Table of contents for July 2022 in Cycling Plus

Weight 10.7kg (M) Frame Aluminium alloy Fork Carbon, alloy steerer Gears Shimano Sora 9-speed, 50/34, 11-32 Brakes Cable disc Wheels Triban Tubeless-Ready 6061 aluminium Finishing kit Triban alloy stem, bar and seatpost, Ergofit saddle and 700x28 Resist+ tyres • DECATHLON SAYS ITS Triban RC500 is a road bike ‘that maintains comfort if you’re cycling long distances’. It comes with Shimano’s nine-speed Sora groupset, while the semi-compact frame has dropped seatstays and clearance for tyres up to a generous 40mm wide. The 6061 aluminium frame is paired with a carbon-bladed fork. The geometry is laid back, and the full range of fixtures and fittings includes low-rider rack mounts on the fork with a 9kg carrying capacity, allowing you to load up for adventures. Nine-speed Sora is a step up from the…

“It encourages you to take the faster line, even when the surface is questionable” Weight 9.51kg (M) Frame Aluminium Fork Composite Gears Shimano Sora 9-speed, 50/34, 11-34 Brakes Tektro TK-B177 rim brakes Wheels Giant S-R3 Finishing kit Giant Connect alloy bar, Sport alloy stem, D-Fuse alloy seatpost, Approach saddle, S-R3 AC 28mm tyres • GIANT’S CONTEND 1 is ‘designed for aspiring riders aiming to ride a little faster and go a little further’. The company’s compact frame design always guarantees a good fit, with generous overlap between sizes. The Contend has a well-designed and beautifully built frame, made from Giant’s proprietary Aluxx-Grade aluminium. The full-carbon fork and slim, flat-backed alloy seatpost are designed to add compliance. Giant has used its own tubeless-ready wheels and tyres, bar, stem and saddle. Shimano’s…

“The build on this model isn’t flashy but almost everything puts in a good performance” Weight 7.9kg (L) Frameset carbon Gears SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed, 48/35, 10-33 Brakes Hydraulic disc Wheelset Syncros Capital 1.0 35 Disc Finishing kit Schwalbe One 700x28 tyres, carbon bar, alloy stem, Duncan 1.0 Aero seatpost, Belcarra Regular 2.0 saddle • THE ADDICT RC is the Swiss brand’s all-round road racer, which aims to balance low weight with aerodynamic efficiency. Scott claims the frame and fork weigh just 1.21kg. This latest model, with its smaller gears and bigger tyres, is less brash than Addicts of old. Stamp on the pedals, though, and it’s obvious there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet. Its carbon chassis features truncated aerofoil tube shapes, dropped seatstays and integrated cable routing,…

Weight 7.4kg (56cm) Frame Cervélo R5 Fork Cervélo R5 Gears SRAM Force 48/35, 10-33 Brakes SRAM Force disc Wheels Reserve 34/37mm rims Finishing kit Cervélo carbon bar and stem, Prologo Scratch M5 PAS TiRox saddle, Vittoria Corsa TLR G2.0, 700x25c tyres • CERVÉLO’S R5 DISC Force eTap AXS is a classic road-racing bike. Cervélo has stuck to the R-Series’ original tenets – a stiff, lightweight carbon frameset with racy geometry, traditional lines and pencil-thin seatstays. Though this wouldn’t be 2022 without aero gains, electronic gearing and tubeless tyres. Thanks to input from pro riders, Cervélo has actually reduced front-end stiffness and it’s a change for the better too, as it glides more smoothly over rough roads. You’ll still feel big knocks, but the more compliant front end dissipates road buzz…

“If I was riding an epic event, Bombtrack’s leftfield approach would put the Audax high on my list” Weight 11.13kg (L) Frame Columbus Cromor steel Fork Carbon Gears Shimano 105/Ultegra RX 48/32, 11-34 Brakes Shimano 105 disc Wheels WTB ST i25 650b Finishing kit Ritchey stem, bar and seatpost, Bombtrack Comp saddle, 650x47 WTB Horizon/Byway tyres • THE BOMBTRACK AUDAX, with its big-clearance steel frame, 650b wheels and huge, 47mm-wide road tyres, seems at odds with its long-distance ‘Audax’ moniker. However, it transpires it’s a bike that lives up to its roadie roots, but from a different perspective… The heart of the bike is a tidy TIG-welded Columbus Cromor double-butted chromoly steel frame. It’s complemented by a full-carbon fork, which features twin mounts and mudguard mounts on the fork legs.…

