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Yurbuds Inspire Pro Headphones

Yurbuds Inspire Pro Headphones

Yurbuds Inspire Pro Headphones reviewOkay, here comes that thorny and divisive issue of listening to music whilst cycling again. If you’re of the ultra-safe persuasion it’s a clear no-no, and arguably with excellent reason, but if music helps you through the ride and you’re prepared to take your chances then perhaps the Yurbuds Inspire Pro Headphones would make for a sensible option?

 

Coming in at the top of their range the Inspire Pro features the Yurbuds ‘TwistLock Technology’ to keep them in place; in practice this means you plug the bud into your ear and rotate by 90degrees securing it behind the antitragus (the sort of sticky-uppy-bit in your ear). The fit is incredibly snug and, thanks to the soft silicone coating, comfortable – moreover, the chances of accidently tugging them loose is next to zero.

 

From a safety point of view the Yurbuds Inspire Pro Headphones deliver what the manufacturers call ‘Ambient Noise Awareness’ – this means that, despite the excellent fit, a degree of ambient sound is still channelled into the ear making for a greater awareness of the surroundings (and potential hazards.) The system works well enough – it certainly doesn’t deliver the safety level of using bone-conduction technology such as that used by AfterShokz Sportz (see the Cyclo review here), but is infinitely better than just plugging the ears completely. On the downside of the ambient noise system, we found that cycling with a direct headwind caused a cacophonous noise akin to holding a seashell to your ear on a particularly windy beach…

 

The sound quality is certainly more than acceptable, the 15mm dynamic driver delivered admirable mid- and top-range with only the bassier elements sounding slightly muddy. As we expected, the audio was far crisper than bone-conduction options, but that’s the nature of the tech and a clear trade-off between quality and safety. Either way, exceptional audio experience is hardly the thing you would expect (or really need) on the saddle.

 

For iPhone/iPod users another benefit of the Inspire Pro is the in-line ‘dry-mic’ control which allows not only for volume adjustment, but track skipping, pausing, and call taking (once you have halted the bike of course.) They also work with Siri – although in Cyclo’s experience even Siri doesn’t work with Siri…

 

Are the Yurbuds Inspire Pro Headphones really a safety item? Of course not; but safer than blocking your ears completely. So if you like getting miles under your wheels whilst listening to music – or screening your calls – these are a solid option, with decent audio performance and a pretty much rock-solid guarantee that they won’t fall out.

 

The Yurbuds Inspire Pro Headphones carry an RRP of £60 and are available from, amongst other places, Wiggle.co.uk – more information at yurbuds.com or take a look at the video below to see how the ‘TwistLock Technology’ works.

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Extras Recovery Reviews

Cool Peppermint Muscle Spritz

Cool Peppermint Muscle Spritz

Cool Peppermint Muscle Spritz ReviewThere were two things that made us want to take a closer look at the Cool Peppermint Muscle Spritz from Natural Hero: First, we are told (by the makers) that it’s incredibly popular with cyclists and second we love ‘natural’ products and this one claims to consist of ‘99% natural ingredients’. So, what does it do? Is it any good? And can we forgive it that 1%?

 

The Cool Peppermint Muscle Spritz, which comes in a 100ml pump bottle, is intended for spraying onto aching muscles either during or post-exercise to provide an instant cooling effect, which gives way to a gentle warmth through the treated area. It achieves this through a blend of botanical extracts including peppermint (natch), white willow, arnica, witch hazel and blue chamomile – whilst the carrying agent (a natural alcohol denant) also adds to the initial cooling as its rapid evaporation leads to a drop in skin temperature. Looking at the other active ingredients in order: peppermint essential oil can reduce inflammation (and smells good), willow – in the form of bark extract – is an astringent, which will cause mild skin contraction, arnica has proven efficacy as an anti-inflammatory, witch hazel is a toner, and chamomile is another anti-inflammatory. Phew…

 

If you’re wondering about the 1% of synthetic ingredients: menthyl lactate is a common cosmetics ‘cooling agent’, potassium sorbate is a preservative (E number 202) and ascorbic acid (actually a form of vitamin C) is utilised as an anti-oxidant in the spritz. Nothing to worry about here and the other 99% is more than commendable.

