Our lights reviews are now coming in thick and fast with the clocks well and truly back, and we're currently dealing with a hoard of winter kit to dish out to our reviewers! Here are some of the things we've been most intrigued about recently, with reviews coming shortly...
Bergamont Sweep 4
£599.00
Hugely popular in Europe, the Bergamont brand is slowly gathering pace here in the UK and the Sweep 4 looks like a sensible, affordable commuter with an impressive spec for the price. A 6061 alloy frame, internal cabling and mudguard/rack mounts make it all the more practical, with a flippable stem to get your perfect riding position. The 8 speed Shimano Claris groupset in a 50/34, 11-34 formation gives you plenty of gears for tackling gradients. Is this an uber urban ride? Check out Matt Lamy's review towards the end of the month.
bergamont.com/gb
Exposure Blaze Mk3 with ReAKT And Peloton
£115.00
This 'intelligent' rear light has Ambient Kinetic Technology (ReAKT) that enables the light to automatically flare under braking to create more brightness. It also has peloton mode which recognises when you have other riders behind you to prevent you from dazzling them, perfect for night time club rides. There are six modes, DayBright flash pattern and also 180° side visibility... is it as smart as Exposure claim? Check out the full test report soon...
exposurelights.com
Specialized S-Works Venge
£9,500.00
This is the all-singing, all-dancing S-Works Venge in its top-of-the-range spec (excluding the Sagan edition with a flashier paint job for an extra £500) and comes with a built-in power meter, Specialized Roval CLX64 wheels and a Dura-Ace groupset. Specialized have their own wind tunnel dubbed the Win-Tunnel, and they've tested the new Venge exhaustively in there by analysing every last millimetre of every tube of the frame. They say it's the fastest road bike they've ever made, but how does it perform in the real world? Dave Arthur's test report is due shortly.
specialized.com/gb
IGL Coatings Ecocoat Bike
£79.99
This unique system is described as groundbreaking by its creators, and although it's a fairly big outlay, IGL say once applied the coating can protect your bike for up to two years. Suitable for carbon, aluminium and steel, the coating is ecologically-friendly and protects the frame against harsh weather, while repelling water, oil and dirt and preventing oxidation. They also claim it protects the colour of your frame against UV damage, keeping it fresher over time. Has it made a noticeable difference to Stu Kerton's pride and joy during a long-term test period? The review is due soon.
ecocoatbike.com
Assos Mille GT Winter Jacket
£215.00
It's expensive yes, but then Assos tend to shout about the quality of their garments over bargains. The Mille GT has the NEOS Medium fabric on the chest panels, a 3-layer thermal soft-shell made to keep out the chilliest of chills in deep winter. To prevent overheating there is some lighter fabric on the shoulders and outer arms. While it's mostly black, there are of course reflective elements throughout to ensure you stay seen. Is it worth the dosh? Find out later this month...
assos.com
For all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you need some more advice before splashing your cash, check out our buyer's guides.
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2 comments
I know the article states that the Assos jacket has reflective elements throughout (although I can't see any from the front view we are given) but surely black is the worst colour for a winter jacket which will inevitably be worn in the dark. Black may be trendy but I would prefer practicality over trendy when out riding.
Colour makes no difference in the dark. Reflectives rule at night.