Table of contents for Sum 2016 in Cycling Plus

SPECIFICATION Weight 8.4kg (53cm) Frame RLT 9 aluminium Fork Niner carbon Gears SRAM Rival HRD 52/36, 11-32 Brakes SRAM Rival hydraulic disc Wheels Reynolds ATR Finishing kit Bontrager bar, Deda stem, Merida seatpost, Bontrager Paradigm RL saddle, Hutchinson Sector 28mm tyres Niner, the 29er mountain bike specialist, conceived the RLT 9 (that’s ‘Road Less Travelled’) as a do-everything cyclo-crosscum-gravel-cum-commuter-cum-winter-bike, one based on an aluminium frame that will take big tyres and proper mudguards. We built ours up with SRAM’s Rival hydraulic disc groupset, carbon tubeless wheels, and a mishmash of finishing kit. (Niner now offers a similar build for £2299 with rather more modest clinchers.) The paintjob on our build is now out of date incidentally, but the current bike is otherwise identical apart from the welcome addition of thru-axles.…

DOULL DEAL Welsh cyclist Owain Doull will head into the Olympics on a high. The WIGGINS and team pursuit rider has inked a two-year deal with Sky, with his team boss Wiggo letting slip the news in characteristic fashion. MICK PICKED Despite a heart problem causing his retirement, Michael Rogers wasn’t out of work long. Old mucker Bjarne Riis has appointed him CEO of his new project, which may result in a WorldTour team in 2017. ON THE MOVE? Rider transfer rumours often don’t kick in until the Tour de France but the mill was in full swing at the Giro. Sagan to Astana? Nibali to Trek? We’ll find out for sure in August when the window opens. THIBAUT ON FINHAUT The TdF stage 17 finish at Émosson-Finhaut in Switerland…

Conceived and built in just six weeks, the Beast, as some have dubbed it, was borne of Bristol custom builder Robin Mather’s desire to take a less subjective approach to bicycle geometry by creating a fully adjustable analogue data logger. Using a steampunk-esque mechanism of rods, cogs and chains, it records three separate parameters: lean angle, steering position and steering torque, plotting traces on a reel of paper to allow for side-to-side comparisons. We’re not expecting to see it in our local bike shop any time soon……

The frame is the very same one the pros ride and hasn’t failed to impress SPECIFICATION Weight 7.56kg (S) Frame Helium SL 60T-40T-30T HM unidirectional carbon Fork Helium SL carbon Gears Shimano Ultegra, Rotor 3DF 52/36, 11-28 Brakes Shimano Ultegra Wheels Fulcrum Racing Quattro Finishing kit 4ZA Cirrus bar, stem, seatpost, Cirrus Pro saddle, Continental Ultra Sport 25mm tyres The Ridley Helium SL has been around for four years, and with pictures of its successor emerging from the last Taipei International Cycle Show, it’s likely that the 2016 Tour de France will be its swansong. A lot has changed in those four years and you might wonder if the Helium SL could still be superbike material. We think it is. The recipe is a simple one: a svelte carbon frame…

Its light chassis means it requires minimal steering input to get it to go where you want SPECIFICATION Weight 6.46kg (L) Frame Carbon Fork Carbon Gears SRAM Red, 52/36, 11-28 Brakes SRAM Red Wheels Zipp 303 Firecrest Finishing kit Fizik Cyrano stem and R3 bar, Concept carbon seatpost, Fizik Antares saddle, 25mm Continental GP 4000s II tyres The Izalco Max is a firm favourite of ours, its predecessor the Izalco Pro picking up our bike of the year title back in 2011 – the Max version stiffening it, lightening it and making it more comfortable. This year’s Max features SSPS – or Stable Stiffness Per Size – which means regardless of the frame size it will feel exactly the same. Focus discovered that it could make a stronger, stiffer frame…