Weight 9.25kg (58cm) Frame Carbon Fork Carbon Gears Shimano GRX Di2 (48/31, 11-34) Brakes Shimano GRX disc Wheels HollowGram carbon Finishing kit HollowGram carbon bar, alloy stem, carbon seatpost, Fabric Scoop saddle, Vittoria Terreno Zero 30c tyres • CANNONDALE’S SYNAPSE IS an endurance classic, and its 2022 range is all about practicality. The Synapse Carbon LTD RLE has a high-grade carbon frame, an integrated battery system, daytime-running lights, a speed sensor and even radar technology. Yet it largely keeps the same geometry as its race-ready predecessors, albeit with a shorter trail figure and a slightly longer wheelbase. It can take 35c tyres or 32c with mudguards. The frame has a BSA threaded bottom bracket shell, simple internal cable routing and it adopts the dropped-stay design from Cannondale’s EVO. It uses…

FOR MANY AMBITIOUS ROAD CYCLISTS THE TRADITIONAL 160KM SPORTIVE IS NO LONGER ENOUGH. ULTRA-ENDURANCE EVENTS – A DOUBLE CENTURY, OR MORE – ARE THE NEXT BIG TREND AND, WITH THE RIGHT TRAINING AND COMMITMENT, YOU TOO CAN GO ALL THE WAY… The legendary world of ultra cycling – typically defined as endurance challenges of 200-300km or longer – is often seen as the preserve of super-fit semi-pro athletes and extreme amateur racers. But with the right training and mindset, any amateur cyclist can conquer an ultra. The annual sportive calendar is now studded with epic one-day ultra events (see overleaf), while the World Ultracycling Association also oversees a calendar of ultra events worldwide. As ultra challenges are even longer than the Queen stages of the Tour de France, every heroic…

Check for injuries ● Don’t just get back on your bike and ride away. You could be disorientated, concussed, or more badly hurt than you realise. If anyone has suffered severe injuries, call 999. Record damage ● Take photos of the damage to your bike and any other damaged items and vehicles. Keep all damaged items and a list of out-of-pocket expenses as these can form part of your claim. Identify who caused the incident ● Collect the names, addresses and insurance details of anyone involved in the incident and note vehicle registration details, colour or model. Avoid admitting fault, verbally or otherwise. Get names ● Get the details of any witnesses to the incident as soon as possible and if the police attend, take details of the investigating officer…

“The most obvious trait of the RD2s is how smoothly and quickly they seem to roll” • HALO’S NEW EVAURA RD2 wheels are designed to appeal to riders who prefer larger-volume tyres. Their glossy tubeless-ready rims with black-on-black graphics are described as Stealth Black Anodised and have a strikingly modern look. Their dimensions continue the theme too, as the shallow T10 Nobium heat-treated alloy rims boast 19mm internal width and are just 22mm tall. Both front and rear rims have 24 J-bend, double-butted, black, stainless-steel spokes with black brass nipples. They’re laced in Halo’s 16/8E pattern, with 16 spokes, crossed twice, on one side, with eight spokes, crossed once, on the other, meeting the rim in a 2:1 arrangement. The Halo RD2 front and RD2 Supadrive rear hubs have generously…

● EVER FORGOTTEN YOUR multitool? This is where the Torque Covert 7 comes in. It’s designed to slide into a hollow crank 21mm or more in diameter – which just happens to fit the hole in Shimano’s GRX cranks. The 138mm-long tool comes with 3/4/5/6mm hex bits, T25 torx bit and a crosshead driver bit that fit into a standard 8mm head, so you can easily change them. It’s versatile, easy to use, weighs 127.4g, stays put on rough stuff and, thanks to neodymium magnets, the bits are secure, making it a fantastic fit- and forget tool.…

• THIS ROOMY, TOTE bag-shaped pannier has a line-up of practical features that includes: a padded laptop sleeve, an internal zipped pocket, tote-style carry handles, a padded shoulder strap, an exterior side pocket and reflective trim. Made in Canada and signed by the maker, the bag has taped seams and a waterproof lining. How it works The Cam-Lock system simply engages between the mounting hooks and rack tubing to secure the pannier. The self-locking rack attachment fits rack tubing of up to 15mm, with an oversize Cam-Lock available up to 21mm. This bag held firm on the bike, no matter what it was loaded with and the roll-top fastening helped hold the contents securely in place. Top handles allow you to easily load and carry the bag off the bike. Adding…