 

Does it work though? The short answer is an unequivocal yes. The cooling effect was instant and quite intense shifting, after a few minutes, to a background warmth that lasted in excess of half an hour. Perhaps not strictly for use as pain relief, and, as it evaporates so quickly (an essential part of the cooling mechanism), it lacks the advantage of being compatible with massage. But for instant revitalisation with tangible soothing results that eased muscle tension this is an undeniably useful product that deserves to find its way into the bag of tricks for post-sportive or intensive training session. Cyclo would love to see a mini version – say sub-50ml – that could tuck into a jersey pocket…

 

Cool Peppermint Muscle Spritz from Natural Hero is available for £11.99 from naturalhero.co.uk

 

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BikeParka Cycle Covers

BikeParka Bike Cover

BikeParka Cycle Covers ReviewKeeping your bike safe against the ravages and vagaries of the British weather is an undeniably sensible step, granted it’s not the most exciting of purchases you are likely to make, but… well, certainly sensible. BikeParka – who have definitely nabbed the best possible name for their neatly designed bike covers – offer something a little extra too; Cyclo put them to the test.

 

Shipped in a handy and sturdy ‘stuff sac’ – which could really only be improved with the addition of some compression straps to further reduce their footprint in a pannier or cycling pack – the BikeParka comes in two varieties; the standard Stash and the more fully-loaded Urban which includes Velcro lock-through panels for securing the cover to the bike and ultimately the bike to something solid when you’re out and about.

 

These are one-size-fits-all solutions measuring 205cm x 125cm which can be toggled and adjusted for a wide variety of bikes and, once you have the hang of it, are a breeze to fit. Of course ‘once you have the hang of it’ is the key here – we’re the first to admit we’re not much into reading instructions or, as it turned out, looking at the pictures – but you do need to know there’s a front and back, so you don’t make fools of yourself like us. To employ a tent comparison, it’s probably best to try this out in the privacy of the garden/drive the first time out, after which things are simple enough: put the front (not the back) of the BikeParka under your front wheel and basically drive over it and pull to fit.

 

The Urban BikeParka weighs a little over 450g (the Stash lighter at 400g, but it’s less likely to be transported anyway) and both are made from tough Polyester Ripstop fabric, that won’t stretch and sag, and features a Polyurethane coating for wind- and rain-proofing. In addition they have fully-taped seams to further prevent water getting in, and a UPF factor of 50+ to extend the cover’s life and prevent colours from fading.

 

The basic Stash, available in blue, black, grey or pink, costs £29.95, which stacks up well against the similarly-priced standard Topeak bike covers; whilst the more versatile Urban (ditto on colours) comes in at £39.95; granted not cheap but less than, say, a Scicon Bike Cover (circa £46) which Cyclo wouldn’t rate so highly in comparison. The company offers free UK P&P too, which is also to be commended.

 

Okay, as we said – a bike cover is never going to be the most exciting thing you buy, but if you care about looking after your bike then the BikeParka offers a solid option; nicely designed, well crafted, attractive (for a bike cover…) and absolutely on the money for the level of quality on offer.

 

Further details of the BikeParka and online purchase at bikeparka.co.uk

 

 

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Superfeet Yellow

Superfeet Yellow

Superfeet Yellow reviewOriginally designed for hockey skates, the Superfeet Yellow is an insole replacement that works across a range of tighter fitting footwear, delivering excellent arch support and ideally suited to road cycling shoes. Available in seven sizes, these are part of the Superfeet ‘trim to fit’ range, a simple enough process that involves a quick trace around your shoe’s existing insole and two minute’s work with a pair of scissors.

 

As you would expect from a market-leader like Superfeet things don’t stop there. The main bed is formed from ‘XLPE’, a ‘cross-linked’ polyethylene foam, with both excellent support and shock-absorbing qualities and enough flex to feel responsive; coated in a natural antimicrobial treatment to extend their shelf-life and help reduce odor. But the real trick up the sleeve (sock?) for the Yellows is the integral, stiffened, rear cup, which is noticeably deeper and more cradling for both comfort and fit – the result of which is intended to be stabilisation through the pedals for increased power transfer.

