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TECH NEWS

Five cool things coming soon from Apple, Tacx, Topeak, Van Rysel and Renpho

Here's another fantastic selection of indoor trainers and clothing that we're testing at the moment, with full reviews coming soon...

What spectacular racing at the Worlds. Alaphilippe defended his World Championships road race title in so much style on the tough Flandrian course and the day before Britain's Zöe Bäckstedt took a stunning victory at the Junior Women’s road race after winning a two-up sprint to the line. Away from the screen, here’s what our team of reviewers were testing on their rides…

Tacx Boost Trainer

£229.99

Tacx Boost The versatility of a standard turbo trainer

This is Tacx’s affordable wheel-on turbo with ten resistance levels for pushing up to a claimed 1050 watts and it also comes with a closed resistance unit that’s said to reduce noise levels.

> 14 of the best home trainers for 2021 — get fit indoors

It’s a compact and easy to carry option too for great useability in small spaces. The front wheel support doubles up as a handle for carrying the trainer when not riding, while the footprint of the turbo is just 675mm by 650mm. Tacx promises it still provides a stable platform for riding though. Stuart Kerton has been putting the Boost to the test and his full report is coming soon…

buy.garmin.com

Topeak Joe Blow Tubi 2Stage Floor Pump

£109.99

2021 Topeak Joe Blow Tubi 2Stage floor pump 2.jpg

Designed to make installing tubeless tyres quick and easy, Joe Blow’s Tubi-Head removes the Presta valve core before inflation which allows greater air flow to rapidly seat and inflate tubeless tyres with no pressure loss or messy sealant leaks claims the brand.

> Buyer's guide to tubeless tyres — find out all about new technology rubber

Stage 1 opens both barrels for huge air volume, reaching 30 psi with a claimed 30% less effort, while stage 2 utilizes the small barrel for high pressure up to 160psi. Jamie Williams has been testing how effective this pump is and his full report will be coming soon…

www.extrauk.co.uk

Apple AirTag

£99 – for a four pack

The AirTag is marketed by Apple as a solution for hunting down lost belongings using the ‘Find My’ app... but previously cyclists have struggled to find somewhere to mount it. Now custom bike accessory brand Kapz has released a 3D-printed mount for discreetly storing the security device under the saddle, we’ve got an AirTag in to test to see if this device really is any good for adding a layer of security to your bike, especially given the relatively affordable price point. For the mount and AirTag combined it costs just £44.90. George Hill will be giving his verdict very soon…

www.apple.com

Renpho Al Smartbike

£699

Renpho AI Smart Bike

What’s interesting about this smartbike is that it generates completely personalised workouts and training plans based on your biometric data with its AI technology. Renpho has over 70 customisable classes and five different training modes, including Coach Video Classes, Power Training Programs and HD Scenic Rides.

The Renpho AI also uses Smart Motor Damping Resistance, reverse-engineered electric vehicle technology, for precise resistance that is claimed to adjust smoothly for effective workouts. Does this AI technology really help you achieve your fitness goals? Dave Atkinson has been packing in his sessions indoors on Renpho’s indoor offering and his verdict will be up on the site shortly…

uk.renpho.com

Van Rysel Road Cycling Cool Weather Knee Warmers

£14.99

2021 Van Rysel Road Cycling Cool Weather Leg Warmers - 2.jpg

Van Rysel’s knee warmers for autumn riding have improved non-slip technology which consists of a double-side 3cm silicone-coated elastic top—one side grips the skin while the other grips the shorts to ensure these don’t slide around. The seams have also been repositioned for a better fit around the knee.

> 20 of the best arm & leg warmers for 2021

Van Rysel has also added a water-repellent treatment to the brushed fleece Super Roubaix fabric for protection against light drizzle. Stuart Kerton has been testing these and his verdict is coming soon…

www.decathlon.co.uk

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.

Anna has been hooked on bikes ever since her youthful beginnings at Hillingdon Cycle Circuit. As an avid road and track racer, she reached the heady heights of a ProCyclingStats profile before leaving for university. Having now completed an MA in Multimedia Journalism, she’s hoping to add some (more successful) results. Although her greatest wish is for the broader acceptance of wearing funky cycling socks over the top of leg warmers.

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3 comments

Avatar
mdavidford | 3 years ago
2 likes

Quote:

Renpho Al Smartbike

Will it be your long lost pal?

Avatar
Secret_squirrel replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
3 likes

No - but it might call you Betty!

Avatar
Jetmans Dad | 3 years ago
0 likes

Lots of positive notes about the size and portability of the Tacx Boost but, to be fair, it looks like exactly the same size, shape and design as the Vortex and Flow models that went before it. 

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