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Five cool things coming soon from Rapha, Specialities TA, PRO, Oakley and Shimano

Some more of the best tech, components and clothing we're testing at the moment, with reviews coming soon...

We're deep into summer now, to the point where lights are starting to roll in for our annual road.cc beam test... let's make the most of the lighter evenings while they're still here! 

Rapha Core jersey

£60.00

Rapha Core Jersey - riding.jpg

The Core range is Rapha at a nicer price, with this jersey described as "a versatile mid-weight option made for comfort on any ride." The latest updated version is made of a new, stretchier fabric for a fit described as close without being restrictive. The fabric is supposed to be soft and breathable for comfort when next to the skin or on top of a base layer, and a marl finish combines with contrast logos on the rear and the chest. It's now also got the signature Rapha armband that appears on their higher end jerseys. How did it perform in all conditions? George Hill's review is coming later in August... 
rapha.cc

Specialities TA Ovalution 4 arm chainrings 

£179.98

Specialites Ovalution 4 arm chainrings

These aluminium oval rings support multi-indexing thanks to a unique fixing concept with threaded chainring holes, with three different fixing positions that are marked on the outer chainring. The different positions are recommended for different riding styles, with position 1 for 'classic' road use, position 2 for intermediate use and the most aggressive position 3 for time trials and triathlons. There's also an optional front mech adaptor available to allow for increased clearance and corrected chain-line for use with braze-on front mechs. 
chickencyclekit.co.uk

Pro Internal routing tool

£49.99

PRO Internal routing tool - detail 1.jpg

Pro claim this little device is the 'ultimate tool' for internal cable routing, and is suitable for hydraulic, Di2 and mechanical cables and hoses. It's made out of durable aluminium, has a pouch to keep it safe and has a compact design for easy storage. We've sent this one to our house mechanic Liam Cahill for review, which conveniently means he can get fixing our cables for us to be sure of a thorough test... 
freewheel.co.uk

Oakley Radar EV Path  

£160.00

Oakley Radar EV Path.jpg

Oakley's high definition optics lenses on the latest versions of the Radar EV Path shades promise greatly reduced distortion compared to lesser lenses, and refraction technology which offers a 'truer' visual image of what's in front of you. They claim to block 100% of UVA, UVB & UVC rays and harmful blue light up to 400 nm, and are recommended for bright light conditions with a light transmission of 11%. The lens is also taller than the original Radar for an extended range of view in the upper peripheral region. Still the ultimate cycling shades? Check back for Mat Brett's test report later this month. 
oakley.com

Shimano Tiagra FC-4700 double chainset

£109.99

Shimano Tiagra FC-4700 Tiagra double chainset

Shimano's only remaining 10-speed groupset was given better shifters and brakes plus a 48/32 chainring option earlier this year, and they're promising a better mechanical shifting performance on the upgraded groupset. There's also now Dual Control hydraulic brake levers at Tiagra level, mimicking 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace. This means the bulbous BR-RS405 hoods are out and the ST-4720-L/R are in (Shimano aren't known for being too picky about names) creating not only improved ergonomics but also a much better looking front end on your bike. Is 10 speed all you need? Tass Whitby's verdict is imminent... 
freewheel.co.uk

 

For all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you need some more advice before splashing the cash, check out our buyer's guides

Arriving at road.cc in 2017 via 220 Triathlon Magazine, Jack dipped his toe in most jobs on the site and over at eBikeTips before being named the new editor of road.cc in 2020, much to his surprise. His cycling life began during his students days, when he cobbled together a few hundred quid off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story) and bought his first road bike - a Trek 1.1 that was quickly relegated to winter steed, before it was sadly pinched a few years later. Creatively replacing it with a Trek 1.2, Jack mostly rides this bike around local cycle paths nowadays, but when he wants to get the racer out and be competitive his preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking - the latter being another long story.  

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5 comments

Avatar
Chrisbpr | 4 years ago
0 likes

Does the 48/32 actually exist ....I can't find it anywhere

Avatar
ConcordeCX | 4 years ago
2 likes

TA should change the name of those chain rings to something that reads less like Ovulation. Or change the spelling so that they actually are called that.

 

 

Avatar
xerxes | 4 years ago
4 likes

A pair of plastic sunglasses: £160.00

A double chainset: £109.00

I wonder which has the greater profit margin?

Avatar
Yorky-M | 4 years ago
2 likes

The Pro tool for internal cables is missing one essential item, a swear box.

Avatar
Rapha Nadal replied to Yorky-M | 4 years ago
0 likes

mylesrants wrote:

The Pro tool for internal cables is missing one essential item, a swear box.

A small magnet on the end of an allen key has worked for me for ages but I'm always keen to see how these tools work.

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