The Aeroad shares many design cues with its time-trial stablemate the Speedmax SPECIFICATION Weight 7.0kg (S) Frame Aeroad CF SLX carbon Fork Aeroad CF Aeroblade SLX carbon Gears SRAM Red eTap, 52/36, 11-28 Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Wheels Zipp 404 Firecrest clincher Finishing kit H11 Aerocockpit integrated bar and stem, Canyon S27 Aero VCLS seapost, Fizik Arione saddle, 25mm Continental GP4000S II tyres Launched a couple of years ago, Canyon’s Aeroad CF SLX has impressed us with its racy personality, and the value for money that the German direct-sales brand offers. As one of the bikes campaigned by Movistar and Katusha, it’s a prime pick for our Tour de France test, and by a stroke of luck Canyon had a test bike in the latter’s team colour built with a pro-level…

The rear-end plushness is impressive and the comfort really shines through SPECIFICATION Weight 7.24kg (59.5cm) Frame Carbon Fork Carbon Gears Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, 50/34, 11-25 Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Wheels Corima S+ 47mm Finishing kit MOST Talon onepiece bar and stem, Pinarello aero seatpost, 23mm Vittoria Corsa 4C G+ tyres Pinarello’s latest Dogma follows the philosophy of ‘if it ain’t broke…’, as the F8’s frame has stayed the same since its launch. This is no bad thing as far as we’re concerned, as the F8 featured marked improvements over its 65.1 predecessor. And as Froomedog claimed his second yellow jersey on this bike last year, it’s not like it’s slouching its way through France… As with many pro machines Team Sky’s bike has an aero-optimised frame, in this case featuring main…

HIGHS Great performance and superb finish LOWS One-size-only seatpost; stratospheric price MASSACHUSETTS-BASED PARLEE has branched out from creating custom carbon frames to producing high-end composite components. Its £320 bar comes in three sizes (40, 42 and 44cm), the £250 stem in four (90, 100, 110 and 120mm), with the £260 350x31.6mm seatpost available in zero and 25mm offset versions. But just what do you get for your – yikes, count it! – £800-plus? Well, for starters you get a cockpit that delivers a great blend of stiffness and comfort. The 239g bar (44cm) is all about ergonomics, featuring a short reach (70mm) and a shallow 128mm drop with long extensions that you can cut to length. The oversize 35mm diameter pioneered by Deda results in a handlebar that’s superbly solid…

HIGHS Good fit, comfortable and supportive LOWS Laces are a little short and tricky to tie TECHNOLOGY MAY BE EVOLVING APACE, but events like L’Eroica (see page 172) and the continuing popularity of steel bikes show that ‘retro’ is still very much in vogue. Giro’s techladen Empires have led the way when it comes to shoes, but Vittoria is celebrating its 40th birthday by updating its classic 1976s. The 1976 Evo features the same stitched toe-box and punch-holed style upper as the original, but now in manmade microfibre rather than leather, and accompanied by an up-todate carbon sole inherited from Vittoria’s flagship Ikon shoe. Microfibre is hardwearing and compliant, though to cope with its tendency to stretch when it gets warm, the upper is bonded to a nylon base. The…

HIGHS Excellent lens clarity, great shape, great fit LOWS There’s a bit of a knack to changing the lenses Weight 31g Lens Infrared Extras Hard case, clear lens, cleaning cloth, key chain Prescription option No The 012’s 46mm-deep angular lens sits well within the half-frame design, with plenty of curve to sit close against your face preventing light spill and offering plenty of protection. The nosepiece is made from Megol rubber and is soft and flexible enough to not need any adjustability. This material is also used to coat the stiffly sprung arms, ensuring a secure fit. Their infrared lens gives a warm orange tint to the world and the second, clear lens is ideal for rides at night and in bad weather. Long ventilation slots on the lenses ensure…

HIGHS Feels familiar from the off, suits riders with big thighs LOWS Could do with a wider option Width 134mm Weight 197g The Concor has been used by so many great riders, such as Bernard Hinault. This version’s seen a change in its shape and the use of more minimal padding. At the back it has a rounded edge and tapers into the main ridge of the saddle. It doesn’t allow a lot of fore and aft movement, but the narrow tapering nose is a winner for riders with bigger thighs. Despite being badged as a wide version, at 134mm it doesn’t fall into the wide category of saddles considering other brands offer up to a 168mm width. The Concor will work for riders who like to stay planted in…

