What a weekend! We hope you've enjoyed the Easter break as much as we have and got plenty of riding in. We also managed to get plenty of testing in, which is just as well with stormy weather heading to the south west later this week...
Bontrager Charge Wavecell Commuter Helmet
£129.99
Bontrager's new Wavecell patented helmet safety construction method has made it onto a commuter option too, as it also features on the XXX race lid. A 'fashion-forward' helmet according to Trek, it's touted for commutes, e-bike rides and everyday adventures, and features the Wavecell collapsible cellular structure on the inside of the helmet. There's a BOA system to adjust and secure it, and there's a magnetic buckle at the chin to makes fastening quick and easy. You can also attach Bontrager's Blendr rear mount system to integrate lights. Speaking of which, the Charge also has reflective elements at the rear to offer some extra visibility in the dark.
trekbikes.com/gb
Rapha Core Cargo bib shorts
£110.00
Rapha have trickled down their shorts with pockets idea (dubbed 'banana pockets' due to the initial marketing video) to the Core range, and at £110 they're much more affordable than the £195 you pay for the higher-end versions. Described as "a comfortable and dependable pair of cycling shorts for every day", there are pockets either side for storing whichever fruit you prefer (or other things like tools perhaps), and there are also back pockets too. They're made of a dense-knit fabric with fewer seams around the waist to increase comfort, and the bib section incorporates a lightweight, breathable fabric that stretches to accommodate riders of all heights. Have they become a core piece of kit in David Arthur's cycling wardrobe? Find out in his full test report soon.
rapha.cc
Genetic Bikes Driser-16 handlebars
£44.99
Despite been called Driser-16, these bars actually provide a 20mm rise thanks to the upwards curve without having to use additional stem spacers. They're shaped to be ergonomically comfortable, with an additional 16° flare in the drop area to add 93mm of extra ergonomic enhanced control to the overall width, claim Genetic. They're recommended for CX and gravel racing, so did Mike Stead appreciate the extra rise off-road? His review is coming this week.
ison-distribution.com
Lazer Bullet 2.0 MIPS
£239.99
Lazer's innovative aero road lid has been updated with a newly engineered Airslide sliding vent that is supposed to open and close easier, and there's now a removable visor that offer a more aero solution to regular shades. For those cooler days when the Airslide isn't needed, Lazer now supply a fully closed cap section to create an even more aerodynamic version of the helmet. Is it the ultimate solution for both cooling and aerodynamics without the need to buy separate lids? Elliot Barratt is testing it now.
freewheel.co.uk
Tifosi Amok Race sunglasses
£69.99
These shades from Tifosi feature their Fototec shatterproof lenses that adapt to different light conditions. They're available in various other colour options and lens types too, and the weight is just 23 grams so you'd barely notice they're on your face. The hydrophilic rubber nosepiece is supposed to provide a no-slip grip to grip firmer when you start sweating, and the arms also have a rubberised finish to keep them nice and secure around your temples. Do they leave other shades in the shade at this price point? Stu Kerton's review will be in shortly...
zyrofisher.co.uk
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That is utterly horrific. The tail bar must have cleared your leg by scant millimetres. Not even an attempt to slow down from the driver, let alone...
Wheels have average speeds now?...
"Extenuating Circumstances" - of course there can be, but you'd better be prepared to argue them in court. In my experience the main extenuating...
The Police around my way solved the problem of car parking in the 70cm reserved cycling gutter, at least for the day of one special event, by...
They love putting various road works signs on the cycle lane over Caversham Bridge. Mostly for things that don't really relate to the cyclists.
Had a look round an S5 at a local bike shop. It is a fabulous looking bike, but needs a modest lottery win at £12k! ...
I use unconventional mixtures of road and MTB equipment on my road bikes because the big brand groupsets don't recognise that avoiding traffic...
As it's a parallel crossing, the driver does of course have exactly the same obligation. Though I think perhaps you are being ironic. HWC195.
I won a set of the Aces in a BC competition a few years ago (before I moved to Cycling UK). Used them a couple of times before giving up for above...
Yes I missed the daylight saving. Hope I didn't advantage anyone. Had to disappear well before race start so I didn't pick it up. All times were...