What a weekend that was! It’s rare that the shorts come out and the gloves come off in February, but it was more than warm enough to do just that for us over the unseasonably warm weekend in the South West. Here’s some of the stuff our testers were trying out in the sunshine...
Giro Republic LX R
£179.99
This lace-up shoe combines classic styling with practicality, with a two-bolt cleat fixing plate underfoot and a nylon and rubber co-moulded outsole for year-round commuting reliability - you can also get them in tan brown leather or black if you want them to look a bit more traditional. The upper on these versions are reflective, and the heel counter is made out of durable Micro-suede. Did they do the job for George Hill? His verdict is coming next week.
zyrofisher.co.uk
Lazer Century helmet + LED
£129.99
The Century is "Style with a twist", so say Lazer, and that's thanks to the clever Twistcap that provides ventilation on demand. The removable Twistcap is vented on one end, but pull it off and reattach with the magnets the other way round and it's closed, offering better aerodynamics. There's also a handy rear LEAD light for bonus safety points, you can get a MIPS version for an extra £20. Have Lazer twisted Dave Atkinson's arm and made the Century his favourite lid? Find out in the review soon.
freewheel.co.uk
dhb Aeron LAB Equinox jersey
£140.00
The Equinox is dhb's high-end offering for the "rides in between", which we'd consider to be around low double figures but not trustworthy enough to go short-sleeves. dhb claim the Power Shield Pro fabric by Polartec that features on the jersey makes the jersey versatile, offering plenty of weather protection within its soft shell but also being plenty breathable for when the sun comes up. They've used the fabric wisely in areas where you'll need the extra weather protection, namely the front, sleeves and shoulders.
wiggle.co.uk
B’Twin Riverside 920
£599.99
Built for riding by the riverside and everywhere in between, B'Twin's Riverside combines a sturdy alloy frame, reliable 1x11 groupset and tough 38c tyres adorning the disc brake wheels for what looks to be a bargain price. Those disc brakes are also hydraulic, and you get Mavic's Allroad Aksium touring wheels included that are built to take a hammering. The front suspension will further soften blows if you want to take it off-road, and B'Twin say it's ideal for long distance rides, commuting and multi-day cycling. Did it impress our tester Matt Lamy? Check back for the verdict in early March.
decathlon.co.uk
Caratti Lightweight waterproof overshoes
£40.00
For those super soggy days in the saddle, you can't really go wrong with a decent pair of waterproof overshoes to keep your feet dry - and Caratti's lightweight overshoes provide the weather protection without the bulk for those wet Autumn and spring days, where it's not baltic but a downpour could still make your toes feel like icicles. The waterproof lined seams are designed to keep most of the wind and water out with a tough YKK zipper to provide the seal, and Caratti also claim the smooth material offer an aero advantage. Stu Kerton is currently testing them, and his review is due shortly...
caratti.cc
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That Cllr who talks about Lycra sensitivity etc - I wonder which party he represents? I could look him up but I can't be bothered to confirm my own...
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The frustrating thing is all a judicial review can do is point out where they went wrong and ask them to retake the decision. Entrenched councils...
Yes, I wave and give the thumbs up but I just don't understand how you can write such a bloody essay on the subject! if a fellow rider acknowledges...
Nice try, but meteorologically, spring begins on 1st March, which is in just over 3 weeks! (Weather is more important than when the equinox might be).
Good find.
Shimano got it way wrong with the Sora thumb shifter and I'm glad they ditched it but Campagnolo got it right for me and I'll miss it. I loved...
Had it forced on me with the update today. It is rubbish on crowded narrow courses in just ride mode, like Dunoon, you can't actually ride around...
The leg injuries error is simply inadequate matching of cases to controls....
I think fatter lower pressure tyres absorb more.