Well the rain just won't go away, but that ain't stopping us from riding! Here's the latest bikes, bits and bobs we've got our hands on before our reviewers reach their verdicts...
Altuvita Elements case
£30.00
Measuring 150mm x 70mm, this classy case is designed to harbour phones from all major brands and in all sizes, able to fit an iPhone X or Samsung S10. There are also various internal pouches for cards and essentials to keep everything in one place to save you fumbling at the cafe stop. A worthy companion fo any ride? Neil Gander is riding with it now, with his full report due next week.
altuvita.com
Enervit Pre Sport jelly
£2.15
Designed to be taken before your ride (hence the 'Pre') these jellies include Isomaltose, a sugar type that is supposed to cause minor increases of bloody glucose compared to other sugar-rich foods. Enervit recommend taking two jellies 1-2 hours before exercise to give you a tasty carb-laden boost. Did they give Alex Bowden a suitable sugar hit on his test rides, and did they pass the taste test? Find out later this month in the full review.
chickencyclekit.co.uk
Shutt Velo Rapide Signature Sanremo Bib Short
£139.00
Shutt's flagship performance bibs are handmade in Italy from a recycled Lycra they call Green Soul Technology. This, they say, "combines the use of 100% sustainable recycled fibers with the most environmental friendly dyeing and finishing processes with no compromise on the performance of the fabrics."
As well as the eco brownie points they have everything else you'd expect on high quality bibs, such as an anatomic design for stretch, laser-cut leg grippers and a performance chamois with muti-density gel and foam inside. The mutli-coloured pattern on the grippers also make them stand out from the crowd. Good for the backside as well as the planet? Stu Kerton's verdict is coming shortly.
shuttvr.com
Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc X-Wide Wheelset
£329.00
Hunt's popular value wheelset for off the beaten track is now wider and tougher than ever, with a 25mm rim bed optimised for tyres 35mm and beyond and a 29mm external width. They weigh in at 1,698 for pair, and Hunt say they're more than capable of taking on terrain you'd have only considered possible on a mountain bike before you get your hands on these hoops. The freehub also features Hunt's 'H_Ceramik' coating that makes it more durable against cassette sprocket damage, and of course they're ready for tubeless tyres with Hunt throwing in tubeless tape and valves with your purchase. The ultimate gravel mile munchers? Check back for the full test report in the next couple of weeks.
huntbikewheels.com
Forme Longcliffe 2
£650.00
The Longcliffe is designed to be an entry-level road bike with a bit extra, with a relaxed road geometry and able to fit 28mm tyres plus mudguards to take a proper British winter hammering. Shimano's Claris groupset with Tektro brakes make up most of the drivetrain, plus you get a full carbon fork and Forme's own durable CSL wheels to complete the package. Is the Longcliffe the one you need to grab before the weather turns in 2019? We'll be reporting back soon...
formebikes.co.uk
To see 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.
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3 comments
I got a little zipped pouch like tihat for £1.69 off Amazon. It's not as pretty but works just the same. £30 is just ridculous for something that will have cost pennies to make in China.
I bought a clearance Forme frame last year that included headset and carbon fork for about £109 delivered, seems like a bargain now! It will be my permanent Zwift bike once I get around to getting my spare Shimano 105 (5800) stuff fitted. Looking forward to all of my bikes being 11-speed... except the Brompton.
I wish Hunt would offer DT 350 hubs, their Noectac rebrand hubs are pure trash, bearing would go after a few rainy rides