IN THE MIND Perception of success is important to help you achieve your potential, so learn what motivates you to reach your goals 01 Pacing perfection • Anyone who’s ever blown up and sobbed with joy at the sight of a slice of ginger cake will know that pacing is key to reaching your goals. However, it’s not as simple a process as you might think. In fact, as a team led by Everton Crivoi do Carmo (head of Sport Science at Senac University Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil) says in its recent paper examining the impact of competition on pacing strategy, published in the European Journal of Sport Science, “Adjustments in exercise intensity result from a complex decision-making process involving physiological, psychological, environmental and tactical information.” And you thought it…

Choose seasonal and local to max out on nutrients while minimising your carbon footprin ● Native to Central America, these legumes were brought to Britain in the 17th century by King Charles I’s gardener as a decorative plant, before being used as food here. The smaller and younger the bean, the better for eating. Boil, steam or stir-fry them, but remember to top and tail them and remove the stringy bits down either side before slicing diagonally and cooking until al dente. Enjoyed in many guises, runners will give you vitamin C, folic acid and fibre.…

• If freedom were to be summed up in an activity, bikepacking wouldn’t be far from the top of the list. Getting outside and focusing on the basics – eating, drinking and moving – is a welcome antidote to the stresses of normal life. Defined as the intersection between all-terrain cycling and backpacking, what sets it apart from traditional touring is a lighter set up, more capable of venturing off-road in whatever timeframe you have. However, if you think riding a bike laden with camping gear would ruin the joy of cycling, read on. This shouldn’t have to be the case. Whether you choose to explore UK trails between hotels or complete a multi-day epic through European wilderness, this is a discipline that covers whatever type of riding you do.…

1 GOING CLIPLESS Riding ‘clipless’ means riding ‘clipped-in’ to your pedals. Yes, we know that makes no sense, but it all becomes clear when you consider pedals used to have ‘toe clips’ that you slid your foot into, then tightened the straps over the top. The trouble was that you had to loosen the strap to take your foot out. But why attach your feet to the pedals? Clipping into cleats, like cycling with your toes strapped in, makes you cycle more efficiently. You’ll transfer power to the bike as you pull up on the pedals as well as when you push down, and your feet can’t slip off. However, once you’ve got the knack, you can release your feet more easily with cleats than toe clips. Got it? There are…

Beth Baker-Stock, a senior cycling and walking officer, in a council sustainable travel team, cycled through university, before moving to London for her first job. “This was just after the tube bombings [2005], when I didn’t like being in crowded places,” she said. “I got a bike on the cycle to work scheme and started cycling to work every day.” “Later, when we moved back to my home town of Poole, we chose somewhere that was near a railway station and near bus routes, because we didn’t have a car and wanted to see if we could do without it.” Beth didn’t cycle much after that, because without the safety in numbers she experienced in London, “I just felt drivers weren’t looking out for cyclists. Then we had kids, bought…

Switched on France’s Alpe d’Huez has 21 of them, each stationing a numbered sign, annointed with the winners from Tours de France past. Slovenia’s Vršič Pass has 50, also numbered (the idea was borrowed here for the Alpe) and has the original cobblestones still intact on its northern side. The French Alps’ Lacets de Montvernier squeezes 17 of them into just 2.5 kilometres - one every 147 metres, carved precipitously into the mountain in an absolute triumph of 1930s engineering. Switchbacks might seem like just a bend in the road to outsiders, but at the pace of the cyclist they are much more; they are a place to count your progress to the summit, a time to reset and recalibrate, or recover from a buffeting headwind. They’re a moment to…

• Peace envelopes the Col de l’Arpettaz, following a bruising passage up narrow, pine tree-lined tarmac. This might be a climbing backwater in the northern Aravis mountain range of the French Alps, but it’s all the better for it, serving up a slice of tranquillity across its 16km, 7.1 per cent slope. Up here it’s a good deal more serene than 50km in energetic Annecy, the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Haute-Savoie region, says Lonely Planet. Annecy, vibrant on both land and water, is a fabulous spot to base yourself for an extended break on the bike, should you want a destination with more off-bike activity. Its old town, separated by canals, has bags of charm – a Venice in miniature, without the over-torqued tourism feel. Lake Annecy, France’s…

