Posts

Review – Santini Adapt Winter Cycling Bib Tights

Image
Santini remain a historic brand in the world of cycling, yet their products are far from antique. The Santini Adapt Winter Bib Tights are some of the most technically advanced and best performing winter cycle wear I have used to date; using state-of-the-art Polartec fabrics, seamless technology, and a fantastic fit. These are ideal cycling tights for spring/fall and early winter riding. The Adapt range from Santini is designed for versatility. As the name suggests, the fabrics chosen for these products are intended to be suitable for a wide range of temperature and weather conditions. The Adapt Bib Tights glean their adaption capabilities from the Polartec Smartwool fabric used in their construction. Smartwool is a unique blend of wool and synthetic yarns; creating a fabric that holds all the exceptional thermo-regulation capabilities of wool, but with added durability and improved wicking capabilities of synthetics. The Powerwool fabric really is next-level. It is beautifully so
Post a comment
Keep reading

Review – Nomad Eyewear Airwave Cycling Sunglasses

Image
Retro cool. That is the best way to describe the all-new Airwave Ulladulla sunglasses from UK brand Nomad Eyewear. With a frame made from 100% recycled plastic, and a fully polarised P8K™ lens; these are an affordable, protective, and stylish set of cycling glasses. Nomad Eyewear have been making casual sunglasses for many years, but this recent foray into performance cycling eyewear is an exciting development. The brand has some impressive credentials and ideas; with all their glasses being carbon neutral, 100% UVA/UVB protective, and built to last with screwless hinges. The Airwave glasses are designed to perform. They weigh a tiny 29-grams, feature a secure fitting rubber nose piece, and offer optional interchangeable lenses for different light conditions. As a complete package they are a set of glasses that you could comfortably use for riding all year round. Sat comfortably and securely on your nose, the Nomad Airwave offers impressive coverage, as well as a distinctive ret
Post a comment
Keep reading

Review – E-Quella Varsity Electric Single Speed Road Bike

Image
I have owned a Varsity Single Speed for London-based Quella Bikes for several years now. It is an undeniably beautiful road bike—with its clean single speed lines, glistening Cambridge blue paintwork, and classic silver components. This is a bike that looks elegant coasting through Hyde Park or meandering along London's South Bank; it offers a zen-like escape from the traffic and bustle of a city—letting you spin the gear with no worry or care. Yet, living on a hilly island off the South Coast of the UK, it has proven to be a little unforgiving… I continue to struggle on the hills. The Isle of Wight boasts many double-digit gradient climbs, some of which are unavoidable for me even just on a trip to the shops. Despite putting a lower ratio gear set-up on the Quella Varsity, it is still often a laboured effort to get over the undulating terrain.  You do not want every day to be Leg Day … I have searched for a solution to my single speed struggle; seeking a way that I mig
Post a comment
Keep reading

Review – Rapha Explore Long Sleeve Pullover

Image
The Rapha Explore Long Sleeve Pullover is an insulating mid-layer designed for back-of-beyond exploration in variable winter conditions. Packable, protective, and comfortable—it is an excellent addition to any tour kit list. The Rapha Explore range is the UK brand's innovative product set created to deal with the rigours and challenges of bikepacking and cycle touring adventures. This long sleeve top is the perfect layer for adventurous pursuits, either worn on its own or layered up underneath an outer shell. The Explore Pullover is constructed of Polartec® Power Grid™ fabric. This soft and stretchy technical material is lightweight but insulating; protective yet breathable; form-fitting yet not restrictive. Quite simply, Power Grid™ is the ideal choice for a lightweight cool weather mid-layer. The Rapha designers have added windproof panels to the shoulders and arms of the Explore Pullover to supply added protection from windchill; while not restricting the breathability an
Post a comment
Keep reading

Review – Schwalbe Pro One Road Tyre / Aerothan Inner Tube

Image
There is no question—the Schwalbe Pro One Tyres are the best tubed bicycle tyres I have used to date. When combined with the new Schwalbe Aerothan Inner Tubes, the Pro One offers the feel, performance, and superlight weight that I have only experienced before in tubular or tubeless road tyres. Schwalbe are not afraid to tout that they are onto something completely unique here. The Pro One tyres are the showcase of their unique new Souplesse construction, while the Aerothan Tubes are a revolution in tube production—created entirely from a plastic polymer. So, what is this new tech? How does it improve performance and comfort? Review – Schwalbe Pro One Road Tyres (Tubed Version)  The Schwalbe Pro One Road Tyres combine three of Schwalbe's unique technologies; to create a tyre that outperforms its predecessors and competitors by a significant margin.  The first of these technologies is the Souplesse Carcass Construction. This development aims to supply the 'feel' of
Post a comment
Keep reading