RECCE TO SEE THAT YOU’RE READY I think the best way to know if you’re ready to race is to ride with club riders and ask for their advice. It isn’t all about having a high enough level of fitness, but also having the skills required to be competitive. Spending time riding with club mates will be the best way to prepare you. GO FOR GOALS Give yourself personal goals or targets. My first racing experience was in cyclo-cross – so to begin with my target may have been to not come last. Then it was to try not to get lapped and so on. These little targets felt like small victories. Always focus on your own improvement rather than everyone else. GET INTO A RACE ROUTINE I focus on…

NAME BLAME 1 I always fit tyres with the makers name above the valve hole. This makes it easier to find the cause of a flat. Remove one side of the tyre, checking carefully with your fingers for the object that caused the misery. Remove the cause; a small pin or an Allen key on a multitool is best. When removing the rear wheel, select the smallest sprocket and chainring to make it easier to replace the wheel once the puncture’s been fixed. CHAIN TRAINING 2 Always carry a chain tool and joining link. You can practise repairing a chain on an old one, remove the broken link and connect the chain up again, ensuring both ends are a hole, not a pin. Connect the link, then pull! If it…

A LA BUREAU If you work in an office, you’re spoilt for choice – so long as you have an understanding or absentee boss! The best option is to visit the ITV website or get Eurosport Player on your computer, which will enable you to watch live at your desk. Probably best not to go full screen, though, and have a document or two open that you can hide the picture with should your boss emerge from their gilded office. If that’s not possible, keep an eye on cyclingnews.com. A LA FABRIQUE Not everyone works in a cushy office like us though, so if you’re in a factory or workshop you won’t have a computer to hand. Except you do, in the shape of your phone! If you’re stuck on…

A CLIMB CAN BE CALLED MANY THINGS, AS NED DISCOVERS Let us talk of uphill. Uphill, in case it had escaped your attention is the thing that makes cycling both wonderful and sickening. I remember well how, midway during the first Tour de France I was dispatched to cover in 2003, I turned to my colleague Matt Rendell, and asked him, incredulously, whether he had ever ridden up an Alp. “Yeah,” he said. “Of course.” “What, a whole one? Right to the top?” I couldn’t fathom such an endeavour. “There’s no way I could do that.” And in my mind I imagined with a choking nausea the slight rise of the road on which I lived in London, with its harmless gradient that made even a trip to the shops…

£1899 SPECIFICATION WEIGHT 8.1kg (L) FRAME 24-ton high-modulus carbon FORK Carbon GEARS Shimano Ultegra Di2, 52/36, 11-28 BRAKES Shimano Ultegra WHEELS Fulcrum Racing Quattro FINISHING KIT 4ZA Cirrus stem, bar and 31.6 mm carbon seatpost, 25mm Continental Ultra Sport II tyres The frame At this price, and considering the quality kit, you’d expect an off-theshelf frame. But the made-by-Ridley Cordite is a cut above, looks the part and UCI approval confirms its raceready status. The geometry is racy, with a slightly taller head-tube about the only concession to less aggressive riding. Unlike most similarly equipped bikes at this price you can also buy it from a ‘real’ shop as well as online. The kit It’s easy to get blasé about Shimano’s Di2 electronic shifting (here in its Ultegra guise with…

1 They’re stiff Sidi’s proprietary carbon ‘Vent’ sole features a ribbed and reinforced shape that resists twisting. Measuring just 6mm deep at its thickest, the stiffness is paired with a very connected feel. 2 They’re light The Wires weigh just 660g per pair (size 45). Features include replaceable heel bumpers, a slide-cover toe vent, twin dials and an adjustable heel reinforcement. The perforated upper, vented tongue and airflow-channelling vents keep them cool. 3 They’re adjustable The Techno dials allow you to adjust fitting, and you can tighten the heel retention bar and adjust the size and shape of the top foot strap. Sidi’s big USP is that every part, from the dials to the heel-retention assembly, is available as a replacement part. 4 ...and rare as hen’s teeth The Wires…