“In times of ever-increasing prices, Trek’s Domane is still refreshingly affordable” Weight 9.62kg (54cm) Frame Trek 100 Series aluminium alloy Fork Carbon, alloy steerer Gears Shimano Claris 8-speed, 50/34, 11-32 Brakes Rim Wheels Bontrager tubeless ready Finishing Kit Bontrager alloy bar, stem, seatpost, P3 Verse Comp saddle, Bontrager R1 tyres • THE DOMANE HAS always been the wild child in Trek’s triumvirate of anagrammatical road bikes. Forever searching for alternate lines, not fazed by rough surfaces, and with the ability to conquer almost anything, the Domane was one of the first effective endurance bikes. This AL2 promises elements of the Paris-Roubaix-winning rigs at a realistic price – but is it just marketing, or does it really work? The Domane AL2’s frame is built from Trek’s entry-level 100 Series Aluminium, but…

Weight 10.75kg (M) Frame X7 aluminium Fork Carbon Brakes Shimano hydraulic discs Gears Shimano GRX RX400, 48/32, 11-36 Wheels Boardman ADV Finishing kit Boardman bar, stem, seatpost and saddle, Schwalbe G-One Allround TLE Addix 40mm tyres • BOARDMAN HAS TAKEN the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach with its ADV 8.9, as it has remained unchanged for 2022. And, given how much we liked it last time around, why not? At first glance you could mistake the ADV 8.9 for carbon, but it’s actually made from 6061 aluminium, with a tapered all-carbon fork, and comes with Shimano’s GRX 400 10-speed gravel kit. The wheelset, bar, stem, seatpost and saddle are Boardman’s own, and 40mm tubeless-ready Schwalbe tyres round out a solid line-up. I tested the ADV on long…

Weight 7.45kg (L) Frameset Xelius SL 9.0 Gears Shimano Dura-Ace 52/36, 11-30 Brakes Dura-Ace disc Wheels Lapierre Road Disc 42 carbon Finishing kit Lapierre carbon stem, bar and seatpost, Fizik Vento Argo R5 saddle, Continental GP5000 clincher 700x25 tyres • THE FRENCH BRAND’S jack-of-all-trades road bike has a balance of low weight, comfort and aerodynamic efficiency and is the bike of choice for the Lapierre-sponsored Groupama-FDJ team. Now in its third generation, the Xelius SL is an exciting, fast and great-value road bike that will suit riders looking to maximise speed across every type of terrain. As well as adding aero tweaks, the Xelius SL is now disc brake only and features fully integrated cable routing at the front end. It’s said to save seven watts at 40km/h and the…

Weight 7.17kg (59cm) Frame CV carbon Fork CV carbon Gears Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed 50/34, 11-30 Brakes Dura-Ace disc Wheels Vision SC40 Finishing kit, Reparto Corse stem, bar and seatpost, Fizik Antares R1 saddle, Pirelli P Zero Race 26mm tyres • THE BIANCHI SPECIALISSIMA Dura-Ace Di2 is very different to the bike that was our 2014 ‘Superbike of the Year’ – most obviously, with its disc brakes and aerodynamic tube profiles. Despite this, a 55cm frame still weighs just 750g. The frame features Bianchi’s Countervail CV technology. This material sandwiches a viscoelastic material between carbon layers, reducing the length of road-borne vibrations by up to 80 per cent. The frame’s parallel 73-degree angles shout ‘performance bike’. It’s long and low and designed for a racing mindset, and this is reflected in…

Weight 9.42kg (56cm) Frame OCLV carbon Fork Carbon Brakes Rival disc Gears SRAM Rival 46/33, 10-36 Wheels Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 Finishing kit All Bontrager: alloy bar, stem, carbon internal seatmast, P3 Verse Comp saddle, Hard Case Lite R3 32c tyres • TREK’S ENDURANCE ROAD bike, the Domane, is a suspension-equipped machine with aerodynamic tube profiles. The SL6 is constructed from Trek’s OCLV 500 series carbon and, other than weighing a few more grams than 700 series frames, it’s still a premium carbon chassis with innovative tech. The front IsoSpeed system replaces the headset top with a rocker cup that allows the steerer to flex fore and aft, smoothing out rougher road surfaces. My 56cm test bike has a fairly relaxed riding position compared to Cannondale’s Synapse and the Cervélo…

