We're making the most of this spring-like weather before The Beast rears its head again for Easter (if the forecasts are to be believed) - so here's our pick of this week's test products...
Smith Attack sunglasses
£195
Smith call the Attack their "next generation" of performance eyewear, with fast and easy interchangeable 'Chromapop' lenses that have rated highly in our previous tests. Our pair has a green mirrored lens and a lighter pair with a red hue for duller conditions, and you also get a fancy presentation case with cleaning cloth included. The Attack also features a two-position nose piece for the best possible comfort. Do they rival options from the big O? Check back for a review soon.
smithoptics.com/uk
CES Sport RC50 Carbon Clincher wheelset
£600.00
This new Welsh wheel brand came to our attention late last year, and their 50mm deep carbon clincher set is the first product we've had in for review from CES. They've done their homework and already had all the RC range UCI-approved, and claim the RC50's are manufactured using the same rim moulds as some of the leading bicycle manufacturers using Toray T700 carbon fibre sheets. The braking surface is basalt for high temperature resistance and brake force, and they're built with precision CNC machined hubs and super strong spokes. The decals are also customisable if you fancy shocking pink instead of red. Do you get big performance for the relatively small price? Stu Kerton is riding these hoops now...
ces-sport.co.uk
Monton Fourth Field Ear Protection Cap
£22.00
Ok, so we partly picked it for the purposes of mocking our poor hat model Matt here... but still we're keen to see if this cap with added ear protectors fits the bill for chilly days! It's one size and unisex according to Monton, and supposedly fits perfectly under a cycling helmet. The Italy MITI Stelvio fleece fabric is designed to be warm and breathable, and there's also a reflective strip around the brim of the cap which may or may not add a tiny bit of extra visibility. Sean Lacey is waiting for our next arctic blast to try it out in some seriously abject conditions...
montonsports.co.uk
Muc-Off Dirt Bucket with Filth Filter
£64.99
It's far more than just a massive bucket to put all your bike polishing stuff in... Muc-Off's Dirt Bucket also has an innovative Filth Filter that traps dirt at the bottom to prevent sponge contamination! It holds up to 13L of water, and is made from a tough and durable Copolymer plastic. Of course 65 quid for a bucket would be on the steep side, so you'll be pleased to know that the products included inside make for quite a good deal: highlights include 500ml of protecting spray, a wheel and component brush, dry and wet lube plus an expanding pink sponge. You can find out if our reviewer Liam digs the Dirt Bucket or not soon.
muc-off.com
Birzman Maha Push and Twist II Floor pump
£74.99
This innovative pump from Birzman aims to make pumping your tyres up even easier, with their 'push and twist' system for attaching the nozzle to your valve. You just push the black part of the head onto the valve and then twist the gold ring a quarter turn to secure. When attached the pump has a pressure gauge to get precise PSI, and has a solid aluminium construction. It sure looks neat, but can it handle the pressure? Dave Atkinson's review is coming soon.
i-ride.co.uk
To read all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you want more advice before splashing your cash, check out our buyers guides.
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8 comments
It’s not the acid of chloride from sodium chloride that could turn into HCl.
Its the bleach and ammonia (alkaline) contained in washing-up liquid break down the wax that is applied to the paintwork.
I’m sticking to muc off or car shampoo.
First mega-potholes, now corrosion pits (filled with chloride nests)!
Is this the cycling version of Jumanji?
Not very good and expensive.
Washing up liquid,cheaper and just as good.
Washing up liquid wrecks paintwork on cars. Wouldn’t use it on my bike.
Cheap car concentrate shampoo is better.
Have a look at the many articles and videos online. It strips the protective wax layers in the paint.
Not sure if they use the same paint type on bikes.
Washing up wrecks paintwork on cars. Wouldn’t use it on my bike.
Cheap car shampoo is better.
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Washing up liquid ruins car's paintwork?
What a load of guff!!
I've heard about washing up liquid containing 'salt' so I switched to using cheap car shampoo just in case (and in case it makes my bike shinier with the wax).
However, I thought I'd see if it's true or not and after a quick search, I found this page on cleaning a motorbike: https://www.morebikes.co.uk/3729/can-clean-bike-fairy-washing-liquid/
It contains this little nugget from Dr Bob Eden (Member of the Institue of Corrosion)
Looks like Fairy's back on the menu, boys!
I've never considered plastic buckets to be cool, but there's always a first time.....
#filthfilter
Yeah - but £64.99??????