More triathlon gear tests than any other website. EXPERT REVIEWS of the latest and best tri kit, including bikes, running shoes, wetsuits and clothing.
Nobody has a better reputation for computer reliability than Cateye, but visibility and versatility could be better. While the rack-and-pinion thumbwheel attachment strip is very clever, it’s a lot bulkier than zip ties and can’t cope with flat wing-style bars. The combined cadence and speed sensor makes for easy set-up and rear-wheel turbo compatibility. The […]
Sigma has always had a solid reputation for decent easy-to-use computers and this full-function squarehead is no exception. Paying nearly £100 gets you chrome sidestripes and crisp detailing all round, as well as a massive book of instructions. ‘O’ ring installation is easy and repeatable on different bikes without the need for extra zip ties. […]
This is a sleek, stylish and well-designed suit that could be worn for both training and racing a triathlon. It has been designed to mould to the athlete’s body in all three disciplines, and it does so brilliantly. It’s an extremely comfortable suit with low-profile seams throughout, to avoid chafing to the skin, and offers […]
The Pro range is basically Shimano’s set of accessories, and this computer was a joy to use. The head-unit twist locks into a thin, but perfectly secure stem- or bar-mount cradle that’ll flatten to fit onto wing bars. HR belt is a bit broad, stiff and basic, but it registered reliably from the first lick […]
Ciclosport has a big European presence and Lance Armstrong was a long-time user, but this computer needs several add-ons to compete on functions. Having to pay £32.99 extra for the heart-rate belt and £24.99 for the cadence sensor is the sting, especially as the software and USB stick that you need to work with the […]
If you want cutting-edge computing power then you have to look at Garmin’s latest GPS-enabled baby. First thing you’ll realise is that this is a big piece of kit even compared to the old 305. However, while it definitely takes up a lot of space on the bars, it sits on top of a stem […]
As you might expect from Assos, they’ve delivered a considered design on a well-finished garment. Although their offering still packs down sufficiently to allow easy pocket storage, the material is a little heavier than some other ‘lightweight’ jackets. The extra weight has gone into a more water-resistant material that does suffer on the breathability front. […]
We’re guessing the electronics designer for Blackburn has an impressive collection of Star Wars figures, but behind the retro styling there’s some decent stuff going on. Fitting comes second to cosmetics, though, as the big handlebar clamp only fits around section bars, and the steerer tube mount tends to rattle on the stem top. Despite […]
The Sugoi Helium is a very light jackets, weighing in at just 90g. There’s some nice reflective detailing, which when combined with the “super nova yellow” of our test sample has to make it one of the safest jackets to be out in. The jacket’s inherent light weight makes it very comfortable to wear and […]
Polar pretty much started the whole cardiac strap revolution. No surprise then that the soft strap ‘Wearlink’ coded HR belt is extremely comfortable and consistently in contact. The zip-tied head unit is easy to attach on flat or round bars or stems, and the bridge attachment makes fork fitting easy. Display and operation are easy […]
When considering what brand of jacket you’re going to spend your hard-earned cash on, Scott probably wouldn’t even be on your list. We suggest you rewrite that list and put Scott near the top. Scott has used a Gore-tex membrane to help separate you from the elements. The real beauty of this jacket, however, lies […]
This little square comp is basic, but what it does it does well. Head and transmitter mount simply and easily with ‘O rings’ that make initial fitting to either stem or bar, and subsequent switching between bikes, easy. Once you’ve knocked it out of the default German language setting, getting it going is easy and […]
The Velomann sounded promising but proved to be a very frustrating comp to use. On the plus side there was no trouble fitting the universal twin zip-tie bar/stem mount even to flat profile bars. And while it’s bulky, the combined cadence and speed sensor unit means you only have to fit one piece. One of […]
The Strada is a packable waterproof cape that offers reasonable breathability thanks to sound material choice and shoulder panel venting. Altura have added a number of reflective strips around the shoulders and waistband to keep you visible when the light begins to fade. Zip quality was good and also included a large pull cord that […]
Mavic’s Gallic flair has created a very neat set-up here and it delivers the essentials well. The whole sensor/fork leg trauma you normally experience is avoided by the use of a fattened front wheel QR skewer that also doubles as the transmitter. The slim head unit takes up minimal space but you’ll need to buy […]
The Valeggio is a lightweight, packable ‘race cape’ that’s ideal to have in your back pocket and stick on when the weather turns. Its water resistance appeared good, although you do start to cook in it after a while, just like many jackets in this category. The seams aren’t taped and there are no additional […]
At just 125g the Montane Featherlite Vélo shouldn’t have any problems with trading standards. Its light weight means it packs up into nothing, making this an ideal jacket to stuff in your pocket “just in case”. It even comes complete with an attachable storage sack. Careful positioning of reflective fabric ensures you’ll be visible from […]
The Endura Ultralite jacket is a lightweight shell made from 100% nylon, which helps to keep the weight to a minimum. The jacket is well-designed, with the asymmetric zip proving popular among the testers. A few reflective patches and a zipped pocket, which the garment can be folded into, complete the body detailing. The cuffs […]
This Cannondale bike jacket is a polyester shell which provides some wind resistance and moderate protection from the occasional shower. It includes underarm mesh vents to help manage temperature and moisture. In fact, the garment performed as you’d expect from a water-resistant, semi-windproof shell. However, its main selling point is the weight – it packs […]
There are several sets of glasses here with the benefit of interchangeable lenses to cater for all conditions. That’s all very well as long as the changes can be done easily, but the fact is that switching from dark to light or vice versa with the Ventoux is a bit of a wrestling match. We […]
2XU has developed a relatively lightweight waterproof jacket using a polyester/polyurethane mix. Taped seams and no vents demonstrate the company’s focus on creating a fully waterproof jacket. The results are positive with excellent water resistance and average breathability, making it more suitable for bad weather days only. The fit isn’t particularly close, facilitating a microenvironment […]
Syntace kit is always among the lightest and these 318g shorty bars are no exception, making them an excellent minimalist competition set-up. The single-piece extension curving into armrest ‘Bio wing’ design is simplicity itself, but means no length or rotational adjustability. Pad adjustment is pretty limited, too, with only slotted slide outwards/inwards movement, but the […]
There’s certainly enough room to get really stretched on these shallow, S-bend Vision extensions. Unlike most bars it’s the back end that’s fixed, but they’re tide marked for symmetrical cutting if they’re too long, so that’s not a problem. Slots are provided for internal cable routing, though the blocked back end means they’re only undercover […]
Ritchey are never afraid to take an unconventional route, but it doesn’t always pay off weight wise, with the Prologue’s weighing a hefty 598g. But, in terms of adjustability, you’ll certainly be hard pressed to fault the them. The underslung extensions are adjustable for reach and rotation, and the long ski bend means plenty of […]
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