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
For all road.cc’s latest test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you want some more advice before splashing the cash, check out our buyer’s guides.
I bought something from Wiggle last week (on credit card), it arrived without issue. So for now, they are functioning.
Sorry, when you paste a link road.cc sometimes includes a trailing space in the hyperlink. Try this.
Anyone looking for a GoreTex jacket because they think it's waterproof and breathable might care to look at Ryan's review of the material on the...
If local communities wanted to march their children off a cliff would that be the right choice? Because that's what's happening right now..
And that's another reason why I'm happy to be a CyclingUK member.
The differences in geometry and spec between a touring bike and a gravel bike may appear subtle to some but I think they result in a ride that...
As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time moving trees, I can say it can be done with a good chance of survival. It need some care...
I had my appendix out two years ago, I was 56. I remember the medics describing it as keyhole surgery as I writhed in agony, bloody big keys mind...