Topeak’s latest workstand is both elegant and simple. Instead of clamps to hold your bike, it uses twin rubber-padded jaws to support your bike by its seatpost. The design won’t damage paintwork, weighs just 3kg and folds down to an impressively small 88x11x11cm. But the £114.99 Prepstand ZX will also take bikes up to a massive 25kg, which takes in most electric bikes. ON THE RADAR BIKE TECH OF THE NEAR FUTURE AEROHEAD OF THE GAME Giro is releasing the lid worn by Rohan Dennis in 2015 in the fastest Tour prologue ever. The £499 Aerohead Ultimate MIPS prioritises aerodynamics, while the £229 Aerohead MIPS has more venting. BOLIDE-ER OF THE PACK It might have a pair of world titles to its name, but that hasn’t stopped Pinarello tweaking its…

I was once part of a cyclecampaign group that did an internal online survey on bike use. The opening question – ‘Are you (a) male (b) female?’ – provoked criticism from one member. Too restrictive, they said. As there were only eight people in the group, none of whose gender was in doubt, this didn’t seem of primary relevance. Still, arguments raged. The survey collapsed. Four members resigned and set up a rival group. Ah, societies: the fewer people there are, the more there is to argue over. But it raised a point. Labels affect how we are perceived. Do you describe yourself as ‘a cyclist’? I suspect not. You’d say you cycle a lot. We all mix modes of transport. Walking when appropriate, for example, between car park and…

We were expecting a soft, bouncy feel – what we get is a positive, rapid and responsive ride SPECIFICATION Weight 7.58kg(58cm) Frame 600 series OCLV carbon Fork Carbon Gears Shimano Ultegra Di2, 50/34, 11-28 Brakes Bontrager Speed Stop Wheels Bontrager Paradigm comp Finishing kit Bontrager stem, carbon IsoCore bar, Affinity Elite saddle and Ride Tuned seatpost, 28mm Bontrager R3 tyres Okay, this isn’t the full WorldTour-spec model, which is in short supply. But as the new Domane promises to be one of the year’s most radical and compelling frames, we had to feature it. And it’s not like a 7.58kg Ultegra Di2-equipped model is exactly slumming it… Trek’s original Domane was groundbreaking, with its IsoSpeed decoupler effectively creating a pivot in front of the junction of the seattube and top-tube.…

It’s a well-balanced and responsive ride and lightning quick to turn SPECIFICATION Weight 6.73kg (56cm) Frame Carbon Fork Carbon Gears Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (Rotor 3D+ 52/36) 11-25 Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Wheels HED Ardennes Plus LT Finishing kit FSA carbon stem and bar, FSA K-Force carbon seatpost, Fizik Antares saddle, 25mm Continental Grand Prix tyres Cervélo’s range has always been split between its aerooptimised S-Series road machines and lightweight Grand Tour-proven R-Series bikes. This year the Dimension Data pros will be on board the R5 once the Tour de France hits the high passes and gruelling ascents of the Alps and Pyrenees. The R5 shares its design with Cervélo’s range-topping RCA, so you get the same blend of low weight and aerodynamics, even though it’s not technically an aero bike. On…

It craves speed. Pure, raw speed on any terrain brings the SLR01 alive SPECIFICATION Weight 6.58kg (56cm) Frame Teammachine SLR01 ACE carbon Fork Teammachine SLR01 ACE carbon Gears Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, 52/36, 11-28 Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Wheels Shimano Dura-Ace C24 Finishing kit 3T stem, bar and seatpost, Fizik Arione R7 saddle, 23mm Continental GP4000s II tyres Some bikes shine brightly for a time, and after a honeymoon period, are superseded by the competition. Some bikes become ‘old’ when manufacturers replace or update their models. Few bikes in recent years have managed to maintain a consistently competitive edge, but the SLR01 is one seemingly omnipresent design. Since its launch three years ago, we’ve tested several SLR01 models, and defying the school of thought that suggests never going back for fear of…

