With the new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7, the bike company is telling you that you can have it all, roadie. In a riff on Keith Bontrager’s quip—”Strong, light, cheap: pick two.”—Specialized says, “Aero, stiff, light: pick three.” That line made me raise an eyebrow. But it was what a Specialized product manager said about another […]
The best entry-level road bikes for 2020
So you (or someone you know) have decided to get into cycling. Congrats! It’s a great time to join the sport—cycling has emerged this year as the perfect way to explore the world while staying close to home, as well as a safe, socially-distanced form of transit. The road is calling your name, but getting […]
Good Reads – ‘Eat Right’ by Nick Barnard
It is an age-old cliché, but You Are What You Eat. As a cyclist perhaps you realise it more than most; but if you fill your diet with processed food and the wrong balance of nutrients, you soon realise it. What you put into your body has a direct correlation to what it will give […]
Why the new Cervélo Caledonia 5 is named after a rough Canadian road
The new Cervélo Caledonia takes its name from a road in Toronto. Caledonia is a north/south street that starts at western edge of Little Italy. As you head north, past the nice residential strip, the road gets worse and worse, both in its quality and with its scenery—big-box hardware stores, warehouses and outlets. There are […]
Review: Q36.5’s Unique bib shorts feel like second skin
The Q36.5 Unique bib shorts come in a tall rectangular box. When you remove the lid, all four sides fall down gracefully, revealing your tightly compressed bib shorts, wrapped with a custom elastic band. It’s the kind of presentation you would hope for from a designer brand—subtle touches that justify the price of the product. […]
The beginner’s guide to every type of road bike
So you’re in the market for a new road bike. Where do you start? Normally a lot of your preliminary research can be done online, browsing what various brands have to offer and getting an idea of what kind of money you’ll be looking to spend. You navigate over to the bike brand website, click […]
Pinarello introduces new Prince and Paris bikes for 2021
Pinarello released two new bikes today, broadening its range of road bikes. The company’s 2021 line includes a revision of the Prince, the return of the Paris and more options for the Dogma F12. The new bikes come with a new set of geometry charts. Pinarello’s bikes are now available in nine sizes ranging from […]
Maxxis’ super-lightweight High Road SL tire is designed for high-performance, not durability
In cycling, Maxxis is best known for its MTB tires, but the brand also sells a range of road tires. Currently, the company’s road tires include the High Road tire, made for all-around riding, the Pursuer, a durable tire made for training and the Re-Fuse tire, an extremely flat resistant durable tire made for endurance. […]
Trek releases new, 80g lighter, Madone SLR
The Trek Madone is one of the most coveted road bikes available. The high end bike, who’s name was taken from the Col de la Madone in France, was first released in 2003. It’s been through many iterations, and many WorldTours since, and has gained a reputation as a high-end, (and high-cost) aero bike. Today, […]
Good Reads – ‘Vélochef Outside Is Free’ by Henrik Orre
‘Outside Is Free’ by Henrik Orre arrives in a waterproof pouch with a titanium spork… a hint at the theme of this latest recipe book from Vélochef—this, is food for adventure. Henrik Orre is a Norwegian chef who was Head Chef for Team Sky Pro Cycling. His previous books ‘Vélochef’ and ‘Vélochef in Europe’ are […]
Pearson Cycles: Guinness approved heritage meets 21st Century style
Offered the chance to interview the affable Will Pearson, Joint Director (with brother Guy) of Pearson Cycles, I did what any self-respecting cycling journo would do: I went for the jugular. I shone a metaphorical angle-poise light in his face and left him in no doubt: This is no puff-piece Mr Pearson…I’m gonna need answers! […]
Kit Review: Rowsley Gilet by Rivelo
Fetish is too strong a word. It’s more of a passion, or a devotion. Let’s just say I’m a gilet enthusiast. No one is getting harmed, it’s just me and my sleeveless kit on the privacy of my own bike. What can I say? I just love a good gilet. It’s the piece of kit […]