Life In The Saddle

By popular demand, and after countless hours of testing, GripGrab has launched the new Explorer Waterproof Gravel Shoe Covers. Based on the popular Flandrien Road Shoe Covers , this off-road cousin brings style and waterproof functionality to off-road riding Following the launch and popularity of the Flandrien—which combines the retro style of the 'Belgian bootie' with modern waterproof technology—riders asked for a more robust off-road version that could put up with the demands of gravel riding. Now, with the launch of the GripGrab Explorer Waterproof Gravel Shoe Covers , that time has come. Hours of design work and in-the-field testing, through several generations of prototypes, have led to this new release from the Danish brand. Design and function The design, functionality and features of the Explorer Shoe Covers were meticulously developed in cooperation with enthusiast gravel riders (myself included)—providing feedback from numerous test rides in varying conditions. T...

I first tried Stance socks a number of years ago, when I was sent a pair of their bright and colourful patterned running socks. The brand has an incredible following, and with good reason; the socks both perform superbly and look exceptional. Their latest jump into the world of cycling socks is an exciting new extension to the range. Stance socks are made to look interesting and distinctive. Yet, unlike some 'standout brands' they also offer industry-leading performance in terms of cushioning, fit, and feel. The two technologies that contribute most significantly to the performance of all the socks within the Stance range are the Feel360 supportive fit, and the silver ion fabric technology. Good fitting socks make far more difference than people realise; a sock with the correct cushioning, arch support and heel support can make as much difference to comfort as the shoes that you wear. The Stance Feel360 technology provides a true wrap-around feel, which delivers great c...

Everybody loves socks, and everybody likes to be a bit different. Pongo London produce some cool and quirky summer and winter cycling socks that could be the perfect gift idea for cyclists this Christmas. I was sent the Apron Stripe in Classic White, the Grey Breton Stripe Socks, and the Navy and Fluorescent Pink Winter Merino Socks. The Apron Stripe and Breton Stripe socks both share the same high-quality summer cycling sock profile — made from a technical Italian mesh fabric, with a classic six-inch cuff. The Navy and Fluorescent Pink Winter Merino Socks use 70 percent mercerised merino wool, which is even softer than normal super soft merino. They are indeed luxuriously soft and very comfortable. They are not quite as deep pile as some winter cycling socks, but they provide a good amount of cold weather insulation and they are lasting well with repeat washing. Quality does not come cheap, and the Pongo London Socks retail for between £16 to £17.50 per pair. They are howe...

Waterproof thermal cycling socks can be a great asset in the cold months of autumn and winter, especially on muddy and wet cyclocross and mountain bike rides. The new Bridgedale Waterproof Stormsock Thermal Socks are a great example. Overshoes are ideal on the road, and even for most off-road pursuits; but their capabilities are diminished if you are required to dismount and walk through mud or water; in these environments you find water and mud seeps in between shoe and cover, and quickly soaks your socks and feet. The solution I have found is waterproof cycling socks – these allow you to walk through anything up to ankle deep puddles, and retain warm and dry feet. The Bridgedale Stormsocks come in a variety of cuff lengths and thermal insulation levels; I have been testing the mid-range option; the Bridgedale Stormsock Midweight Boot, which is cut as a standard crew-length sock just above the ankle. The socks are made of a three layer construction: with a soft Terry pad provi...

Who doesn't like nice socks?! There is nothing quite like pulling on a pair of soft packet-fresh socks, whether for cycling, running, or general everyday wear. How long does that new sock feeling last though? Darn Tough Socks suggest it could last a lifetime... Handmade in Vermont, USA, Darn Tough Socks are guaranteed for life. That means if you are not happy with the fit, comfort, or durability of your Darn Tough Socks, you can return them for a free replacement. That is some accolade. The Darn Tough collection includes a sock for every eventuality; from running to skiing, and hunting to office wear. I have tested out their Vertex No-Show Ultralight Tab Running Socks, their Breakaway Micro Crew Ultra-light Cycling Socks, and their Warlock Crew Light Lifestyle Socks. All have been very comfortable, very durable, and a great fit. They are just socks. But socks make a massive difference to foot comfort, and these are comfortable socks that last. >> View the range at d...

Everybody likes good socks. Stance make some great ones; whether it's for running or casual wear. The Stance Camo Fusion Wire socks are a lightweight pair of running socks; providing minimal cushioning, but maximum comfort. I'm a big fan of the design pattern, and Stance have added some neat little details like the reflective logo for increased visibility. The Stance Fusion Wire socks feature a breathable mesh to help your feet to air; but reinforced toes and heels to help keep the socks durable. These feel supportive, comfortable, and they seem to be lasting well. Check out the great range from Stance at Stance.com (Link)  

When it comes to winter cycling and running socks, Merino wool is king. The natural fabric, sourced from Merino rams, is a true wonder product. The strands in Merino wool are thinner than in traditional wool, which means they allow better temperature regulation; providing warmth when it is cold, and a cooling effect when it is warm. Thinner fabric strands also mean that the fabric is truly breathable, and less itchy than traditional wool. Finally, unlike synthetics, Merino wool actually captures and traps bacteria! That means no more stinky socks... The Elite Merino+ Cushion Crew socks from Feetures are some of the best winter socks I've tried. Cut to around halfway up the calf muscle, they provide a luxurious amount of coverage for your feet and lower legs; enveloping them in a natural microclimate of warmth and comfort, even in damp conditions. The cushioning on these Feetures socks is also superb. Whether it is running, walking or riding; they provide that delicate balan...