PARK TOOL PTD-6 £39.99 Also available in 4Nm or 5Nm options, Park Tool’s PTD-6 is a robust 6Nm tool with all-metal internals and great accuracy thanks to its cam-over design that prevents over-tightening. It weighs a hefty 221g and is 115mm long, with 3, 4 and 5mm hex plus T25 Torx bits retained by the magnetic 0.25in drive or stored within the chunky handle. FWE 5NM TORQUE WRENCH £15.99 FWE’s Torque Wrench is identical to Lifeline’s offering, save for the graphics and price. Unsurprisingly, its performance is also identical, with reliable cam-over steel internals giving good results. The small dimensions and 124g mass are more travel- than hand-friendly, and you’ll need to keep the two loose spare bits somewhere safe. BONTRAGER TORQKEY £15.99 Supplied free with some Trek bikes, or…

HIGHS Compact design, great finish, easy setup, and great performance LOWS No direct-mount option, only comes with alloy-compatible pads, pricey WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN fans of FSA’s brakes; the previous generation’s rock-solid build quality meant a positive experience at the lever. The new design follows Shimano’s cues for a new style of lower profile dual-pivot design, but with one significant difference. Shimano’s brakes as standard accept up to a 24mm-wide rim, and with the slightly lower profile optional brake shoe up to a 28mm. The K-Force can handle 28mm straight out of the box, it’s a small difference but one that might be telling should you try to fit a wide alloy brake surface/carbon hybrid like HED’s popular Jet 6. The low profile shape of the K-Force means it sits within…

HIGHS Feathery light, great lens clarity LOWS Single lens only, best suited to smaller faces Weight 22g Lens Smoke with blue mirror coating Extras Hard case, soft cleaning bag Prescription option No Sparviero, Italian for warbird, is apt as these are feathery, by far the lightest on test. The frameless lens has a grey tint, which works well in bright conditions without being too dark when the light fades. They’re well put together with screwed hinges, adjustable nosepiece and grippy inserts in the arms. With no frame to support the lens we worried they wouldn’t provide enough bite over bumpy ground, but the flex in the lens means they grip well. With a shallow depth (44mm) they are best suited to smaller faces. DHB PRO TRIPLE £29.99 Weight 27g Lens…

HIGHS Astonishingly good lens quality LOWS Shallow lens Weight 24g Lens Grey smoke Prizm Extras Hard case, soft cleaning bag Prescription option Yes The Flak’s lenses are quite shallow at just 40mm and the soft nose bridge is fixed, so it’s definitely a case of trying these before you buy (Oakley offers an XL lens version). Despite those dimensions, the lenses are the stars. Oakley’s Prizm technology is similar to a polarised lens but with greater contrast, and looking through these lenses is like seeing a 4k cinema presentation for the first time, the crystal-clear clarity and the sharpness of colours make any day look like ideal riding conditions. The frame, meanwhile, manages to combine stiffness and superb pliability with fully rubber-coated arms that offer great security. LAZER M2 MAGNETO…

HIGHS Price, shape, quality of build, options LOWS Could be a little lighter Width 142mm Weight 254g Options Black The Scoop is designed for endurance road use, where riders are looking for a balance between an aerodynamic position and a more comfortable upright one. It’s built around a flexible base with a vacuum-bonded upper so there’s no need to stretch the upper and staple it, providing a more even stretch to the fabric so padding can move more freely and cushion you. Its shallow shape design would suit any style of riding. Our white test model cleaned up to look as good as new. COSINE TI ENDURANCE £29.99 Width 145mm Weight 226g The Ti Endurance is built around titanium rails connected to a nylon base with a layer of PVA…