Weight 7.95kg (56cm) Frame Carbon Fork Carbon Gears Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150, 52/36, 11-34 Brakes Shimano Ultegra disc Wheels Reserve carbon Finishing kit Cervélo carbon bar, ST32 stem, carbon seatpost, saddle, Vittoria Rubino Pro 28mm tubeless tyres • THE FRONT END of the Cervélo Caledonia 5 Ultegra Di2 echoes the Canadian brand’s aero road designs. Its smoothly interlocking fork crown blends into the aero-shaped head tube, which then flows into the ST32 stem with its aero-shaped headset and spacers, and fully integrated brake routing. In contrast, the rear features low-slung seatstays that look like they’re inspired by Cervélo’s gravel Áspero. The geometry is classic endurance-bike stuff, with a 72-degree head angle combining with a 50mm fork offset. This results in a trail figure of 57mm on a 25mm tyre, rising…

Features • Men’s & Women’s available in various sizes • Lightweight and wicking • Soft polypropylene fabric • 4-way stretch, body-fit • Good insulation Hurry! Offer ends 6 June 2022 Why subscribe? • Save 30% off the UK shop price • Pay just £59.99 every 13 issues by Direct Debit • Every issue sent to your door or device 1 PRINT One year of print & Lusso Baselayer for only £59! 2 DIGITAL One year of digital & Lusso Baselayer for only £59! PLUS! Access to exclusive offers and competitions as part of our Subscribers Club! buysubscriptions.com/CPP393 03330 162 142 quote code CPP393 Or scan the QR code to subscribe Lines are open 8am-6pm weekdays and 9am-1pm Saturdays. Overseas orders please call +44 1604 973 751 or visit buysubscriptions.com Terms &…

• ITALIAN FOOTWEAR SPECIALIST DMT is the pioneer of knitted uppers. The innovative design is licensed by some of the world’s biggest sports brands for the likes of football boots and running shoes. DMT brought knitted uppers to its premium cycling models back in 2018 and it has now launched a dedicated gravel shoe that, at under £200, is close to half the price of those original designs (though still by no means cheap). The superior comfort these offer comes from the upper’s slightly stretchy, open-weave material, which gives a breathable, sock-like fit and conforms to your foot better than any PU material I’ve tried. It has the suppleness of real leather without the bulk. However, open-weave obviously isn’t perfect when the rain falls. On the plus side, the shoes dry…

• THE LATEST GLASSES from 100% move away from the future-retro one-piece shield lenses the brand is famous for and towards another 1980s staple classic: aviator-style shades (think Tom Cruise in Top Gun). As in true 100% style, however, it’s more of a full reimagining than a simple homage. A single-piece, curved, tinted lens fits within the frame via 100%’s secure V-latch system. The glasses also come with a set of two-piece clear lenses which work well in lower light and fit via the same V latch using the included tool. On inferior lenses, a curved lens usually means distortion at the peripheries, but 100% has avoided that by adding a subtle vertical curvature and variance in the lens thickness. Excellent treatment on both faces of the lens helps to…

0 1 S-Works Power with Mirror £390 ● THIS SPECIALIZED SADDLE uses 3D printing technology to ‘perfectly reflect your anatomy’ (hence the name). Instead of the traditional foam, the Mirror’s 3D printing of liquid polymer creates a honeycomb lattice that provides varying density and elasticity. This is to ensure blood flow to sensitive areas, plus provide support and comfort to your sit bones. This technology plus carbon composite rails and a FACT carbon shell mean the short, aero Mirror weighs just 203g on our scales. Threaded mounts on the rear allow you to fit rear lights or a saddle pack. On test, the saddle did a far better job of absorbing road vibrations than any saddles we’ve used before, with enough outer grip to keep us in place, too. The…

Van Rysel RCR Jersey & Quick-Zip Bibshorts £39.99/£49.99 Sizes XS–XL; 2XS–2XL Colours Mauve; magnolia; petrol blue; navy blue • Decathlon’s in-house road cycling brand’s Quick-Zip bibs feature a long zipper extending across the rear from one thigh to the other to create a flap for loo breaks. While I admire the innovation, in reality this gives an ill-fitting shape, with a bunching, un-lined zipper around the hips, and I pinched my skin while undoing the flap. Ouch! The chamois is also so wide that it folded, causing discomfort on the ride. Up top, the built-in mesh baselayer is highly reminiscent of Rapha Brevet bibs. The leg hems are the best part: laser-cut edges lay beautifully without any pinching grippers. A soft, stretchy and figure-fitting fabric is used for the jersey,…

