Thanks to all the bank holidays at this time of year, the UK’s working week is currently more truncated than a race bike’s tube cross-sections, so we’ve updated our guide to best aero bikes. Did that feel forced? Not as forced as Antonio Tiberi’s ignominious departure from Trek-Segafredo, as covered by Robyn in our weekly Pro Log round-up.
Spring is in the air and we’re getting worked up for the Giro d’Italia – don’t miss our huge guide to the race. Meanwhile Charlotte has been busy covering Fulcrum’s newest wheels and reviewing helmets including the Kask Protone Icon and the POC Omne Air Mips, and I’ve been ruffling feathers with a frankly uncalled-for assault on the steel bike community.
Will and Emma chatted to sports psychologist Dr Josie Perry for the Cyclist Magazine Podcast and finally, your regular reminder that our second Cyclist Track Days event is fast approaching. Book tickets now for the 4th June session at Castle Combe race circuit, and save £10 with code MAY10 (offer ends Monday 8 May at midnight).
On with the stuff!
Park Tool TPT-1 Tubeless Tyre Plug Tool
Matthew Loveridge / Cyclist
If you’re running tubeless and not carrying a repair kit, why aren’t you? Get one! You’re welcome. Fixing tubeless punctures by plugging is very effective and a lot less hassle than inserting a tube.
Matthew Loveridge / Cyclist
The latest entry into this now-crowded market is the TPT-1 from Big Blue, aka Park Tool. This stout little unit unscrews to reveal an insertion tool and five repair plugs, or tyre worms if you prefer. The inserter features a familiar two-prong design augmented by a rubber collar that you hold against the tyre as you withdraw the tool.
At 74g on my scales (a hair under the claimed 79g) and measuring roughly 87×40mm at its longest and widest, the TPT-1 isn’t as svelte as some rivals like the Dynaplugger. However it feels very well made and the chunky head serves as an effective handle that should make it easier to use. Also, it’s anodised blue, so it must be good.
Buy now from Tredz (£44.99)
Quad Lock phone mounts and accessories
Matthew Loveridge / Cyclist
Do you like attaching your phone to things? Would you like a single system that works across your bike, your car, your desk, your helicopter, and just about anywhere else you might need to open up Vinted and shop for a lightly soiled pair of JNCOs? Quad Lock might be for you. (Older readers: Vinted is an app where you sell your old clothes using hot selfies. Younger readers: JNCOs are like regular jeans but much, much radder.)
Quad Lock’s signature product is a mount that’s a bit like a Garmin quarter-turn, but in reverse – the male end (not pictured – there are countless variants) is the mounting bracket, while the female attaches to your phone or is integrated into a phone case.
Quad Lock offers cases to fit popular models of phone from £15.99, or you can stick the universal mount to pretty much any device. These mate with a huge variety of mounting brackets including out-front and stem mounts for your bike, various options for cars, and more.
Shown here is a case for my Samsung Galaxy S22, custom colour magnetic rings, and Quad Lock’s wireless charger.
Shop Quad Lock at Freewheel
Decathlon Quechua NH500 Slim hiking trousers
Matthew Loveridge / Cyclist
Full disclosure: these aren’t new and they’re not strictly a cycling product, but I do think they’re relevant to you, dear reader.
I’m a slender fellow and I feel a bit lost in some outdoor clothing, so I was delighted with how well these trousers from our favourite French sports shop fit me. The NH500s are comfortable, lightweight trousers made from a polyester/cotton blend that’s stretchy for freedom of movement.
While they’re aimed at walking (sorry, hiking), I reckon they’ll be a great option for cycle commuters who want something semi-respectable looking that won’t chafe horribly on the bike. These trousers aren’t water resistant, but the fabric is designed to be quick-drying and feels just right for spring mornings when it’s chilly but not cold.
Matthew Loveridge / Cyclist
The NH500s are very keenly priced and they have a useful array of pockets. The elasticated ankles shouldn’t foul on your chain but they manage to avoid looking too sporty for everyday wear.
How much do I like these trousers? Well, I’ve bought three pairs now.
Oh and by the way, there’s a women’s version too. It comes in a wider choice of colours (harrumph), swaps the belt loops for a drawstring waist and features slightly shorter legs for a more summery look.
Buy now from Decathlon: Men’s NH500 Slim (£26.99) / Women’s NH500 Slim (£17.99-£24.99)
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Nopinz Hypersonic Skinsuit and Base Layer
Nopinz, the British-based performance cycling apparel brand focused on providing marginal gains, has announced the release of its new TT skinsuit and aero base layer. The new suit combination will become the brand’s flagship outfit, replacing the very successful Nopinz Flow Suit.
The all-new Hypersonic TT skinsuit is specifically designed to be paired with the company’s new aero base layer and is the result of extensive market research and wind tunnel testing. The suit is made from specially chosen fabrics that maximise the effect of the aero base layer, which is designed to be worn underneath the Hypersonic suit. This combination will save between 11 and 19 watts over the Flow Suit at 49 kph, across yaw angles of 0, 4 and 7 degrees.
The new aero base layer features a full-length body and a practical key storage pocket, and it can also be purchased separately if you wish to pair it with an existing suit. Optional Hypersonic overshoes are available for those wishing to maximise aerodynamic savings.
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What we’re into this week: Sensational audio drama
A straw poll of my colleagues suggests that not only do none of them listen to audio drama (or fiction podcasts, if you prefer), but some of them are barely even aware the genre exists. As someone raised to a soundtrack of Radio 4, this baffles and saddens me.
Great audio is one of life’s true pleasures, to my mind one of the purest ways to be immersed in a story. The explosion of podcasting means more good content is available than ever before, but organisations like the BBC have been producing high quality drama for decades.
This Thing of Darkness is told from the perspective of a forensic psychologist played by the brilliant Lolita Chakrabarti, who works with both the victims and perpetrators of violent crimes. Each series – there are two – follows a single story arc, slowing unravelling the crime and the impact on those affected. It’s gripping, chilling and fascinating in equal measure. Listen on the BBC, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Tags: CommutingGravelIn the Drops
