Five cool things has been on a bit of a test kit hiatus after our Eurobike adventure last week, but now we're back in Blighty and back trying out all our test bikes and gear that has already landed in the office... here's the latest lowdown!
Profile Design DRV/Aeroa 120 Drop bar
£69.99
Weighing in at 316g for the 38cm wide version, the DRV/AEROa is described as "a high-performance aluminium aero drop bar", with a truncated airfoil top section for optimum aerodynamics, comfort and stiffness. The bars include a 7 degree ramp angle and 4 degrees of flare in the drops for better ergonomics and a more natural wrist angle for enhanced comfort and control. Are they now Stu Kerton's best bars? You can out in his review shortly...
freewheel.co.uk
Genesis Croix de Fer Ti
£3,799.99
Everything you like about Genesis' classic Croix de Fer, but in luxurious titanium... this 2020 version of the Croix de Fer Ti comes equipped with Shimano's new GRX gravel-specific groupset, and the frame is in 3Al-2.5V double-butted titanium. Genesis say the tube profiles are designed to give "a stiff and efficient pedalling platform, retaining the same connected feel and 'in-saddle' comfort for which the steel CdF is famed". 37mm gravel-specific WTB Riddler tyres with nice tan sidewalls should make for a comfy ride, and of course you get 12mm thru-axles with disc brakes as standard. A titanium delight? Mat Brett's test report is due later this month.
freewheel.co.uk
Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump
£24.98
Pro Bike Tool say this small but mighty pump can inflate up to 100 psi, with the oversized piston design enabling it to reach a decent pressure with 30% fewer pumps compared to conventional mini pumps... so you won't burn all your energy inflating your tyre if you get a flat on the road! The CNC machined aluminium shaft makes for a sturdy build, yet it weighs in at just 130g and is 22cm long, perfect for stashing in a jersey pocket. Has Stu Kerton now got an inflated opinion of this pump? His review is coming soon.
probiketool.com
SKS Edge Aluminium Mudguards
£54.99
These stylish aluminium guards are suitable for tyre widths up to 42mm, with the angular profile and matte black finish complemented by a clean and simple 3 point fixing system with black stays for a discreet appearance. The total weight is 543g including all the fittings, and they're suitable for 700c road-style wheels.
zyrofisher.co.uk
Austin Cycles AC Atto
£2,750
Austin Cycles make some of the world's lightest and most luxurious folders, with our test bike coming equipped with 11 speed Shimano Alfine hub gearing, a belt drive and carbon wheels. The frame, bars and seatpost are also carbon, and the frame can be folded and built back up again in as little as 10 seconds. Is it a Brompton killer? Find out in the full test report early next month...
austincycles.cc
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.
I hope you're all checking your insurance policies, helmets, test certificates and road tax, it's the 2024 round-up...
200 people out of a close by population of how many? Just build it and stop being a wuss
To paraphrase Field of Dreams, "Build it right and they will come: and use it!"
And a Happy Christmas to you, road.cc staff!
The odds of not being able to find a single pedestrian - just one, note, "any pedestrian" - in an area containing more than about ten of them who...
I love how wannabe racer reviewers talk about fork flex under braking like their tyres are made of glue. I find traction gives long before fork flex.
They don't make them like they used to
Thanks for using my picture of chocolate in your opening picture. The original can be found here, chocolate! | LongitudeLatitude | Flickr.
Fair comments. I'll put my hands up and say I got the wrong end of the stick with this one. ¡Feliz navidad! Here's a pic for the season of goodwill.
A trip down memory lane (or street) for me - Harry Quinn's bike shop was at the top of our Street and I used to spend time staring at the bikes and...