• Prep these in advance when you have time at the weekend and you’ll be glad of them to boost energy and nutrient levels after that big Sunday ride. Since they’re hearty and healthy and full of vegetables, you should feel satiated afterwards, and less likely to reach for the snacks later on. Why not make enough so that you have some left over for Monday? Goulash Soup (DF*) Gently spiced with caraway seed, this is an authentic Hungarian recipe that’s guaranteed to nourish your soul as well as your body. You’ll get two of your five a day by eating this satiating soup. Details • Prep: 10 mins• Cook: 1hr 45 mins• Serves: 4 Ingredients • 600g stewing beef• 2 tbsp plain flour• 3 tbsp sunflower oil• 1 tbsp…

01 What trip should I go on? ● Philippa has a great saying that you only have a finite amount of willpower per year and this helps her to focus in on the rides that matter. Picking the appropriately sized adventure for the time, energy and kit you have available is the key to success. For route inspiration, try Komoot and websites such as bikepacking.com or, if time is short, you can plan an overnight trip right from your doorstep. 02 What bike should I take? ● I believe that you can bikepack on any bike, but the enjoyment factor is definitely higher if your gearing and tyre width are appropriate for the terrain. Equally, you’ll have a lot more fun if you have as few mechanicals as possible, so…

1 Waterside gravel Elan Valley, mid-Wales For first gravel forays, reservoir circuits are great because: (a) by keeping the water on the same side, you’re unlikely to get lost (as you might in forests); (b) they’re flattish but scenic; and (c) they’re usually a convenient, logical day-ride length. (And (d): good cafes likely.) Ladybower in the Peaks is a gem, Rutland Water is a family favourite, and there’ll probably be a local reservoir near you to try. Wales’s chain of reservoirs in and round the Elan Valley (elanvalley.org.uk), by Rhayader, offers experiences from easy tarmac family waterside trundling to satisfyingly challenging ‘wild’ gravel riding through the middle of nowhere. Head west from Elan village on the north shore of Claerwen Reservoir, whose decent gravel track traces a shape like splayed fingers…

Condor Cycles Central London What’s its history? ● On Gray’s Inn Road since 1948, and still in the same family. Founder Monty Young’s son Grant is chair; his son Sebastian runs things. What makes it special? ● A local bike shop in central London. “We have everything,” says Condor’s Claire Beaumont, “either in store or in our south London warehouse, down to colours of bar tape or niche 1980s Campag brake pads. Lots of bits of old bikes, too.” Why is a local bike shop so important? ● “We had a guy whose cranks freakishly snapped this morning, and we got him back on the road straight away. In a real shop you can try things on, speak to people, get the look and feel of things before you buy.”…

● An easy opening along the west side of Lake Annecy before climbing starts on the Arpettaz at 32km. It’s a rough descent, before you arrive at the Col des Aravis on the southern Flumet side (11.5km at 5%). The return to Annecy is lumpy, though nothing like what’s come before. 01 Bike shop ● Meta Bike’s in Annecy-le-Vieux sells parts and accessories and offers repairs. 02 Lunch stop ● Flumet is the most timely lunch location, if not the most appropriate, as it sits just before you climb the Aravis. The Auberge de Montagne les Bougnettes restaurant is a little bit of a detour, but with its traditional French food, is worth the effort. There’s also an eatery at the top of Arpettaz. 03 Photo op ● As you…

Weight 10.18kg (56cm) Frame Aluminium alloy Fork Full carbon, tapered steerer Gears Shimano Claris 8-speed, 50/34, 11-32 Brakes Cable disc Wheels Forme alloy, tubeless ready Finishing kit Forme alloy bar, stem and seatpost, Schwalbe One 700x28c tyres • FORME’S MONYASH 2 features an aluminium frame, full-carbon fork, cable disc brakes, front and rear thru-axles, and a 34x32 bottom gear. Its all-rounder credentials are evident in its clearance for 35mm tyres – or 32mm with mudguards – plus its three sets of bottle bosses and rear rack bosses. Fittings for mudguards make them much easier to mount. The hand-built own-brand wheels are better than many at this price point. They’re paired with quality 28mm Schwalbe One tubeless-ready rubber. This gives a pretty firm ride, though it’s not uncomfortable, and you could…

