The road racing season is yet to begin, but that hasn’t stopped the cycling world from weighing in on how to make it safer, like an anxious peloton waiting for the neutralised zone to end and launch a string of attacks. Or those surviving the cold, cold weather seeking warmth, even from the heat of debate.
It kicked off with Wout van Aert suggesting the pro peloton should use smaller gears, before Chris Froome, now a wisened cycling elder in what could be the last year of his professional career, threw his Ekoi helmet into the ring with a strong “I agree”. Unfortunately, the suggestion doesn’t bear out, and on Monday our Simon von Bromley explained why.
Elsewhere on site, we’ve turned our attention to typical January concerns, such as weight loss and the fear of detraining, while John Whitney bucked the trend to say why he doesn’t believe in New Year’s resolutions and how that’s made him fitter.
Now we’re in winter proper, we updated our explainer on snow tyres and our pick of the best winter mountain bike tyres, and published several winter jacket reviews from Ash Quinlan, including options from Santini and Sportful.
Liam Cahill also delved into the world of heat training. He spoke to Red Bull-Bora-hangrohe’s coach Dan Loran and body temperature sensor brand Core’s Puck Alkemade about why professionals are adopting this technique and how it could improve your FTP.
London-based brand Condor also received some attention. Ash wrote a review on the Condor Italia RC Disc, which he says shows how good aluminium race bikes can be, while I covered Condor’s new Bivio+ utility bike.
Finally, Raleigh has reported a £30 million loss. Will 2025 be a better year for the bike industry? We hope so.
Castelli Ultra Rain Cape
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Castelli is the latest cycling brand to release a PFAS-free waterproof jacket, called the Ultra Rain Cape.
Made from the same Polartec Power Shield RPM fabric as the Santini Magic waterproof I featured in my previous First Look Friday, the Ultra should deliver complete waterproof protection while being stretchy enough to fit over a jersey or winter jacket.
Added to that, Castelli says the jacket is highly breathable to prevent overheating and help you work harder.
This fabric is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester and the whole jacket can be recycled, too.
Castelli says the jacket has a tailored fit, taped seams to keep water out and a long tail that should keep the back of your bibs dry.
There is reflective detailing, a raw-cut waist and it packs down into a hidden pocket.
- £240 / $249.99 / €229.95 / AU$379
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Sidi Nix winter shoes
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If you’re a keen winter cyclist, then a pair of winter cycling shoes is a wise investment.
The Sidi Nix is one example. The upper is lined with Gore-Tex ePE membrane to keep the wind and rain out. Like the fabric used in the Castelli Ultra jacket, this Gore-Tex is free from PFAS 'forever chemicals'.
The winter boots have low-bulk PrimaLoft insulation so your toes should remain toasty, even when you’re cycling through snow.
The Nix uses a nylon sole, which is rated at nine on Sidi's stiffness scale. Unlike summer cycling shoes, the sole has no air vents to stop cold air from getting in. It does have markers so you can dial in your cleat position.
Despite the winter often feeling like a time for long, slow miles, Sidi is keen to emphasise the Nix’s performance. Sidi says the shoe’s reinforced toe is shaped with an eye on aerodynamics and a Firmor support band helps make it an “accomplished racing shoe”.
- £299 / $298 / €269
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Hiru Winter Gloves
For those who don’t know, the cycling clothing brand Hiru is part of the same company as Orbea and Orca, the triathlon brand.
Hiru says its Winter Gloves help keep your hands warm and dry on below-freezing rides, if you’re brave enough to go out in such conditions.
They have a warm lining, which creates a snug fit, while a DWR-treated fabric on the back of the hands is windproof and water-repellent.
The palm has padded panels with a variety of densities for extra comfort when gripping the handlebar.
Like many of the best winter cycling gloves, these gloves have reflective details, as well as a touchscreen-compatible thumb and forefinger.
- €45
Limited-edition Look Trail Roc+ pedals
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When we reviewed the Look Trail Roc+ pedals back in 2023, we praised their grippy, replaceable pins and smooth spinning – even if we said they were on the expensive side.
The latest versions of the pedals are slightly more expensive, but that’s not too much of a surprise given they’re a limited edition made in collaboration with pro mountain bikers Kriss Kyle and Thomas Genon.
Look says the pedals bring together the talents and distinct aesthetics of the two freeriders and Look’s “cutting-edge design and high-quality French manufacturing”.
Genon's pedals (pictured) are influenced by his favourite movies from Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick, while Kyle says the design of his goes back to his BMX roots with a tattoo theme.
- £179.90 / $175 / €179.90
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