Before we close another working week with a selection of the best bits to land at our home offices, here's a recap on what you may have missed.
James Witts' recent article provided a fascinating insight into the impact Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic has had and will continue to have on the bike industry.
In terms of reviews, SRAM's popular GX Eagle mountain bike groupset narrowly missed out on a full 5-star score.
Our round-up of the best electric road bikes was also published, as you'd expect, it's a list latest e-road big hitters including the likes of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL and the Cannondale SuperSix Evo Neo 2.
Speculating on forthcoming tech is always fun, and we committed to five road bike trends we think you can expect this year.
Finally, our bike of the week was Lapierre's slick third-generation Aircode aero road bike.
Crankbrothers Multi 20
The 203g Multi 20 from Crankbrothers provides you with all the tools you need to easily complete most trailside/roadside fixes but also integrates a tyre plug tool and a set of plugs for repairing tubeless tyres.
On top of the usual complement of hex and torx keys, screwdrivers and spoke wrenches, the Multi 20 also includes a chain tool, valve core removal tool and a disc rotor straightener.
The 89mm long Multi 20 is available in four anodised colours and is supported with a lifetime warranty.
- £39.99 / $39.99
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Lake CXZ176 winter road shoes
The CXZ176 shoes from Lake have been designed to keep you riding through the worst of winter. For winter shoes, they do a good job of not looking bulky.
Lake has done a lot to keep the cold, wind and wet away. The toe box is lined with 200g 3M Thinsulate lining and surrounded by a waterproof membrane, while the Clarino Microfibre outer is treated with a DWR (durable water-resistant) coating. These tighten with a combination of an IP1 Boa dial and a single reflective Velcro strap.
The outsole is made from a fibreglass injected nylon material rather than the more expensive carbon fibre sole Lake uses on some of its shoes. They’re compatible with three-hole road cleats and feature rubber bumpers that unfortunately are not replaceable.
According to Lake, the shoes are comfortable down to -3°C, though we’ll soon see about that for ourselves. Keep your eyes peeled for a full review on these very soon.
- £155 / $199
JRC Components Zen Ride wallet
Sized to slot perfectly into a standard rear jersey pocket, the 125g Zen Ride wallet from JRC Components is a great way to make the most of your clothing’s storage space.
There are neat compartments to take your phone (usually with a protective case in place too), debit/credit cards, coins and keys and even room for tyre levers and a Co2 canister.
It’s made from 600D polyester and uses an oversized zip for easy access even with thick winter gloves on.
SKS Airspy SV tyre pressure monitoring system
SKS has got in on the tyre pressure monitoring game with its Airspy range.
The SKS Airspy piggybacks onto a tyre’s valve stem and transmits real-time information on your tyre pressures via Bluetooth or ANT+ to either a free smartphone app or a compatible Garmin device.
Inside the app, a traffic light system dictates whether or not your tyres require inflation with an audible alarm being prompted at the app should the system detect a slow puncture.
When the time comes to add more pressure, the system doubles up as a digital pressure gauge and can also generate pressure recommendations based on values you give it.
Different versions are available for Presta and Schrader valves, with the aforementioned being tubeless compatible.
Each sensor secures against a spoke using one of four provided ‘U-locks’ and is powered by a single coin style CR2032 battery. The device automatically switches itself on when it detects movement and off after a predetermined period of inactivity.
The Airspy SV firmly undercuts industry leader Quarq’s TyreWiz system and at +/-1 per cent claims to be more accurate too. Unlike the TyreWiz, the Airspy doesn’t offer the ability to run the system without a smartphone or compatible Garmin device.
£109.99 / €99.99 / $144.99
