The annual Bespoked show in Bristol was awash with beautiful bikes as always... and while there were some lovely frames and fine forks on display, we also spotted some interesting components, accessories and innovations too. Here are some of our favourites...
road.cc Bespoked 2018 Choice Awards
Bespoked 2018 highlights
Reynolds 3D-printed components
Reynolds won a road.cc Choice Award for these impressive 3D printed parts, and they're well worth another mention. They've been investing heavily in 3D printed lugs as of late, and also shown off dropouts, bottom brackets and head tubes at Bespoked, made from titanium and steel. For small frame builders it offers the chance to make unique components and parts with customised shapes and designs, without the huge costs associated with large scale production. If it catches on and is affordable to the consumer, it's exciting and potentially revolutionary stuff from Reynolds.
Alpitude single bolt out-front mount
Alpitude is the spin-off component and accessory brand of Italian frame makers Werking, and the Stelvio carbon out-front computer mount weighs a tiny 15g. Inserts are included for Garmin, Polar and Wahoo computers, and they're available now for 85 euros.
Flightrider pannier set/bike bag
This is a really nifty idea, a set of panniers that transforms into a robust bike bag for flying. The panniers are removed, and then zip together to form a bike bag - easy and quick enough to do at the airport terminal right before you head to the check-in desk. As you can see, they can be mounted on a front or rear rack, and the bags are made from 1000 denier Cordura that is waterproof and resistant to abrasion. You also get lightweight wheelbags supplied. Flightrider are in their final development stage, and you can check out their website to join a mailing list for updates.
Moskito Smart Watch
We recently reviewed the StemCaptain clock, a cool idea that often turns heads... but what if it did more than tell the time? Step forward the Moskito, a smart watch whereby the body can be twisted off and used as a functional stem cap. The watch is bluetooth-ready, takes your speed, distance, time etc and can also be synced with Strava and Garmin Connect. It's finished beautifully, with a sapphire glass casing and either leather or nato straps when worn as a wrist watch. Moskito originally got their project funded on Kickstarter, and were showing off a Chris King version of the watch at Bespoked, limited to just 24 pieces... yes they're £663 according to our Swiss Franc conversion, but it's still a mighty cool bit of kit! (classic versions will be available from June 2018).
White industries G30 gravel crankset
This adventure gravel crankset from White Industries is made in the USA, and has crank arms that are designed to give plenty of spacing for wider tyres while allowing you to keep a streamlined chain line thanks to the narrow 30mm aluminium spindle. It's BSA, T47 and Press Fit 30 compatible and available in versions for both TSR 1X and VBC 2x chainrings, which are sold separately.
The excellent Garmin software and firmware is what you're paying for when you buy expensive Garmin gadgets. I'm a great fan and they're not going...
FOI request submitted...
We constantly hear how cyclists film women and children in cars, whereas cars get used to to attempt to abduct women children off the street ...
Three taken to hospital after car overturns in Tivoli Road, Margate https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/three-in-hospital-after-car-sma...
Emergency services called to incident in Verwood...
Was in need of exercise so popped over for a look this evening. Short: it's a bodge - bollards would fix that *. Or rather (safer for all) a...
... and of course "what does good look like" is not hard to experience - just over 100 miles away......
Actually any person, victim or even just a member of the public with no connection to the offence, can ask the Attorney Genertal to review a case...
When I was cycling to every Crystal Palace match for a season back in 2016/17, my LBS gave my bike Palace coloured outers.
So let water and sweat in from the outside! I'm all for economic solutions and £30 for this case is just daft but not sure your alternative is a...