Hello readers and here’s to Friday. Although this isn’t the normal sort of Friday is it?
That’s because today is ‘Black Friday’, and if this day tickles your fancy you are in luck.
We have all the latest on the best Black Friday deals, from components, to kit and bikes and accessories.
However, if like me you prefer to embrace the greener side of Black Friday, here are a few bike brands doing cool stuff specifically for today.
Albion is offering free repairs and tips on how make your kit last longer at Look Mum No Hands on Old Street today
Brompton is offering free bike hire today with the code BLACKRIDEDAY from locations nationwide
Parcours is be doubling up on its ‘Watts for Tree’s initiative between today until 2nd December
The Bike Project, a charity which refurbishes bikes and donates them to refugees and asylum seekers, is offering 20% off its bikes until 29th November with the code GREENFRIDAY22
This week Komoot launched a Women’s Rally bikepacking series for next year alongside legendary ultra endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox and Silca launched a ?220 Hot Wax chain lube, which comes with big promises and a whopping price tag.
We also have everything you need to know about road bike disc brakes plus an updated review of the swanky Canyon Aeroad CFR. Spoiler alert: it got 4.5 stars.
Tech writer Charlotte gave us all the info we need to know about road bike groupsets and we updated our guide to the best aero bikes of 2022. If money were no object, which bike would you choose? I would like the Factor Ostro VAM please Santa.
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GripGrab Polaris 2 waterproof winter gloves
I’m the person who spends most of the ride shaking their hands and arms around and blowing on their fingers in a desperate attempt to warm them up.
If trench hand was a thing I think I would claim to have it in winter. Thus these gloves from GripGrab solve my main excuse for not getting outside in the coldest months.
The gloves are brilliantly warm thanks to the three-layer construction and PrimaLoft Gold insulation on the palm and back of the gloves, ensuring hands remain toasty.
They are completely waterproof with a rating of 15K (15,000mm), which means hands will be dry even in torrential downpours. Notably, GripGrab says 75% of their material is recycled, which is a huge win.
Shown here are the black pair but you can also nab these in hi-vis if that’s your jam.
Huub Anemoi Aero Tri Suit
So not technically cycling kit but still deserving of a mention because, well, triathlon includes cycling and this tri suit was designed by a cyclist, the aerodynamic expert that is Dan Bigham.
He might have only held the Hour Record for a few months but the Ineos Grenadiers performance engineer knows a trick or two about aero gains which he has apparently poured into this tri suit.
According to Huub, the Anemoi boasts some serious watts and time saving when compared to its best selling DS Long Course Tri Suit. For instance, for Ironman distance riding at 22mph, it claims a saving of just under six minutes.
The suit is comfy, with a neutral arm design for swim comfort whilst retaining aero efficiency and Huub says it is made from lightweight quick drying fabrics, with longer arms and legs that also add aero benefits.
Huub also makes a host of cycling specific kit but if you fancy a cheeky triathlon, this Tri Suit just might give you a head start.
Oh and both the women’s and the men’s are currently on sale on the Huub website.
Buy the women’s Tri Suit from Huub (?99.99)
Buy the men’s Tri Suit from Huub (from ?79.99)
Z?fal K-Traz F16 bike lock
Simply put this is a neat, super useful bike lock. It might not look jazzy, or snazzy, but it works in a wonderfully understated way.
The K-Traz F16 features the z-safe locking mechanism which Z?fal says is a powerful double locking system that makes the lock highly resistant against impacts and twists. According to the brand’s own scale, it scores 16/20 for its level of security so it can be used in high-risk areas.
The cable length is 71cm and the lock is also offered in a larger length of 95cm.
The mounting bracket attaches via Velcro but is sturdy enough not to move, which means you can easily whip it off if you want to change bikes.
The lock comes with three keys and weighs 1.15kg.
Simple, effective and versatile, all for a good price. Job done.
For more info on bike locks check out our favourites for 2022 and tips for avoiding bike theft.
Lorna Jane Curved Eco sports bra
Made from recycled materials, this Lorna Jane sports bra is versatile, extremely comfortable and comes in a brilliant blue colour.
The best feature of this bra is that it offers two strap combinations, for two different levels of support depending on your needs.
For high support, simply clip the straps together into racerback mode and for medium support, just leave them unclipped. I think this feature is great.
The material doesn’t show sweat or rub and boy have I put it to the test.
Pair the bra with the Lorna Jane Curved Eco Bike Short and you have a seriously trendy winning combo.
The shorts aren’t padded, so I would recommend these for activities like a short cycle, spin class, and strength session. They have two side pockets, are made from the same material as the bra and so are also wonderfully comfortable.
Buy now from Lorna Jane (from $63.00 AUD)
Shopping for a sports bra? Read our guide to the best sports bras for cycling
What we’re into this week: Women’s football
There’s a lot of men’s football chat going on this week what with the highly controversial World Cup and that Ronaldo interview, which has arguably led to the owners of Manchester United selling up.
But over on the women’s side, things are much less dramatic and instead there is a focus on playing decent football and growing the game.
I watched the Chelsea vs. Spurs match last Sunday at Stamford Bridge, which was a big game in the Women’s Super League (the highest level of women’s football).
Not only did the home team win 3-0, which always brings a great atmosphere but – and for me this is the most important bit – everyone watching was a delight.
There were zero hurls of abuse and zero drunks wobbling around – a stark contrast from when I have watched men’s games.
Since this summer’s Euros, and the Lionesses stealing all our hearts, women’s football is growing exponentially and I for one can’t wait for more Sundays just like that one.
Enjoy your weekends and may the sun shine.