HIGHS Supportive, carbon base, great pressure relief LOWS Quirky looks, takes time to dial in Width 143mm (tested), 155mm, 168mm Weight 212g Options Expert and S-Works models After years of offering gender specific saddles the Power is the first in the Specialized range that is unisex and combines traits from both designs. It’s questionable what you notice first, the short stubby look or the bigger than normal cut-out in the middle. The Power measures 30mm shorter than average models, so it will take a little fine-tuning to find its sweet spot on your seatpost. The short nose allows the pelvis to roll forward without any added pressure. It works best for riders who stay in one position, as there isn’t the space to creep forward during efforts. SELLE ITALIA FLITE…

It might surprise you but milk is now considered a ‘superfood’ because it contains all the essential things you need to help recovery; it’s full of protein, carbohydrate and (depending on which one you get) fat. Nutritionist Will Girling gives us the lowdown. THE BENEFIT With its combination attack of the major nutrients we need, studies show an amazing array of benefits – increasing muscle growth and recovery, reducing the muscle aches you get the next day after a hard ride, aiding rehydration and helping to restore carbohydrate stores to get you out again sooner and still train hard. Flavoured milk with its added sugar will further speed up recovery, making it perfect after a beasting on the turbo, a hilly route or if you’re training again within eight hours.…

General diet When preparing for a big event, it is important that you pay close attention to your nutrition and make necessary changes to complement your training programme and encourage adaptation. Firstly, it’s important to consider your carbohydrate intake and tailor it relative to your training intensity and duration. Carbohydrates will be your main source of fuel on the bike so ensuring you eat enough is essential. How much you should eat will depend upon your training volume each day: 1 hour: 3-6g of carbohydrate per kg of body weight 1-3 hours: 5-10g of carbohydrate per kg of body weight per day On heavy training days try to eat a portion of carbohydrate with every meal alongside some carbohydratebased snacks, and on lighter training days have carbohydrate with a few…

BIKE TESTS The Tour de France bikes (p50) have the features we can expect to see on bikes in 2017, while Orro’s Terra Gravel (p18) and All-City’s Macho Man Disc (p24) show today’s trends Warren Rossiter, Technical editor BIKE TEST As a bike tester it’s alltoo-easy to get blasé about bike gizmos, but what happens when I get the chance to ride a bike with electronic shifters? Turn to p22 to find out… Simon Withers, Production editor BIKE AND KIT TESTS... It was a treat to test some of the bikes that will be ridden in the Tour (p50) and I also clocked up miles on Niner’s quirky RLT 9 (p25) and some classy clincher wheels (p98) Matthew Allen, Senior technical writer RATINGS EXPLAINED…

I like to ride first thing in the morning. I live by Regent’s Park in London and I get up at 4.45am a couple of times a week, ride round in circles and watch the sun rise. Some people enjoy seeing new scenery but I have no problem seeing London Zoo zip by five or six times. Cycling towards the sunrise is an amazing way to start the day. I love it when I turn a particular corner in Regent’s Park and face the sun. It’s like having your brain illuminated. I find that moment of meditation blissful. I’m the biggest cyclist anyone’s ever seen. Even when I’m not fat I carry a lot of weight because of my height and build (Amaechi weighed 19 stone as an athlete). Most…

WARREN ROSSITER TECHNICAL EDITOR Our ultra-experienced head honcho has tested more road bikes than just about anybody in the history of cycling. Ever. Probably. We think… MATTHEW ALLEN SENIOR TECHNICAL WRITER A former bike mechanic and wheelbuilder, Matthew supplies a keen eye, an acerbic wit and some of the skinniest legs ever seen at Cycling Plus… ROBIN WILMOTT TECHNICAL WRITER Like Matthew, Robin has also spent time earning his cycling dues by working in a bike shop. He still races time trials and cyclo-cross as well as testing bikes…

SPECIFICATION Weight 6.54kg (54cm) Frame S-Works FACT 11r carbon Fork S-Works FACT carbon Gears Shimano Dura-Ace, FACT 52/36 cranks, 11-28 Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Wheels Roval Rapide CLX 40 Finishing kit S-Works stem, bar and seatpost, Toupé saddle, 24mm Specialized Turbo Cotton tyres It’s easy to find reasons to dislike Specialized. It’s the Ford of the bicycle world with its utter ubiquity. Nonetheless, the brand has a history of producing mouthwatering fare for serious riders, and alongside the aero Venge, the top of the line S-Works Tarmac is a bike few roadies wouldn’t give a second glance. In a pro-worthy Dura-Ace and carbon clincher spec, with a stunning red, white and black paintjob, this is one eye-catching bike. It also has legitimate racing pedigree, as three WorldTour teams have the Tarmac…

