless patches and sandpaper included), situated in the screw top handle, is a neat touch, especially as it’ll also hold spare chain links or an emergency fiver. It’s under […]
Polypropylene has one of the lowest moisture regains of all modern and classic fibres, which is why the FS260 performed so well under sweaty conditions. The polypropylene/nylon mix allows moisture to wick through the fabric and evaporate easily without leaving you in a cold, sodden top. As a standard medium the sizing felt a little […]
It could be argued that Helly Hansen is one of the forefathers of base-layer construction. You might think, therefore, that this top would wipe the floor with the competition. Sadly not… Helly Hansen have not tried to hide the fact that this is a revamp of their classic line and the basic performance is still […]
TESS’s top-of-the-range, 94% nylon base layer is definitely one for the winter. The thick, one-piece, circular knitted body and one-piece arms provide a close, comfortable fit. Nylon offers a wealth of stretch and, when mixed with the chosen manufacturing process, provides a very flexible garment. The thickness gives great thermal insulation but can struggle slightly […]
The UM1214a has aimed itself squarely at those of us who really hate the cold, and feels like one of the warmest tops around. Our microscopic scrutiny supported this tactile feedback, showing a high-density make-up for the fabric that locks the warmth against your skin. The added features – a turtle neck and thumb holes […]
The Craft Pro Zero range mimics classic thermal undergarments in both look and feel. The polyester used has a cotton-like finish, providing immediate comfort. The fit is also very accurate with a long tail and arms ready for the bike, and slight turtle neck to stop those cold breezes. As a base layer the thermal […]
Spiuk use a three-layer theory when designing their garment range: the inner (base) layer is used predominantly for breathability and moisture transportation; the mid-layer for thermoregulation; and the outer layer for insulation. A combination of these layers can (they claim) provide solutions to nearly any condition. The EVO 2 is Spiuk’s mild winter base layer. […]
The Compton represents good value for a seamless base layer, and the solid thermal properties provide a nice blend of warmth and moisture control. Unfortunately, the fit and general comfort of this top isn’t as we’d hoped. It’s as if the body contouring hasn’t been completed successfully, which caused consistent complaints with every member of […]
Falke’s Athletic Cool is sublimely comfortable, and although it’s not the best-insulated base layer we’ve ever tested, this doesn’t seem to compromise the ‘in-use’ performance. Anyway, Falke have marketed this garment as more of a moisture manager than a pure winter-warmer, and in this respect the thin fabric wicks extremely well. This is an important […]
We absolutely love DeFeet’s Merino wool socks but how well would their gloves cope with the cold? The 80% Merino wool mix is reinforced with Cordura and Coolmax, while the palms and fingers are covered with rubber grippers to give fantastic control feel. The long cuff means there’s plenty of overlap with jackets, even when […]
Cannondale’s LE gloves are expensive, but as warm as you’ll get while staying in control of your bike in the depths of winter. The outer, thermal, carbon, hydrogrid max fabric is superbly weatherproof. And the Outlast lining really does seem to promise the magical trick of cosy, cold-weather warmth without excess mild-weather marinating. The pre-articulated […]
Gore’s Xenon gloves are serious stuff. There are more panels and technology here than most jackets and the fit is as snug as we’ve ever tried – even in lightweight summer gloves. The Windstopper fabric is as damn near waterproof as you’ll get, with rain only seeping through after a while. Ribbed pads on the […]
DHB’s budget gloves are made with windproof softshell fabrics that shrug off most showers, and warmth is good considering the decent finger dexterity and control. The fleece inner means they do this without feeling sweaty on the climbs and the liner is well anchored to stop it turning inside out when you take them off. […]
Typically for Cannondale, these gloves aren’t cheap, but the extra money isn’t wasted. The water and windproof fabric shrugs off serious showers and properly arctic, frosty morning descents before cold or wet creeps through. There’s very little sweat build-up and the long cuffs give a good wrist sealing. There’s useful reflectivity on your little finger, […]
The Fastwitch has a very light, fast feel to it from the highly flexible outsole and midsole through to the snug and highly breathable upper. The shoe shows it’s possible to build a minimal racer to give overpronators some support while maintaining all the properties needed for fast running. The ride is soft so some […]
The Makani has a similar weight and target audience to Asics’s DS Trainer. Those who suffer with sore Achilles heels in lighter shoes that have a lower profile midsole will welcome the Makani’s claims that it has more depth to the midsole at the heel. The cushioning is good in the heel but feels too […]
This shoe has good protection for its weight (approx 200g). The upper and layout of the lacing allow you to secure a good fit and feel your foot is locked in position for fast running. The Hyper Speed 2 is primarily suited for shorter race distances but it packs a surprising amount of cushioning and […]
At £45 it’s hard to fault the Brooks T5 Racer. It’s certainly a light one (at less than 200g) and the fit is adequate – perhaps not as adjustable as we would like to see but it raised no issues. There’s never going to be a stack of cushioning at this weight, but the ride […]
The Elite is a lightweight offering rather than an out-and-out racer. It has good guidance and support for overpronators with a softer strike zone at the heel, flex grooves, medial post and midfoot shank, which work well to guide your foot without giving harshness to the ride. ‘Crash pads’ offer adequate cushioning whether you’re landing […]
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