Speed and distance have a tricky relationship. Increase one and you lower the other. But highly advanced time trial and triathlon racing bikes are doing everything in their power to mediate these troublesome variables. And this new out and out speedster from Felt manages to be faster for longer distances than most other rides. Designed in Irvine, California, but built and fully tested in Portsmouth by Wiggle, the IA14 features a responsive UCH carbon frame, slick 22-speed Shimano Ultegra drivetrain and advanced Vision components. The eye-catching aero bars and oversized seat post not only look the business but help create an aggressive riding position which will knock the grin off your competitor’s face as well as seconds off your time as you cheat the wind all day (wiggle.co.uk).
Price: £2,294
Frame: carbon
Weight: 9.6kg
Gears: Shimano Ultegra
Chapeau to you
“Chapeau” translates as hat but it means far more. Used to indicate respect for a fellow cyclist’s efforts, achievement or endeavour, “chapeau” is a spoken doffing of the cap. So it’s the perfect name for a cycling brand which puts the emphasis on quality, inclusion and the wider community of riders.
The brand, which is based down in Devon, has just released its the new collection for 2017 with lovely new designs, inspired by the promise of a summer of big rides, races and adventures. If you are looking for quality, understated style and fair prices for good products, this is the name you have been waiting for.
The new collection offers three styles for men. The Etape is for the racers and acts as a high performance second skin. The Club with raglan sleeves and outstanding fit is tailored for the contemporary cyclist. The Tempo is cut for performance, but won’t cling like the wrapper on your flapjacks. For women there are two cuts, the Soulor and the Madeleine. Both provide an outstanding fit and excellent performance without compromising on looks.
The fine details are covered by a full collection of socks, caps, outerwear (because it’s not always sunny in the summer) and a simple, stylish casual range for the café and the bar when you are thinking back over a great day in the saddle.
Visit the Chapeau website and I guarantee you will be tempted.
Music to your ears
Bike commuters have a lot to contend with: poor weather, traffic, other cyclists and, of course, boredom. I usually try to rotate my daily route just to keep things more interesting, but even that doesn’t always do it. However I have always managed to resist the urge to listen to music or podcasts. Cycling in a big city is simply too dangerous and you need to use your eyes and your ears to keep out of harm’s way.
But here’s an innovative bike helmet that might just let you have your cake and eat it. The Coros Linx Smart from Halfords is a helmet that allows cyclists to listen to music without drowning out traffic noise. It features a wireless headset that hangs from the helmet and straps to the cyclist’s cheek. Sound is then conveyed through bone conduction technology and eliminates the need for headphones.
Users of the helmet, which weighs just 400g, can wirelessly listen to music and phonecalls by connecting their phone to the helmet via Bluetooth. A device mounted on the handlebars is used to adjust volume, pause and skip and answer calls without you having to get your phone out. It also connects to an app that can automatically alert friends and family in the event of an accident, plan routes and track racing times.
It’s incredibly clever, but best of all it means you can listen to music without compromising your safety. It’s £180 from Halfords.
Email Martin at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
Source: Read Full Article