This Scott is a superb distillation of the state of the art of road racing bicycles SPECIFICATION Weight 6.44kg (M) Frame Addict HMX/IMP Superlight carbon Fork HMX carbon Gears Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, 52/36, 11-28 Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Wheels Shimano Dura-Ace C24 Finishing kit Syncros RR1.1 carbon bar, FL1.0 stem and seatpost, Prologo Zero II CPC carbon saddle, 23mm Continental GP4000S II tyres The Scott Addict has never failed to impress. The original bike was a lightweight trendsetter, while the 2014 update tweaked the design to near perfection, adding comfort and refinement without sacrificing its racing pedigree. We’ve reviewed various versions of the bike, so it’s no hardship to climb aboard the 2016 Team Issue, the closest in spec to the bike the pros will race, apart from its relatively modest…

SPECIFICATION Weight 6.43kg (58cm) Frame Hi-Mod BallisTec carbon Fork BallisTec carbon Gears Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (52/36 Cannondale SiSL2), 11-28 Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Wheels Mavic Cosmic Carbone 40 Finishing kit FSA stem, FSA K-Force Light bar and seatpost, Fizik Arione R3 saddle, 25mm Mavic tyres The latest SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod Team is the product of years of evolution of Cannondale’s WorldTour bikes, though somewhat unusually these days it doesn’t actually have a lighter frame than its predecessor. What it does have is a lower overall ‘system’ weight. And it is light too, our 58cm test bike being the lightest here. Take into account the frame, fork, headset, seatpost and chainset and you get to 1303g, lighter than any other bike here by a fair margin and a full 415g less than…

HIGHS Simple assembly and operation, and safer on carbon LOWS Not a lot AT FIRST GLANCE, THE THULE ProRide 598 is similar to the still-available 591 – one of our favourite roof-mounted bike carriers. The single frame-grasping arm with its lowpositioned tightening knob remains, as do the two ratcheting wheel straps. Carrying lightweight aluminium and carbon bikes needed careful attention on the 591, something the 598 solves in two ways. Firstly, the frame jaws feature a grid-like rubber structure designed to conform to tube shapes and compress around random bulges (such as brake hoses and gear cables). Secondly, the knob that controls the jaws now features a torque limiter. Working like a pre-set torque wrench it takes the guesswork out of securing the bike. That said, a voice in our…

At just 432g a pair (size 43), Bontrager’s premium summer shoes are amazingly light thanks to a simple ratchet-free design and minimalist construction that includes a stiff full carbon sole. The upper is designed for maximum visibility, with hi-vis yellow on the outside, and reflective material facing inwards, useful for catching car headlights. They’re perfect for dull days or when the light’s running out on evening rides. These aren’t wet weather shoes, as large sole vents designed to channel air under your feet and mesh on the upper will let rain right in, but for hot conditions they’re fantastic. The fit is on the larger side for cycling slippers, and they’re shaped for a good deal of arch support. BIANCHI CAFÉ & CYCLES GLASSES £24.99 These are aimed more at…

Will cycling give me a heart attack? It’s a question that many cyclists of a certain age ponder, particularly when chugging uphill with your Garmin showing an alarming pulse rate. While headlines about athletes collapsing invariably raise alarm, the good news is that these events are reassuringly rare. Rather than increasing your risk of succumbing to cardiac arrest, cycling regularly is actually helping to prevent it. Combined with other lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and reducing alcohol, getting out on your bike not only looks after your heart but also has direct benefits on blood pressure, cholesterol, stroke risk and other circulation-related diseases. While prevention is always better than cure, cycling also works for patients who already have problems – improving symptoms, slowing progression and increasing effectiveness of medical…

