Life In The Saddle

I have always been a fan of Campagnolo. Today, they announced the arrival of a technological advancement that deserves serious merit: a 12-speed road bike groupset, with disc brake options. The new Campagnolo Movement12 is too exciting not to write home about… The 11-speed Campagnolo Record groupset was my choice for my Neil Pryde Bura SL road bike build. Having visited the Campagnolo headquarters in Vicenza, I know the care and attention that goes into the production of every Campagnolo product; it is an attention to detail that explains why the Italian brand's parts out-last most others, and which also makes them ideal for an endurance road bike build. The introduction of the new Movement12 12 speed groupset is exciting to me for a number of reasons. Firstly, it provides a wider range of gears, which makes it more suitable for endurance riding. Secondly, it combines that with disc brakes, which makes it more suitable to a gravel or adventure bike. Finally, it improves a numbe...

The Neil Pryde Bura SL is made to climb. The super lightweight 750 gram frame delivers that golden balance of being stiff and strong in the fore-triangle and bottom bracket; yet surprisingly forgiving on the rear seatstays, to aid long ride comfort. This season, I have two fairly mammoth climbing challenges: my #EquinoxEversting and the '5 Maratonas Challenge' . Ahead of the first of these, later this month, I wanted to share my current build set-up on the Neil Pryde Bura SL. Bike Specification: Frameset:   Neil Pryde Bura SL (56cm) Bike weight: 7.3kg Wheelset: Mavic R SYS SLR Wheels Groupset: Campagnolo Record (mechanical) Crankset: Rotor 3D24 52-34T Cassette size: Campagnolo Chorus 12-29 Handlebars: Fi'zi:k Cyrano R3 42cm Bar Tape: Lizard Skins DSP 1.8mm Handlebar Tape Stem: Fi'zi:k Cyrano R1 120mm Seatpost: Fi'zi:k Cyrano R3 Saddle: Fi'zi:k Arione VS with K:IUM rails Tyres: Mavic Pedals: Shimano Dura Ace 9000 Bottle Cages...

My Eastway Emitter R0 is a truly custom build. At the start of 2016, we decided to do something a bit different with Team Wiggle bikes; rather than have identical loan bikes for the year, we would each have a frameset, and be responsible for building it up ourselves. The idea allowed us to choose parts that truly fitted our style of riding, and that were optimal for purpose. My Eastway Emitter is built up for endurance road riding, and has a distinctly Italian theme. The build kit features a Campagnolo Record mechanical groupset; as well as Campagnolo Zonda 2-way Fit wheels, fitted with Hutchinson tubeless road tyres (Read my blog on ' Going Tubeless on Road Tyres '). The finishing kit comes from fi'zi:k; whilst accessories come from LifeLine, Scicon Bags and Bar Fly. It might not be the lightest or most high-tech build, but it is comfortable and reliable. You need good reliable kit when you're riding  200 mile unsupported missions , and travelling abroad for ...