What a start it's been to 2021's Tour de France. Not only has the opening week seen some of the event's most dramatic crashes, but it's also played host to compelling and arguably very worthy stage wins. Be sure to stay tuned to BikeRadar and the BikeRadar Podcast to read about and listen to our take on all the tech from this year's event.
Let's not forget about Lachlan Morton's attempt to ride the entire Tour de France route – including transfer stages – unsupported, and beat the peloton to Paris. We're rooting for Lachlan and hope to catch up with him on the BikeRadar Podcast soon to talk about his feat.
Although quite understandably, the Tour is the biggest thing going on in the cycling world at the moment (find out how to watch the 2021 Tour de France here), we've also had articles on a load of other happenings and some high-scoring reviews, to boot.
Do you fancy an all-road electric bike? The Cairn E-Adventure 1.0 could be the one for you thanks to its impressive handling and subtle assistance. Maybe ebikes aren't your thing, if so the sub-£3k Cannondale SuperSix Evo Carbon 105 might be what you're after.
We've also compiled a list of the best steel road bikes. So if the Cairn or Cannondale aren't your cup of tea, maybe one of the bikes on that list will take your fancy.
In the mountain bike world, Chain Reaction Cycles' house brand, Nukeproof, launched its brand-new Megawatt electric mountain bike, designed for enduro-style descents just like its human-powered Mega namesake.
I said goodbye to my Yeti SB165 long-term test bike after spending a year on the boutique, descent-crushing machine. I'm going to miss swinging a leg over it, given how capable it's proven to be.
Sticking with the enduro theme, we've published our beginner's guide to enduro racing. So if you're tempted by the popular discipline, make sure you study up.
And, if you want to take it one step further, why not find out what the best enduro mountain bikes are? Maybe you'll be topping the Enduro World Series podium in no time.
Until then, check out the latest and most interesting kit to cross our desks this week.
Specialized Bridge Comp saddle
Finding the perfect pew can seem like a life-long task for many mountain bikers, road cyclists or gravellers out there, me included.
That was until my backside became very intimate with Specialized's Bridge saddle when I reviewed the Rockhopper Comp 29 2x, the Fuse 27.5, and most recently the magnificent S-Works Turbo Levo. All three of those bikes are fitted with versions of the Bridge.
It was love at first touch thanks to the Bridge's soft but not excessive padding, a broad but flat profile and central pressure relief channel.
The various models of Bridge (including Sport, Comp, and Comp with Mimic) all feature the same outline but differ slightly in padding depth, rail construction, weight, and price. Different lasts (the saddle's width at its widest point) are also available.
The Bridge Comp has hollow Cro-Mo rails and in the 143mm last model weighs 261g on my scales.
Needless to say, my peach has never been happier.
- £95 / $130
Nukeproof Blackline Women's riding kit
Nukeproof's riding kit has been getting better and better, improving with each iteration.
The latest Blackline range is no exception and is available in both women's- and men's-specific fit and, for the eco and ethically conscious, the majority of Nukerpoof's riding kit now uses Bluesign-certified fabric, to boot.
Nukeproof Blackline Women's Short Sleeve Jersey
Made from a luxurious blend of two Italian fabrics where the front and sleeves a heavier weight material than the back panel, the jersey is designed to wick moisture away and be impressively breathable. The fit is designed to be fairly loose, has built-in UV protection and an anti-bacterial finish.
- £45
Nukeproof Blackline Women's Shorts with liner
The latest Blackline shorts are made from a four-way stretch material – the same material used in Nukeproof's ever-popular Blackline Trail Pant – that's designed to be sweat-wicking and fast-drying.
They also have laser-cut front-facing vents, and along with three pockets – all with zip closures – included with the shorts is a padded liner that uses dual-density foam.
- £70
Nuleproof Blackline Vapour Glove
With palms made from 100 per cent synthetic Clarino leather, Nukeproof claims the Blackline gloves feel great on your hands and grips. They're designed for warmer months thanks to the thin, soft, and breathable fabric backs. There's a silicone gripper on the index finger for better brake lever grip and it's smartphone touchscreen compatible.
- £25
Thule Rail Hip Pack 4l
Bumbags – or fanny packs depending on your geographical location – have gone full circle, completing the cool-to-uncool-to-cool loop of fashion. 2021 is truly the year of the hip pack, and Thule's Rail looks to refine the genre.
Its headline feature is the magnetic 'ReTrakt' hydration hose attachment system. Instead of relying on a single clip or magnet to keep it in place, the hose and bag have a long magnetic strip that locks the hose into place. This increases the area, and therefore chances of reliable hose-fastening when on the move.
The pack has two zipped compartments, a larger one that includes space for the included 1.5l bladder, two separate organiser pockets and five elasticated straps to keep your various items safe and in place.
The second zipped pocket is designed for smartphones and has a soft, fleece liner. On each hip strap are elasticated side pockets, and there is an additional Velcro pocket on the back of the bag.
The wide waistband is fastened using both Velcro and a clip and has length adjustment.
In its muted dark slate tone, the Rail should match any riding kit. I'm excited (yes, really!) to test it, so expect a full review soon.
- £89.99 / $99.95
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Gloworm XS Adventure Lightset (G2.0)
The latest iteration of New Zealand company Gloworm's XS Adventure ('excess', get it?) G2.0 light has a whopping 2,800-lumen power output despite the diminutive size of its light unit.
Thanks to three Cree XHP bulbs and a 5,000 mAh battery pack, it's able to run at maximum output for up to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It's water- and dust-proof IP67 rated and weighs 361g (light unit, bar mount, battery and cable) on my scales.
The XS Adventure is supplied with three spare lenses: one wide optic, one spot and one honeycomb. These are user-changeable with the stock optics using the supplied Allen key.
The pack also comes with a bar-mounted remote, a GoPro-style mount and a Velcro mount for helmets.
Gloworm's also developed a smartphone app that can be connected to the light to customise output modes.
Finally, the battery pack has an on-board display that shows battery percentage and remaining run time in any given mode.
- £245 / NZ$448