HIGHS Great clarity, fit and easy-to-change lenses LOWS Some slight fogging, no hard case included Weight 29g Lens Mirrored blue Extras Soft cleaning bag, orange lens, mirror smoke lens Prescription option No The frame sits securely thanks to the adjustable nosepiece and long, rubber grips. The tapering from the 48mm-deep lens follows the shape of your cheek so you don’t suffer any light spill at the edges. In humid conditions we got a tiny amount of condensation around the nose bridge, but it clears easily and the anti-fog treatment makes wiping them clean simple. The AC lens is excellent in poor light, offering a bright, contrasting perspective, with the mirrored grey lens dealing with low light and the blue working well on bright days. SCOTT LEAP £69.99 Weight 28g Lens…

HIGHS Impeccable build quality, great performance and compact design LOWS The price puts these out of reach of most of us Weight 31g Lens Impact 2 Laser Black photochromic Extras Hard case, cleaning cloth Prescription option Direct Rx The Synform is a radical departure for Rudy. Each pair is made of 33 separate components with the frame made from Rudy’s Kynetium, a ‘revolutionary aluminium alloy combining magnesium, silicone and titanium’. The build quality is stunning and is matched by the brilliant clarity of the photochromic lens and its fast transition from light to dark. The lens wraps close enough to prevent edge glare and well-placed vents eliminate fogging. But their real USP is that they fold at the bridge and halfway along the arms – packing into a peanut-shape case,…

HIGHS Classic looks, supportive, durable LOWS Not the lightest, maybe too firm for some Width 146mm Weight 220g Flite saddles used to be the go-to option for most pro riders and amateur racers in the ’90s. With its unchanged shape and look, this classic saddle now has a modern twist being included in Selle Italia’s ID Match system – see inside info boxout. It’s classed as L1 in size, which denotes that it’s for riders with the furthest distance between their sit bones (L), and the lowest pelvis flexibility (1). With its classic silhouette the Flite still deserves its place in today’s market. Its seamless top makes moving around easy, while the leather provides grip even when you’re riding in wet conditions, and it will look good after years of…

HIGHS Light, beautifully constructed, comfortable and supportive LOWS Expensive, could do with another width offering Width 135mm Weight 165g The Skylite VT is the lightest saddle in the group but there’s more to it than its light weight. The dimensions and shape aren’t really anything out of the norm, but the build quality is. It seems a shame to clamp the beautiful carbon rails in a seatpost, and when you do make sure you use a torque wrench so that it’s held at no more than 6Nm. The carbon rails insert into elastomers at three contact points with the saddle’s nylon-injected shell to damp road vibration and eliminate any rail movement or creaking. This makes this one of the best saddles for providing a bit of give on a stiff…

KEEP CALM 1 Bad starts can come in the form of a poor initial phase of the race or ride – when you don’t get into the pattern you want – or else it’s a crash or fault with the bike leaving you lagging behind. Whatever the cause, just remember ‘don’t panic’. Try to get back into your mental and physical zone. REHEARSE REPAIRS 2 It is possible to recover and it’s pretty obvious what you’re going to need to do to get up to speed. Without a support team it’s often a different story if your start is a mechanical issue – ideally it’s something you can fix yourself. It pays to have a good knowledge and experience of fixing common mechanicals like punctures or chain problems. CHASE FOR…

CATCHING RAYS Sunburn results when the skin is exposed to ultra-violet radiation. For cyclists, the skin of the face and neck is particularly vulnerable. While the vast majority of cases are superficial, all sunburn is associated with increased risk of skin cancers and premature skin ageing. Prevention comes through regular application of high factor UVA and UVB sunscreens, protective clothing and avoiding peak exposure in the middle of the day. ASSESSING SEVERITY Mild sunburn results in red, sore skin without blisters. In more severe cases, the sunburn extends below the superficial layer of the skin, resulting in blisters. If more than 10 per cent of the body surface area in adults or 5 per cent in children is affected by severe sunburn, seek a medical assessment. As a guide, each…