I seem to have developed a love for loud kit. It is a strange development; because I'm not a loud person; far more a guy that wears a blue shirt, than one who wears a Hawaiian flower-splash one! The new-found interest has led me to look for new and interesting designs though; and it wasn't long before I eyed up the new AV Performance range, from Australian brand Après Vélo. Après Vélo are probably better known to blog readers as a casual clothing brand; as it is their tees that I have previously reviewed here on the blog . The new AV Performance range, is the brand's diversification into on-the-bike wear though; and it is as loud, and as interesting, as some of their great cycling inspired t-shirts! AV Performance Short Sleeve Jersey First up, the race-cut Performance Jersey, from Après Vélo. This is a short sleeve, full-length zipper, modern fast-dry fabric cycling jersey. The fit is great, and much like other Italian made jerseys. The fabric is robust, yet br...

For socks, overshoes, gloves, warmers and headwear, there is only one brand for me - GripGrab . For the last two years, I've been very fortunate and grateful to be supported by the Danish brand, and their products are the only accessories I use for training and racing. They're the only products I use, because I'm keen to show my support for the brand; but also, because in all honesty, they out-perform any other products that I've come across. They are without a doubt, a market-leader for their cycling accessories. With summer fast approaching, I thought I would showcase a few of my favourite items from the GripGrab 2015 range. These are products that I use ride-after-ride, and continue to put a smile on my face whenever I do. GripGrab Hi-Vis Summer Socks This year, our Team Wiggle kit went stealth. With the addition of the new logo, we also edited the kit design to reduce the orange usage on the leg bands and sleeves. The result, is a very smart set of kit...

How do you make a set of overshoes more interesting? They're neoprene booties that keep your toes snug and your shoes clean, right? How about adding some lights! This is a cool new product from SealSkinz. SealSkinz first real venture into the overshoes market appears to be a good one; they've taken a traditionally fairly ordinary product, and added something new and useful. A simple battery-powered 4 lumen light, in the heel of the SealSkinz Halo booties, means they do something I've never seen in overshoes before... they act as a safety device. It's not an overly radical idea, but it's an idea that makes a lot of sense. If you've ever ridden behind someone at night, who has reflective detailing on their shoes, you'll know even the smallest reflection shows up very well because of the speed at which your feet rotate at. Adding a powered light to your heel, could do wonders for your rear visibility. Aside from the flashing light, SealSkinz seem to hav...

The benefits of compression clothing are now widely recognised, and the science behind it well proven. Compression aids the flow of blood between your muscles and your heart, increasing performance during exercise and significantly aiding recovery post-exercise. CEP Compression is one of the leaders in compression clothing, and a brand that I've always been keen to try out - this is compression clothing at its best. The first thing to note, before even considering the design of the clothing itself, is sizing and fit. CEP use a very detailed size chart that works on the muscles that the clothing is going to be compressing. So for example, rather than socks being sized on your foot size, these are sized on your calf muscle circumference. This approach means that this kit really does compress your muscles as much as it is meant to, and tall cyclists with skinny calves and long feet can reap the benefits. The second thing worth noting, is how well this kit is presented. I don...

Wet weather has hit the UK in abundance in the last few weeks, and I've had more damp rides than dry ones. The old mantra of " there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad kit choices " rings truer than ever in damp, dark and cold conditions, so here are a few accessories that are definitely the " good kit choice " and should make things more bearable when the heavens open. GripGrab Neoprene Gloves I've been using neoprene gloves for years, but up until this year it has always been for sailing... Neoprene provides fantastic protection from the wet and cold, and even if the water does infiltrate into the gloves, they remain warm (something you don't get with polyester gloves).  During the 2013 Festive 500 I did in fact end up drafting in a pair of my Magic Marine neoprene gloves to use in the torrential downpours; they worked well, but I was very pleased to hear that GripGrab were bringing out a cycle specific pair earlier this ye...

Socks are an inexpensive way of getting that ' new kit buzz ', a way to add a flash of colour and individuality to your kit; as well as something you often get at Christmas... That said, they are not normally something that you can get that excited about. But perhaps you should... Because, a good pair of socks can revolutionise your comfort levels. No more sweaty feet, no more freezing toes, and potentially no more smell. A good pair of cycling socks has a long list of virtues compared to a pair of cotton tennis socks from the local sports shop. SockGuy produces high quality socks, in what can only be described as outlandish and exciting designs and colours. From Bob Marley Rasta to Neon Pink, there is plenty of potential to add individuality to your kit. I've been testing a few out... First up, the Get Up Stand Up 'Safety MTG' socks. I'm a Bob Marley fan, and you'll often find a bit of Three Little Birds comes up on my iPod, so supporting th...