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Five cool things coming soon from Rapha, Genesis, Time, Swiss Side and Northwave

Some of the best bikes, gear and clothing we're trying out at the moment, with full reviews coming soon...

The rain's still lashing down, and we're still battling through! While it's a bit miserable to say the least, the silver lining is that we've got plenty of interesting bits and bobs coming through to try out which is taking our mind off being soaked all the time. Here is this week's test pile selection...

Time Osmos 15 road shoes

£270.00

Time Osmos 15 shoes - 4 (1).jpg

The Osmos 15 is top of Time's all new performance road shoe range,  with a full carbon sole that is vented for max breathability. Two BOA IP1 dials are responsible for opening and closing. Time recommend rocking them with their own pedals and cleats (of course) with which they say the bioposition will be around 21.5mm that should allow for maximum levels of pedalling efficiency. Worth the high asking price? Simon Smythe is your tester, and his verdict is coming early next month. 
feltbicycles.co.uk

Rapha Explore Hooded Gore-Tex Pullover

£250.00

Rapha Explore Hooded Gore-Tex Pullover - riding.jpg

Rapha launched their new range of Gore Tex-infused products last week, and this waterproof hooded rain jacket is designed for year-round adventure. It has a sizeable chest pocket for extra storage, and is totally waterproof to see you through the worst of downpours thanks to the Gore Tx Active  three-layer construction. The quarter-zip pullover style and comfortable soft feeling next to the skin means Rapha recommend it on or off the bike, and the storm hood has an elasticated closure that can be worn under a helmet for the ultimate weather protection. It even packs down into an integrated 'stuff sack' which doubles as a pillow for overnight pit stops. Was our tester David Arthur happier wearing it on the bike than he was in the photoshoot? Find out in his full review next month!
rapha.cc

Genesis CDA 20

£699.99

genesis-cda-20-front.jpg

This budget all-road machine from Genesis is described as the little brother of their all-conquering steel-framed Croix de Fer, and it's had a bit of a makeover for 2020. The geometry and handling is designed to be the same as the Croix de Fer, and it's now in aluminium to save you some cash. Shimano's Sora 9-speed groupset should provide reliable shifts, and Promax DSK-300 disc brakes should make for equally reliable braking. It has mounts for panniers and mudguards to make it suitable for the commute, and tough 37mm tyres wil be more than enough for gravel tracks and brief off-road riding. Stu Kerton is ut riding it in all weathers now, with a full review due shortly. 
freewheel.co.uk

Northwave Flash Arctic GTX Winter Boots

£209.99

Northwave Flash Arctic GTX Winter Boots - side.jpg

it's getting to that time of year again where your toes are going to freeze without some sort of overshoe... or perhaps you don't need them if you go for a winter boot with built-in weather protection, like the brand new Flash Arctic GTX from Northwave. The inner Gore-Tex Koala membrane is fully waterproof and windproof, and Northwave say it should keep your feet perfectly toasty down to a bitter -10c. The snug-fitting upper with the BioMap Aero Overlap construction is designed to reduce aerodynamic drag, and paired with Northwave's NRG Air Carbon Reinforced sole that is rated 8.0 on their stiffness index, you shouldn't have to sacrifice performance for comfort. Has Dave Atkinson ditched the overshoes? His verdict is coming soon. 
i-ride.co.uk

Swiss Side Pion Disc Brake wheelset

£461.85

Swissside Pion Disc Brake wheels.jpg

Weighing 1,800g for the pair, the Pion is described as a wheel that should excel in any terrain, with a stiff and lightweight deep section 32mm aluminium rim. They're tubeless ready and come with the durable DT Swiss 370 hubs and DT Swiss Aero Comp bladed spokes, which Swiss Side say makes the Pion a "high performance all-rounder". High-end stainless steel bearings and single sided seals should ensure buttery smooth, low friction performance, that our tester Liam Cahill is currently trying out in the rain... 
swissside.com

 

For all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you want 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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