The sun's still out, we're still out enjoying it, and wondering what the catch is! Here's our pick of the most recent test gear that's currently out with our reviewers...
Cateye Padrone Digital Wireless CC-PA400B+Speed/Cadence
£99.99
Back before Garmin et al came along, Cateye were one of the biggest names for supplying cyclists with reliable and accurate data on the bike; and while that popularity has waned somewhat in recent years, their Padrone computer is now Bluetooth-ready so you can share all your data on Strava etc as you would with more expensive GPS units. It has speed, heart rate and cadence metrics, plus trip distance, moving time and a clock. No GPS means loads of battery, so it won't run out on you during a big day in the saddle. Is the simplicity a big sell? Mike Stead is reviewing it now.
zyrofisher.co.uk
Miche Syntium AXY Disc Black Wheels
£459.99
The latest Syntium disc brake wheelset from Miche is a high-end aluminium option, with the weight relatively low at 1650g a pair to make them all-rounders that Miche recommend for climbing and long days in the saddle. With an AL7075-T6 freehub body, they promise decent smoothness and reliability thanks to high-performance bearings, and the low weight and reactivity also make them suitable for mixed route riding. Are they the wheel deal? Stu Kerton's review is due shortly.
chickencyclekit.co.uk
Vel Slim 17
£34.99
This multi-tool has 17 functions as you might have guessed, including allen keys from 2mm up to 8mm, a flathead screwdriver, two crossheads and even a bottle opener for cracking open a cold one for when your work is done. The diminutive size and 112g weight means it will easily fit in a jersey pocket or saddle bag, and it folds away neatly into a sleeve for compact storage. Has it become Mike Stead's on-bike tool of choice? The review's coming soon.
cookecomponents.co.uk
Shimano Meteor sunglasses
£39.99
With some performance cycling sunnies pushing 200 quid nowadays, we're keen to see if these aviator-style shades from Shimano do the job for leisurely rides. The polycarbonate lenses have full UV400 protection and a scratch-resistant coating to make them more durable, and they're engineered using CNC moulding for precision and quality in each set. George Hill is currently rocking the Meteors on and off the bike...
madison.co.uk
Northwave Extreme 3 jersey
£74.99
Northwave describe the Extreme 3 as "the ultimate jersey", a big claim indeed considering the price is a little lower than other high-end options. Optimised for speed and comfort, it's made with Sensitive Plus 117gr fabric, which is super-thin and soft to the touch, plus it has hydrophilic properties to help with sweat dissipation. UPF50+ sun protection should protect you from burning, and there's all-way stretch construction with mesh panels to keep things cool and comfortable. Check back for our review soon to see if it really is the ultimate...
i-ride.co.uk
To see all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you're after some more advice before splashing your cash, check out our buyer's guides.
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5 comments
The Cateye was already ANT+/bluetooth compatible with the Padrone Smart/smart+, the Smart was £59 and the Smart+ was £79 but is now discountinued. The Smart+ had a compass, could display GPS data from a phone, notify of message/calls/emails etc, connect with strava.
So in actual fact this unit is a complete rip-off and is a much lower specced model (400) that does not have the same features as the outgoing model but has a huge price hike!
https://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/cateye-padrone-smart-plus-computer.html
I like this new word, I assume it is a hybrid word to mean a Discounted, Discontinued product.
I am going to be using this wherever I can
Would you consider them relatively lightweight, though?
At 1650g I can't consider thes as lightweight wheels, nor a bargain price at 460 squids. You can get a good handbuilt pair 100g lighter and £100 cheaper elsewhere.
it's the disc hubs, they weigh a ton and the rims are no less weighty than rim braked variants.
Miche had a rim braked 'syntium' a couple of years ago, 1585g for £300 full retail.
Disc braked wheels usually need a few extra spokes too.