 

Does that work? Hard to quantify improved performance outside of the lab of course, but after letting these bed in (so-to-speak) for a couple of weeks – they did, as the manufacturers suggested, take some time to get used to – rides felt more powerful on the hills and there was an overall sense of ‘pushing’ strength more directly through the pedals. There’s always a danger of emperor’s new clothes with such innovations, but the more we road tested these the more we liked them.

 

The foam bed wicked moisture well – aided by the ‘diamond venting system’, a cluster of nine holes designed to line up with perforated outsoles without compromising the bed’s structural integrity – and the fit felt almost custom-made. As noted: any improvement in actual power increase is wildly subjective but across numerous rides we felt a distinct benefit and any ‘edge’, either perceived or real, is one we will gladly take.

 

Superfeet Yellow have an RRP of £35 and are widely available online – for more information see superfeet.co.uk

 

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Rudy Project Rydon II

Rudy Project Rydon II

Rudy Project Rydon IIRudy Project have been making the highest quality sunglasses for the best part of thirty years and the Rudy Project Rydon II remains one of Cyclo’s firm favourites. These are everything we have come to expect from Rudy and pretty much everything we look for in cycling sunglasses. Attention to detail, classic yet somehow endlessly contemporary design, superb fit and feel and lenses that simply will not let you down.

 

Comfort – key, we think, to the success of any pair of sunglasses – can be broadly achieved in two areas. Firstly weight; the Rydon IIs utilise a combination of carbon, aluminum, magnesium, silicon and titanium (already sound cool, don’t they?) that provides strength and flexibility whilst weighing in at just 25g. That featherweight touch comes close to feeling like there’s nothing on your face/head at all.

 

Secondly in the comfort stakes comes arm and nose bridge fittings. Both of these on the Rydon IIs are rubberised to prevent slippage from sweat but flex and warp in a seemingly infinite number of ways for a fit that ends up feeling bespoke. If you can’t get comfortable in these Cyclo suspects that sunglasses aren’t for you, period…

 

Of course no amount of comfort counts if the lenses don’t do their job, but here again Rudy (forgive the phrase) shine. The ‘ImpactX lenses are made from a material apparently developed for the US military – incredibly lightweight, strong and shatterproof to the point where they are guaranteed unbreakable for life. Both polarised to prevent glare and photochromic to keep pace with changing light conditions, the lenses in the Rydon IIs deliver a crisp clean ride that doesn’t distort even in the extreme of periphery vision. Additional, tinted, lenses can also be fitted and, assuming money is no object, prescription sets can also be ordered up.

 

The Rudy Project Rydon IIs not only look the part and come in a choice of colour-ways, but also deliver on every level. Sure, they’re not cheap at close to £150 and leaving them at a feed station is likely to require professional psychiatric assistance, but if you care about looking after your eyes (and you should) and want to look the part on the bike (and why not?) then the Rydon IIs can’t be recommended highly enough.

 

More details on Rudy at rudyprojectuk.com, the Rydon IIs are widely available online.

 

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Y-Fumble

Y-Fumble

Y-Fumble cycling arm pocket storage solution gelsWhen jersey pockets are already overflowing there’s a simple solution to extra storage space on the bike with the Y-Fumble. A simple, elasticated pocket that slips over the upper or lower arm, the Y-Fumble easily accommodates three or four gels for extra energy or holds keys, cash, mobile phones or MP3 players – although the latter isn’t easily operated in place (but with safety in mind, probably not a bad thing…)

 

There are no fastenings to attach the Y-Fumble, so nothing to chafe or rub and everything is held in place by the integrated, elasticated flap so no zips or Velcro tabs need tackling when you need to get anything out. Getting things back in is another matter – it’s simple enough to load the Y-Fumble and then put it on, but once in place putting anything away (one handed) is far from easy; in Cyclo’s opinion this works best for gels, bars and the like – a one-way delivery system rather than a true substitute for a generous jersey pocket. Also, as the material isn’t even remotely waterproof, stashing phones and MP3s is really only recommended when you can be sure of the weather.

