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 strength of the Saucony Guide is that it suits a wide spectrum of runners. The cushioning rides well for runners of a wide range of weights, the transition from heel to forefoot is fine and it has no problems coping with forefoot strike. The fit is true, with an upper that holds your foot […]
Asic’s 2000 series has been hugely popular among over-pronators for many years, while the Kayano has received many plaudits as Asics’ flagship shoe. The 3000 sits between the two and is well worth a look. It’s less responsive than the 2130, but offers more support and cushioning. It also has less protection than the £115 […]
This shoe offers a good mix of features. It has midfoot support for over-pronators and guides your foot nicely. There’s cushioning throughout the shoe, and the heel and forefoot are well padded, yet the shoe remains quite responsive. It sits at the lighter end of the training shoe spectrum so it’s best for faster running. […]
The Zoom Victory Plus from run shoe giants Nike incorporates two new technologies: lightweight Lunar Foam responsive cushioning and Flywire, which is essentially threads of strong cabling in the upper shoe that ‘locks’ the foot in place without the need for heavy overlays. The resulting light weight provides a smooth ride and is perfect for […]
This is a great-looking and well-detailed shoe with a sexy gloss finish that definitely adds to the overall look, even if the Velcro adjustment is a bit sticky for it. The shoe has a woven carbon sole, though not in the traditional black. Instead, the bling theme continues with a rather nice silver finish. The […]
Describe a set of ‘classic’ cycling glasses and you’d probably come close to describing this set from Briko. The Nitrospeeds are extremely lightweight, with unobstructed peripheral vision from the minimal frame, which also permits good ventilation without too much eye-watering even at high speeds. They grab on tightly with their rubberised side arms and bridge, […]
The Time RXTs have an appearance that suggests they’ll be hard wearing, comfortable and ideal for those long winter rides. When first putting the shoes on, they also seem supportive in all the right places. But you soon realise that this perceived robustness is seriously compromised by the poor quality of the material, which seems […]
The Rydons utilise an optical hinge and metallic arms to provide a very solid-feeling frame. The long rubber earpieces are comfortable and can be easily manipulated to customise the fit. The Rydons also benefit from being compatible with Rudy Project’s Rx insert system, enabling the use of their removable frame with prescription lenses. This works […]
Our only grumble with these rather expensive shoes is that they don’t quite exude the luxury you’d expect. The carbon composite outsole is a bit uninspiring, and heavy or very powerful riders might notice a lack of torsional stiffness. That said, the Energy 2 is fully compatible with Look’s memory system and has been designed […]
The Specialized Miura glasses have a distinct aesthetic that proved popular with our testers. The use of optical hinges meant the arms felt solid and robust. The ear grippers and nose piece were particularly comfortable, and the glasses felt exceptionally stable both on the bike and while running. The lens shape was also excellent, and […]
You may be questioning the need for parting with your hard-earned cash for a winter-only shoe, particularly one that looks like an army boot. They are a bit chunky, so you’re sure to get a few comments – and a pair of decent overshoes will be almost as good – but bear with us, because […]
These shoes are the most affordable of the three Vertigos in Northwave’s range and are hard-wearing but perfectly comfortable. They’re pitched at the enthusiast and, although this doesn’t mean that normal riding is compromised, they tend to let you down if you’re out on a particularly aggressive ride. For example, the upper and outsole resilience […]
The Tracks from Sundog represent a good value choice with split interchangeable lenses (three supplied) and a sturdy case and bag for storage. The finish, however, is befitting of the low price, leading to a certain amount of distrust with regards to any rough usage. They don’t provide a particularly positive feel on the face […]
The Haviks may not be the sexiest glasses but they do provide a strong and functional bike-specific option. They fit tightly and securely onto your head and face, providing complete coverage on the bike on even the most bone-shaking of surfaces. The lens extends upwards to the point where you can’t see the frame and […]
If it was all about looks, then these Scotts would have already scored top marks with a fresh, ‘elite’ style. Comfort-wise they’re not bad, either. They fit well round the main part of the foot and there’s no perceivable heel lift, probably helped by the small rubber bumps that grip onto your sock. You may […]
There are two models of ZS1-R, this one being the lower-priced, non-carbon version, with an additional 10g per shoe. It’s not as glossy as its carbon namesake, and has the same outsole as the cheaper dhb R1 shoe, which is disconcerting given the price difference. But the ZS1-R makes more use of the interchangeable winter […]
The Bronx come with three lens options, including a detachable frame for those wishing to add a prescription. There’s also a head-strap that helps keep the glasses in place during more intense runs. Without the strap, these glasses didn’t feel as secure as some of the others, but they never fell off. The three lenses […]
Adidas market the Evil Eye in their bike-specific range, but when on a ride you feel rather unprotected due to the narrow frame design. This is most obvious when riding on drops or in the aero position: you end up looking over the top of the glasses or at the top of the frame. However, […]
Looks aside, these seem to be a bit of a bargain. They aren’t the most glamorous cycling shoes but they’re light on your feet, have a wide range of cleat compatibility and are extremely comfortable even during long rides. There was no irritation or potential blistering at any location, which is surprising for economy shoes. […]
Donning Oakley’s Flak Jacket, you immediately notice the clarity and crispness of the lens and the comfortable fit. Proprietary technologies, such as the impressive hydrophobic lens coating and HDO optics, put these glasses at the high end of the scale. However, cycling-specific they are not. The actual lens is quite small and doesn’t form a […]
It’s difficult to be too critical of any product that provides such acceptable performance at a rock-bottom price. The entry level R1s are by no means perfect, though. Although they’ve received a number of plaudits, you should be aware of a few compromises. Firstly, these shoes aren’t put together with the finest materials, and there […]
This Adidas offering employs a classic three-strap closure system, making it easy to complete mid-ride adjustments. The straps are a bit on the short side to give any huge leverage, but they always had sufficient length for complete closure. The construction of the uppers includes the use of Agion antimicrobial material to help tackle bad […]
The Advance’s conservative use of colour hides a highly technical finish. The fabric is particularly worthy of note, with a luxurious feel that effortlessly flows over a dry body. Construction is also well considered with a shifted side seam, contoured rear panels, and an elastic mesh at the upper back and under the arms. These […]
From a composition point of view, the Elite from Saucony takes a ‘keep it simple’ approach but with a few notes of designer-added flair. This top has been constructed from one type of Polyester fabric across several panels in two colours to produce a pleasant contrast. The fabric is fairly standard without any real bells […]
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