Brrr, were you also back into full winter gear at the weekend? Hopefully this cold snap will come to an end soon! Our team of testers were out and about testing some valuable and handy bits of kit, here's a round up of some of the best bits...
£139.99
Altura’s Nightvision Hurricane Waterproof Jacket comes with an improved cut and increased breathability for a relaxed fitting waterproof that will cover you on and off the bike.
The waterproofing and taped seams should provide protection from the elements, while the iridescent reflective print detail and printed reflective panels promise to increase visibility on the roads. The jacket also features an ‘in pocket’ and back ventilation system for keeping you cooler as you push on the pace. Neil Gander has been heading out on t in this jacket and his verdict is coming soon…
www.altura.co.uk
£90
Made in Germany, the large main compartment of this minimalistic backpack has 30 litres of capacity and various inner pockets. A waterproof roll closure promises to keep your belongings dry and there’s a safety light attachment point for visibility while riding.
The Vaude Green Shape label stands for environmentally friendly, functional products made from sustainable materials. For example, the felt padded shoulder straps are made from wool combine with cow’s milk that can no longer be used for consumption due to strict regulations and would otherwise be disposed of. This makes the straps silky soft and offers natural, antibacterial properties in direct contact with skin. I’ve been testing this stylish eco bag and my report is landing soon…
www.raleigh.co.uk
£1050
With a 21mm internal rim width, this new 50mm deep wheelset is said to maximise the tyre profile with the widest clincher profile rim brakes can take. The tubeless-ready 1440g wheelset is handbuilt in the UK and promises to come into its own on rolling roads and at higher average speeds. The PR50 works best with 25mm or 28mm tyre widths fitted, but can also be used with 23mm or 30mm. As with all Pacenti hand built wheels there is no upper weight limit. Jez Ash has been rolling on these wheels and his full report is coming soon…
www.pacenticycledesign.co.uk
£40
Goodyear’s Connector Ultimate Tubeless Complete tyres are designed from gravel adventuring and are said to be capable of tackling any terrain.
A versatile tread pattern features tightly-spaced centre knobs combined with aggressive side knobs. The R:Armor tyre casing adds puncture protection, while the DYNAMIC:Silica4 and A/T Compound promises to perform well in both wet and dry conditions, providing predictable grip and low rolling-resistance. Available with tan sidewalls, Rob Wilmott has been 700x50 versions and his full report will be landing soon…
www.paligap.cc
£18
This 22g light stove is designed to cover for you when you want more than just a cup of tea—it’s stable enough to handle pots from 80mm up to 150mm thanks to its larger diameter.
The dual jet pattern promises to maximise efficiency and decrease potential ‘hot spots’ on the pot base. The stove is 50mm wide x 43mm high and has a maximum fuel capacity of 30ml.
Is this a worthwhile addition to a bikepacking setup? Mike Stead has been finding out and will be letting us all know shortly…
www.bearbonesbikepacking.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.
Scrub that, they should just pass round a box for donations.
I think you are correct, but I (and I think that goes for the author of this article too) was speaking in broader terms, as in 'a Look branded bike...
Quite wrong. The really interesting stuff was good goggles for under £80 - my budget and I was previously limited to Tifosi. Had to ask about...
I was going to quip that a less expensive Pinarello must mean dentists were feeling the pinch, but I didn't feel the joke had any teeth.
I concur that rigid bollards can be a danger having broken a couple of ribs earlier this year in a shared cycle lane with central bollards telling...
Definitely recognise this! I'm 41 with a 5 year old and am now starting to see the possibility of riding more again, but Strava tells me I have...
"No, it's OK, really", replies cycling.
Busted!
For the purposes of investment then cycling for transport, that also keeps/get you fit should be prioritised. However, there's an argument that if...
Yeah, that fits. Already seen the helmets, shoes etc. rebrand as Trek. Scott are pretty similar with their Scott and Syncros branding.