Pearl Izumi X-Alp Flow is lightweight and easy to turn over pedalling, without this attribute making it feel too flimsy or unstable around the foot.
Mick Kirkman
Contributor/tester
Ion Raid II flat shoe review
Ion offers a couple of flat pedal shoe options with the Ion Raid II flat shoe being the cheapest at a hair under eighty quid.
Adidas Terrex Trail Cross SL shoes review
Like the taller Protect version, the Adidas Terrex Trail Cross SL uses a high-friction Stealth rubber sole and ticks boxes of durability, grip and comfort.
Giro Chamber II shoe review
We loved the original Giro Chamber, but does the Giro Chamber II address the little issues and improved an almost perfect pair of shoes?
Specialized 2FO 2.0 shoe review
Launched in 2017, the Specialized 2FO 2.0 shoes are more flexible, much lighter and use a tackier sole than the first generation.
OneUp EDC Gear Strap review
OneUp EDC Gear Strap slightly stretchy polyurethane strap lashes tyres, tools or whatever to the frame to eliminate extra weight and bulk on your person.
Squirt Low Temperature Chain Lube review
Squirt also offers this Squirt Low Temperature Chain lube that’s great for the UK. It costs more than normal Squirt (and more expensive than rival lubes).
Specialized Roval Traverse SL Fattie wheelset review
While the Specialized Roval Traverse SL Fattie carbon, wide-rimmed 29er wheelset looks familiar, they’ve actually been completely redesigned for 2019.
Pro Tharsis 9.8 handlebar review
Pro Tharis 9.8 is a solid and dependable aluminium bar that’s ultra-stiff and hasn’t missed a beat over 100 of kms and various test bike duties.
Goodyear Newton ST Premium EN tyre review
The Goodyear Newton ST Premium is the revised version of the previously rather disappointing Goodyear Newton tyre. Have the tweaks worked?
Shimano Saint PD M828 Flat Pedal review
Shimano Saint flat pedals have new, bigger cold-forged platforms, but a slimmer chromoly axle and more sculpting means they’re lighter than previously.
South Industries Enduro wheels review
South Industries Enduro rims weigh 495g each in 29-er size with sidewalls rocking a 3mm thick hookless bead lip and an internal width of 31mm.
Crank Brothers Synthesis E11 wheelset review
New carbon wheelset called Crank Brothers Synthesis E11 comes with different tunes, spokes and widths at the front compared to the rear.
DT Swiss XM1501 Spline One 30 wheelset review
DT Swiss XM1501 is an all-mountain offer and built 3-cross, with each multi-butted, straight-pull, DT Competition spoke the same length for easier service.
Specialized Conceal Carry SWAT multi-tool
Specialized Conceal Carry SWAT tool hides essentials inside your headtube and includes a lightweight multi-tool and proper threaded chain breaker.
Smith Fuel V1 Max M Goggle review
F.A.T. two-layer face foam and performance mirrored lenses make this the go-to model for the average rider who likes goggles instead of glasses.
Cannondale has created size-specific suspension. Do we need it?
Proportional Response is size-specific suspension that goes further than the usual geometry adjusting or spec fettling for different bike sizes in a range.
Trek Full Stache 8 first ride
The rugged Trek Full Stache 8 can pretty much go anywhere and roll over anything, making it the human-powered equivalent of a Land Rover.
Sweet Protection Hunter Softshell Trouser review
Sweet Protection Hunter Softshell Trouser is a straight-legged riding pant nicely cut from thick, durable softshell.
Shimano GR9 flat shoe review
Supple Shimano GR9 feels pretty invisible on your foot, with a planted sole that gives good pedal feedback, but it’s not that supportive or locked in place.