Very often the coolest products that we get in for review seem to cost an arm and a leg... well this week that's going to change. Here are five products that have the potential to be absolute bargains, so keep your eyes peeled for the full reviews following over the next few weeks.
Triban RC100 Cycling Bib Shorts
£24.99
What's cool about these bib shorts is that they cost less than what many boutique brands charge for a pair of socks. They're aimed at beginners with a recommended ride time of up to two hours or 50km.
These are Triban's first "fully co-designed" shorts and feature a medium density pad, reflective accents and are available in either black or navy blue. Stu has been putting these to the test, will they be as comfortable as they are cheap? Keep your eye out for his full review dropping in a few weeks' time...
www.decathlon.co.uk
FormBeat Analytics Tool software
~£21/year
Formbeat Analytics is a new training app that has similar features to Strava Premium and Trainingpeaks. It allows you to monitor weekly training load, see whether you are maintaining, losing or gaining fitness, and track form and fatigue.
At $25 for an annual subscription (or $3 per month), this works out a lot cheaper than the alternatives. Can it deliver all the metrics and activity analysis that Ed wants? Check back soon for his full verdict...
www.formbeat.com
Hutchinson Challenger tyre
£29.99
The Challenger road bike tyre is designed for endurance riding, and this was no better demonstrated by second-place finisher Ulrich Bartolmoes in the 2022 Transcontinental. This is the tube-type clincher version (A tubeless version is coming in 2023) and is available in 25, 28 and 30mm widths, there are also black or tan-wall options to choose from.
> What’s the best bike for tackling the Transcontinental Race across Europe? Take a look at the leaders’ continent-crushing machines
Hutchinson says that the Challenger will "deliver peace of mind, year-round. A tyre with no compromises, delivering exceptional performance in terms of longevity, comfort and safety." It's also been tested up to 8,000km, we're doing our best to get through as many of those as possible!
www.cycling.hutchinson.com
Topeak Taillux 25 DF
£34.99
The Taillux 25 clamps to the rear of your saddle rails and as the name suggests, boats 25 lumens of intensity. In blink mode Topeak claims it'll last 30 hours, and when it does need recharging it has a USB-A plug so no lead is required.
> Best road bike saddles 2022
The "Duo Fixer system" allows a second accessory to be added to the same mount such as QuickClick saddle bags, Tubi tools, CO2 inflators, and fenders. Will it live up to the claims and provide a faff and rattle-free solution? Check back in a few weeks to find out.
www.topeak.com
Vittoria Corsa N.EXT tyre
£64.99
Our last pick of the day can't exactly be considered cheap, but I for one am looking forwards to seeing how they perform. Vittoria's latest tyre with a nylon casing takes square aim at the Continental GP5000 and is available in both tube type clincher form (£54.99) or tubeless-ready like we have in for review.
> Vittoria releases the Corsa Next - a cheaper and more durable tyre
Can they really deliver "racing-inspired speed and feel, with everyday durability"? Aaron has been finding out and his full verdict will be dropping shortly...
www.vittoria.com
For all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you want some more advice before splashing the cash, check out our buyer's guides.
In a perfect world, we'd have a measure of how easily distracted someone is, as part of their driving test....
These products are nothing but ridiculously expensive and superfluous, and they bring nothing but bragging rights....
As a bystander in all this, it seems to me that the only person trying to win imaginary internet points in this is you....
How does Mr Lucy tell you he's a bit of an arsehole without telling you he's a bit of an arsehole?
Of course they are, and not so different. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09B662CDN?crid=34M42BETAMFT0&th=1 The bugger's got four versions up now!
At least the van driver was nowhere near the stationary cyclist.
The BMX racers are also no longer being supported. Kye Whyte said he's lost his GT sponsorship. It also looks like GT will no longer make BMX bikes.
The people causing traffic jams complaining about the traffic jams
Nah I'm not sure it's the top end that's the issue. I'd hazard that if someone out there wants and can afford a 15k bike then they will still be...
Lisa Townsend very much views her police role through a political lens....