1,653 reviews found
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 […]
The Type A is an out-and-out racing shoe. Starting with the upper, it has a degree of stretch in the materials, allowing for a snug fit without feeling restrictive. And given the weight of the shoe – just under 200g – the cushioning is fairly effective with a soft feel. Of course, as the shoe […]
It’s easy to see why the Precision has so many fans. It’s a lightweight shoe rather than a racer. The midsole depth is close to that of a standard training shoe, making it easier on your Achilles tendons than a lower-profile midsole. But the weight is kept down and it’s easy to raise the pace […]
Buying racers really is a case of horses for courses. The Racer ST 3 caters for the runner who has given up hope that there’s a racer to suit him. It offers good support for overpronators and a firmer ride, making it suited to heavier runners. But it also has something to offer lighter runners, […]
Here we are at the minimal end of the scale. These weigh in at around 170g so, if you’re worried about protection, look elsewhere. These shoes are all about converting every scrap of fitness into speed. The midsole is low profile and very flexible at the forefoot, and the upper fits like a glove. Adidas’ […]
The DS Trainer straddles that line between racer and lightweight. It offers cushioning and support while feeling as responsive as some pure racers. While this isn’t as substantial as on some shoes, you do get a springy feeling from heel to toe-off from the Gel and Solyte midsole. Good midfoot stability and guidance for overpronators […]
The Octane XC contains a 2L bladder in a semi-insulated sac with waist belt and horizontal chest strap. Shaped to fit the curve of your back, it’s highly adjustable and comfortable with virtually no bounce when full. Storage-wise it has a phone-type zip pocket in the upper back, generous stash pockets in the waist belt […]
A running-specific product, the Nathan uses an interesting vest-type system to distribute the weight of the contents more evenly across your back, chest and shoulders than the usual rucksack design. Developed specifically for some nutcase called ‘Mud and Guts Miller’ who runs ultra-distance races in extreme heat, the Nathan has a 2L bladder and a […]
This is Maru’s latest thin strap, aqua sport suit. And, as with the Tyr Hurricane, it hasn’t been designed for those who like subtle colour schemes. Its bright, funky kaleidoscope pattern might not be to everyone’s liking, but if you love your swimsuits loud, then this is definitely a suit to take a closer look […]
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