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 […]
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 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, […]
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 […]
While the physical and mental demands of training for a long-distance triathlon can be excruciating, it is, of course, completely eclipsed by the reward of crossing the finish line. Paul Moore and Richard Hoad’s Ultimate Triathlon sets out to take you through the highs and lows with advice on training, nutrition, mental preparation, equipment and […]
The Tikka Plus 2 is perfect for winter on-road running and won’t break the bank. The beam is adequate for unlit lanes and won’t dazzle other road-users or your running mates. If you’re not planning on leaving the tarmac this winter, the Tikka has two massive plus-points beyond its price. Firstly, three AAA batteries give […]
Get your summer holiday reading sorted with these cracking books about life on two wheels…
The Tour de France may be over for another year but, from travelogues to psychological insights into road racers, here to fill the void is this veritable smorgasbord of bike books… GREAT CYCLING JOURNEYS OF THE WORLD £24.99 www.newhollandpublishers.com Spending the summer with the team in 220 Towers can be taxing enough without beautifully photographed […]
Skins’ latest recovery offering is designed to enhance the circulation of blood to tired muscles after exercise. At a RRP of £69.98, the tights may seem like a steep purchase, but compared to those constant coffer-draining recovery drinks, the one-off procurement of a pair of Skins could work out as the cheaper option. The title […]
Smartly styled triathlon suit and comfy, but a little on the small side
Joe Friel and Gordo Byrn return with an updated edition of their very successful training manual. While cynics may suggest a second version is a money-spinning venture, with six years between the editions they’ve had plenty of time to review and challenge the methodology in the previous book. For those without the first edition, the […]
Ideal for beginners unable to splash out (I’m sorry) on a waterproof camera, this is a fully waterproof, buoyant case suitable for cameras and camera phones. The idea is that the transparent PVC wallet allows you to take photos under, in or around water, safeguarding the shutter and all the buttons. We tested it with […]
If ever there was a classic text on bike maintenance, this has to be it. And, with this latest edition including SRAM Red, Shimano electric and Campag 11 speed, it’s certainly right up to date. The joy of this third edition, like its predecessors, is that it goes from super simple tasks – such as […]
Like all compression gear, these RGA Compress Calf Guards are designed to help improve circulation and drive nasties – such as lactate build-up and other waste products – from your muscles for a speedier recovery following intense training and/or racing. The RGAs can be worn during or post-exercise and are easy to put on and […]
With the possible exception of watching someone else train, few things in life are as boring as riding a turbo. But Rick Kiddle – a top tri coach since the early nineties – is hoping to combine those two negatives to form one positive biking experience. He’s banking on his ride up the Col du […]
This emerging brand from Denmark prides itself on its high-performance sports apparel for triathlon, cycling and running. Their compression range utilises Invista’s Power Lycra, a stronger version of classic Lycra, allowing a compressive effect to be easily applied to the body. Fusion’s latest compression offering, the Power Compression tights, use a panelled design to provide […]
This Suunto monitor has an understated but masculine style and boasts a good level of technology, notably via the ANT+ communication that permits bike and running peripherals to be integrated into your training. The bundled foot pod doesn’t compare to the micro offering from Garmin, but it’s still lightweight and certainly a cost-effective equivalent to […]
The One tri-suit is the latest offering from Jaggad, an Australian company currently making great strides in the UK via online behemoths Wiggle. Made from lightweight TricoTech fabric, the garment boasts good-sized padding where you need it that, at the same time, doesn’t soak up litres of water or get in the way for running. […]
Tasked with replicating the success of the all-conquering LZR Racer swimsuit in triathlon, Speedo has come up with the LZR Racer Tri-Pro, the first in a line of new products. But far from shortening the legs and sticking padding into the backside of the LZR Racer, Speedo has rolled out an entirely different beast when […]
New Brit brand Zone3 has stepped up to the pontoon with a tri-suit designed for the needs of top-end athletes. Using their patented Aeroforce material to help reduce water absorption during the swim, the tri-suit has Teflon coating to provide minimal resistance through the water. The breathable material allows sweat and moisture to be removed […]
Santini traditionally specialises in cycling apparel, but has been making in-roads into the tri market for the last couple of years. Available in three colours (black, red and azurro) its Pepe tri-suit is made from a sleek, lightweight fabric and features Santini’s renowned gel chamois pad. To start on a negative, the medium we tested […]
Receive a FREE copy of 'The Ultimate Triathlon Training Manual' when you subscribe and get everything you need to perform at your optimum.