“Ignore the ‘Race’ name: Cube’s Axial is built for all-day comfort, hilly riding and practicality” • OUR THREE WOMEN’S road bikes take in one Shimano 105-equipped aluminium machine and a pair of carbon bikes with Shimano Ultegra, one with mechanical shifting, the other with Di2 electronic gears. This being 2022, all have hydraulic disc brakes and thru-axles. The Axial WS Race is a well-priced bike from Cube, a German company known for its well-specced, high-value bikes, though in spite of the ‘Race’ in the name, we think it’s more of an all-round bike than one designed for the competitive rider. It’s up against the Langma Advanced 1+ Disc lightweight all-rounder from Liv, the ‘women-powered’ arm of Giant. This accompanies Shimano’s Ultegra with a Giant carbon wheelset that comes tubeless out…

“That Merida has included the new R9200 power meter, with no compromises elsewhere, is astonishing” Weight 7.1kg (M) Frame Scultura Fork Scultura Gears Shimano Dura-Ace, 52/36, 11-30 Brakes Dura-Ace disc Wheels Vision Metron 45 Finishing kit, Merida Team SL 1P bar/stem, Team SL seatpost, Prologo Scratch M5 Nack saddle, Continental GP5000 700x28c tyres • THIS SCULTURA IS an archetypal pro race bike – aero tubes, long, low geometry, integrated bar and dropped seatstays. Merida has created a bike that rivals stalwarts from the likes of Trek and Giant, but its price makes it one of the best-value superbikes available. The entire bike has received the aero treatment, with Merida claiming it offers a 4.2 per cent reduction in drag over the previous model – and all without a weight penalty…

“It’s the perfect long-distance commuter, with the comfort and practicality of a classic tourer” • OUR GRAVEL FIVESOME range from £2,499 to £5,499 and have very differing interpretations of what earns you a place in this genre. They also feature groupsets from the three big names, showing that gravel-bike design and kit hasn’t coalesced entirely yet. Our two least-expensive offerings both go for Shimano’s gravel-specific GRX groupset, with Cube plumping for a 1x setup while Giant’s Revolt features the only 2x chainset here. Giant backs this up with an impressive, largely Giant-branded spec including carbon wheels. Cinelli’s Nemo eschews carbon for classy Italian steel and a predominantly Italian spec based around Campagnolo’s 13-speed Ekar. Vielo’s V+1 Strato has a 1x-specific frame and our test model features 12-speed SRAM, though as…

Weight 8.13kg (58cm) Frame Carbon Fork Carbon Gears SRAM Force eTap AXS XPLR, 44, 10-44 Brakes Force disc Wheels BMC CRD-321 tubeless Finishing kit BMC integrated stem/bar, Premium carbon D post, Fizik Terra Argo X3 saddle, WTB Expanse 32mm tyres • BMC’S ROADMACHINE X blends endurance-bike geometry, head angles more attuned to gravel and a seat angle that smacks of speedy roadster. In short, it’s geometrically versatile. The frame’s constructed from TCC – Tuned Compliance Concept – Endurance carbon, meaning it’s designed to be responsive, yet compliant enough to offer comfort and vibration reduction. BMC’s signature D-shaped seatpost adds bump-softening compliance, while the aero bar is comfortable. The Fizik Argo saddle is a great place to perch with its compact length, high-density padding and cleverly shaped channel with an insert…

• WE'RE ON OUR way to picturesque Llyn Brianne in Carmarthenshire for a day in the Welsh hills and the mood in the van is full of expectation of a lot of pedalling and a lot of debate to see which of our quintet of section winners will take the overall top spot. This is, of course, the annual culmination of hours of logistics and testing of many bikes by many people, and the anticipation and sense of responsibility is palpable. Today’s team includes: Katherine Moore, our women’s cycling expert and big road and gravel mile eater; Rob Moxon, our featherweight art editor who likes nothing more than getting uphill and smashing it back down; and Nicola Lovell, road-cycling fanatic and experienced Cycling Plus contributor. Sadly absent is CP’s senior…