 

Those caveats aside, we’ve found this useful (if not quite indispensible) on the ride and at £6 it’s worth the punt even for occasional use. Available in three sizes and four colours – blue, pink, black and yellow – only the latter option really offers any additional visibility bonus and the inclusion of some high-visibility trim and detail across the whole range would be welcome.

 

But online at shop.fitbrands.co.uk

 

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Angel Cycle Helmet

Angel Cycle Helmet

Bicygnal Angel Safety Light HelmetIf you’re looking for additional cycle safety during the darker winter months, or indeed just looking to up your visibility in general, then the Angel cycle helmet from Bicygnals offers an interesting solution. Fundamentally a regular cycle helmet in appearance (although with rather sleek ‘designy’ affectations), the Angel has an integrated band of fibre optic light, which illuminates around the full circumference at the push of a button.

 

Created by Gavin Thomson, who has produced designs for companies ranging from BA and Samsung to MontBlanc and BT, the Angel certainly looks the part – combining matte black elements with a print-textured polycarbonate shell upper that’s clearly intended to give that carbon-look edge to proceedings. The illuminated yellow band – which creates the angelic halo effect, giving the helmet both its unique selling point and name – is powered by a battery recharged via a supplied USB cable; the light is by far the brightest to the rear, diminishing substantially to the front of the helmet. A nice inclusion though is the ability to use the band in either solid or flashing mode.

 

As you might suspect the Angel is not the lightest (no pun intended) of affairs, weighing in at a bulky 535g – around double the weight of an average road helmet – but then this is hardly the lid of choice for those looking for speed or aerodynamics; as a straight commuter option the trade off between weight and additional safety may well be worth considering.

 

Despite the weight, a fairly basic internal cradle and minimal padding the Angel is surprisingly comfortable for day-to-day use, the universal sizing (54-61cm) can be ratcheted up and down with a simple dial-wheel and the strap adjusts easily and incorporates a detachable beard-guard/chin pad. The venting is bare-minimal (which is telling in the weight department) but adequate enough for the intended commute rather than sportive use.

 

Easy to dismiss as a novelty item, the Angel is in fact a useful safety addition to the commuters’ arsenal. Priced at £49.95, further details and online purchase via bicygnals.com

 

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The Hornit

The Hornit

The Hornit 140dB cycling alarm loudest on marketSeldom, if ever, has a product divided Cyclo quite so much as The Hornit. At dB140 it is the loudest cycle horn on the market; the developer (an ex-lawyer) set to work on the unit after five years of commuting by bike through London traffic and is at pains to point out that it is for use in emergency situations only rather than day-to-day use or as a replacement for the humble bell.

 

The unit comes in two parts, the main horn unit, which houses the two AAA batteries used to power its mega-blast, and the rubberised trigger, which connects to it via a short lead.

 

In an emergency, yes we can see some value here.  According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) 80% of cycle accidents occur in daylight and 75% occur at, or near, a road junction; having something like The Hornit at hand (or more accurately at finger) could give cycling commuters the edge when it comes to such situations. The temptation though would be to use the horn in non-emergency situations, when dB140 would be nothing short of a rude slanging match. dB140, let’s be clear, is the loudest recommended for exposure to with hearing protection and even short term exposure can cause permanent damage to hearing. Granted exposure isn’t going to be anything but short, but this is still equivalent to the noise a jet engine would make at less than 100foot.

 

This is probably a true Marmite product and if you want to add a dash of reassurance to your commuter bike (you’re unlikely to fit it to your 5k carbon beast) and think you can resist the temptation of just scaring the hell out of wayward pedestrians, then The Hornit may be for you. We can’t help thinking that even the name sounds aggressive (and as it comes from the less than tactile-sounding Bullet Ventures Ltd, they aren’t doing themselves any favours), and one last thing to consider: the connector on the lead going into the main horn unit is incredibly prone to simply falling out – it jumped out three times on test rides with Cyclo – so the unit may not even be there for you to rely on just when you need it most.

 

The Hornit costs £34.99, further details and online purchase at thehornit.com