It won’t have escaped your attention that it’s Black Friday today, with the sales having started weeks ago.
All week, we’ve been working hard to find the best deals on your behalf, including comprehensive round-ups and personal recommendations. Of course, though, the news and reviews train never stops.
On Monday, we discussed the things we love (and hate) about the bike industry, before Alex Evans made the case for why he thinks the RockShox Lyrik Charger 3.1 is a better fork than the Fox 36 Factory GRIP X.
Simon von Bromley and Jack Luke also combined forces to share the scoop that Schwalbe could soon be launching a new fast road tyre.
Cycling Plus’ 2024 Rider of the Year, Siraj Balubaid offered his personal account on why bikes have given him true freedom, while yesterday saw Alex’s review of SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission hit the homepage after 2,100km of testing.
There’s plenty still to come for the week, but if you want to know what fresh new tech has arrived in the post this week, read on.
Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch
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The Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch is the brand’s latest multisport GPS wearable device, which you might prefer to use if you’re the kind of cyclist who doesn’t want to be tied down to a single sport.
There are dozens (and I mean dozens) of sports to choose from, including some I consider a surprise: snowmobile racing or fishing for example.
It can do all the usual premium smartwatch tricks. There's GPS tracking and route mapping, heart rate and lifestyle monitoring, phone calls and message notifications. It can also play music via Spotify and provide weather tracking (including storm alerts, which I discovered while waiting to see Wicked at the cinema, as Storm Bert approached the UK) and sleep analysis, to name a few.
It can even tell the time.
In truth, there are more features than any one person is ever likely to use, although I’m looking forward to giving the ski functions a go in January.
I’ve already used it to record a ride, and was impressed by how closely the wrist-recorded heart rate tracked with my dedicated heart rate monitor – just one beat per minute lower on average over a 90-minute ride.
There are a plethora of options – three bezel sizes (43, 47 or 51mm), two screen types (a memory-in-pixel screen with solar charging or a new AMOLED display) and various colour options.
My test model is the 47mm AMOLED version with a titanium case.
In this format, the Fenix 8 is said to offer up to 16 days' battery life when used in ‘smartwatch mode’, or seven if you choose to have the screen always on. Garmin says the battery save mode will yield up to 23 days' life – and it can track a GPS activity for up to 47 hours straight.
Naturally, these figures rise with the 51mm version and fall with the smaller 43mm watch, while solar versions (which can only be had in the 47 and 51mm bezel devices) offer over a month of juice.
Prices vary depending on the model, ranging from £869.99 to £1,039.99. My model sits between the extremes, at £949.99.
- £949.99 / $1,099.99 / €1,099.99 (as pictured)
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Madison DTE Men’s Isoler Thermal Long Sleeve Jacket
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The Madison DTE top is positioned as a jacket, but feels more like a thermal long-sleeve jersey with three-season application.
The fabric has a brushed thermal Roubaix lining for warmth, and is stretchy and slim-cut.
On the outside, a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment has been applied to shrug off showers, while the drop tail is intended to offer further protection. This is kept in place thanks to a textured hem gripper.
The cuffs sit close to the skin, reducing draughts and allowing gloves to fit over the top easily, while the rear features three deep pockets and a zip security pocket.
The jacket is available in black or blue, and in five sizes (S-2XL).
- £69.99
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Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine
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Regardless of whether you’re facing a long winter in the northern hemisphere, or enjoying late-spring sunshine in the south, a clean chain is always a good thing.
Weldtite says its patented chain cleaner design helps to clean the entire chain efficiently, thanks to multi-directional bristles inside.
These help dislodge dirty chain grease, while the reservoir of clean degreaser is steadily emptied with a press of the release valve on the top.
The swingarm is used to support the device by hanging off the rear derailleur’s lower chain wheel pulley, which allows the user to spin the cranks, applying degreaser to the whole chain.
Rather than a single reservoir, the machine includes a secondary waste reservoir underneath – meaning you aren’t left degreasing your chain with dirty solution.
Weldtite recommends the use of its biodegradable Citrus Degreaser, although any degreasing solution can be used.
- £25.99
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Assos Winter LS Skin Layer P1 baselayer
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The Assos Winter LS Skin Layer P1 forms part of the brand’s 3/3 Climacode range – in short, it’s designed for the lowest winter temperatures.
Fittingly, the front of the baselayer is formed of a tighter-woven textile to help block out cutting wind, but Assos says the rear is purposefully thinner to help with breathability and heat regulation.
Made of 91% polyester and 6% elastane, 3% is left over for carbon, which the brand says helps keep body odour under control.
Given this antimicrobial component is a permanent feature (it doesn’t wash out), this should mean the ‘odourControl’ properties remain for the life of the baselayer.
The baselayer is close-fitting, which is said to improve how it wicks moisture away, and is woven into one piece. While seams remain, they're low-profile, which Assos claims reduces the chances of friction.
In turn, the next-to-skin profile is said to make the baselayer an ideal partner for a deep-winter jacket, with the high neckline serving to cut out unwanted draughts.
Assos’ sizing is a little different from the norm, with three on offer: 0, I and II. My size I roughly covers off size medium and large in other brands’ garments, and it fits me snugly (as I’d expect).
- £105 / $135 / €120
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