● G-FORM’S SLIP-In pad is designed for road and gravel riders. It slips inside your Lycra shorts and sits on your hip, and if you’ve ever come a cropper on your bike and slammed your hip on the road, you’ll appreciate how painful that can be. The 8mm-thick flexible padding stays put impressively thanks to the form-fitting shape. Its Smartflex material is soft and pliable in normal use but hardens on impact to provide great protection during those incidents when things go wrong.…

• With the temperatures rising and overseas ventures back on the menu, it’s time to feel the sun against your skin when you pedal. The epic day rides and increased heat and humidity will place plenty of demands on your choice of summer kit, however, with potentially opposing forces such as sun protection and ventilation, aerodynamics versus a restriction-free ride, and day-long comfort from lightweight materials all adding to a lengthy checklist. The good news is that the fabrics, technology and construction quality has never been higher, with the jersey of 2022 being lighter, cooler, more fitted and offering better breathability than the weighty numbers of old. Many jerseys feature filter-down tech from those found on the backs of the pro peloton. Some offer added aerodynamics, while others have sun…

Wind is priced into a British bike ride. While you might be lucky enough to ride with the absence of wind on a handful of days each year, the question really is about the severity of it. Outings where flags sag around their poles and smoke rises in a perfect vertical line seldom happen. To borrow a well-worn football analogy, our usually circular routes are a game of two halves, with the wind blowing into your face as often as it’s giving a helping hand on your back. How many of us would say we enjoy the wind? Other than the riders of the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team, carving up the Spring Classics in Belgium, I’d imagine it’s few. But how many of us can also honestly say that we’ve…

Your Experts James Witts Reach your Peak The Science of the Tour de France author looks at the latest cycling research Kate Percy Fuel your Riding Kate is the author of Go Faster Food and the founder of Go Bites energy balls Norman Lazarus Performance wisdom Norman, 86, is a physiology professor, author and former audax champion Gail Brown Masterclass Gail is a physio and bikepacker who completed the GBDURO in 2020…

RIBEYE VS SIRLOIN ● A ribeye is taken from the rib section of the cow, while a sirloin is removed from the rear-back portion. But how does that impact their nutritional profile? Both are loaded with minerals and are particularly high in phosphorous, zinc, selenium and iron, the latter of which helps bind oxygen to your blood cells and so is advantageous for cyclists. Vitamin-B levels in each are high, too, which helps convert nutrients, especially carbohydrates, into energy. However, sirloin edges it here. For many, ribeye’s the tastier. And with good reason as fat content’s higher, resulting in 249cals for a 3.5oz (100g) serving compared to 183cals in sirloin. (You can see this fat difference in the marbling.) Muscle-repairing protein’s slightly higher in sirloin, too. Finally, sirloin’s a more affordable…

“I’ve been a cyclist since I was 10. I once cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End in seven days and two-and-a-half hours and completed a number of the CTC-organised events [CTC is now Cycling UK] including the Wild Wales Challenge and the Crest to Coast. I’ve cycled in Vietnam and India, too.” “In early 2015 I had to return my driving licence to the DVLA as I was deemed no longer fit to drive. The fatigue associated with my condition meant that conventional cycling was out of the question, too, so I gave my old bike away at the same time.” “A retired neurology nurse who helps out at my support group suggested that I might be okay with an ebike because it requires minimal effort on my part…

ONLY £10.99 including FREE UK delivery AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER THE UK’S ONLY OFFICIAL TOUR DE FRANCE RACE GUIDE Souvenir edition contains Official 204-page race guide, Alpe d’Huez magazine, A2 route wallchart and exclusive British Pioneers beer mats WWW.BUYSUBSCRIPTIONS.COM/TOUR22 or call 03330 162 138† and quote ‘Tour de France 2022’ Please note the Official Tour De France Race Guide 2022 is only available in the UK. †UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm. All orders are subject to…

Q_What bike should I buy? A_If you’re a heavier rider, choose comfort over performance to start with. “This may be a bike that puts you in a more upright position, to allow space for your hips to move freely without compression of soft tissue,” suggests physio Nic Roberts. “This could be a hybrid bike or an endurance road bike with a more relaxed geometry.” Don’t rule out an ebike either: “The best bike is the one that allows you to achieve your goals at any given time – and ebikes open up a new world for beginners,” adds physio Bianca Broadbent. Whatever you choose, make sure you get a good fit. “It’s imperative that your position is functional so you can put your foot down at traffc lights and reach…