Category: Reviews

Sun Creams for Cyclists

Post author By Editor
Post date 10/07/2013

To quote Buddy Holly, �The sun is out, the sky is blue�, and to paraphrase the next line, �but exposure to sun increases the risks of certain cancers.� Stark, but true. And Lyrca-clad riders, recreational and commuter cyclists are at just as much risk as others that take to the great outdoors, even on relatively overcast days. With this in mind Cyclo took a look at a range of sun creams for cyclist to bring you our recommendations on the best protection available.

Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion

�

Established in 1997, Green People are the leader in certified organic body care products and their Scent Free Sun Lotion utilises titanium dioxide, natural cinnamic acid and edelweiss extract to deliver 96% protection from UVB rays. Green tea � an excellent antioxidant � and rosemary extracts are supplemented with organic aloe vera to maintain skin hydration and just as importantly there are no parabens (widely used elsewhere as preservatives), alcohols, artificial perfumes or colours. The cream is relatively thick and does take some working in for good coverage and because the SPF (sun protection factor) is a medium strength 25 more than one application is likely to be needed on longer rides. Aside from the excellent natural credentials (82% of ingredients are also certified organic), we loved the degree of water � i.e. sweat � resistance that this lotion offered, particularly as it uses non-pore-clogging beeswax. Commendable ethics and a sun cream that worked well on test, the larger 200ml tube (�17.95) is a tad big for on-the-bike top ups, but both 50ml and trial-size (20ml) options are available at �9.95 and �5.00 respectively.�For further details see greenpeople.co.uk

Riemann P20

Once-a-day sun cream? Sounds too good to be true, but that�s what Riemann claim for their P20 range; what�s more it�s said to be good even after swimming �making it a potentially excellent choice for triathletes (which might explain why they are the �Official Sun Protection Supplier to British Triathlon�.) Available in SPF 15, 20, 30 and 50+ all but the 20 (a lotion) are clear sprays, which should be applied 15minutes before required to allow the protective layer to form and dry. The full range offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and the coverage from the 50+ (spray) on test was excellent with quick absorption � the only downside being a slightly unpleasant smell, reminiscent of insect repellent, though that�s unlikely to put off sweaty cyclists surely? We found no need to reapply during our longest test ride � 4+hours in a scorching-for-UK 26degrees � and no feeling of sun-damage at the end of it. The 100ml bottles aren�t exactly pocket-perfect for the bike, but with such long lasting protection this is hardly an issue. P20 (100ml) has an RRP of �13.29 and the larger 200ml, �24.49.�For further details see p20.co.uk

Solarsport UVPro

Good things come in small sizes, right? Certainly the case with the excellent Solarsport range served up in cycling jersey-appropriate 25ml pump sprays; UV protection in SPF 15, 20 and 30 options that goes on cleanly at the push of a button. Of course application to the face is still going to require a degree of digital dexterity, but broadly this is a solution that means no more messy hands from cream � or, perhaps more importantly on the bike, no more muck and grime rubbed in with the cream. Whilst this isn�t a waterproof option and the relatively low SPFs will require an application or two (we topped up twice on a long, hot ride) Solarsport is probably the perfect go-anywhere option for sportive riders. It�s non-greasy and can even be sprayed onto hair to protect the scalp should you choose to ride sans-helmet. Solarsport 25ml pump sprays carry an RRP of �4.99, which we think makes them pocket-friendly in more ways than one��For further details and online sales see solarsport.co.uk

Heliocare Advanced SPF 50 Gel

UVA and UVB protection from a gel that brings something a little different to the table; the Heliocare range (and the Advanced Gel on test with Cyclo) uses �Fernblock� technology, derived from Polypodium Leucotomos a fern found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas which has well documented and recognised benefits when it comes to holding off those harmful rays. Despite being called a gel, this looked and really rubbed in like any (relatively) thick cream � coverage was excellent and with a high SPF it did a more than credible job of keeping us sun-burn-free on the ride. Not especially sweat-resistant, we did find a slight sting with mid-ride �trickle down�, but nothing like the chemical smart from sun creams of old. The 50ml tube is good for jersey pockets and Cyclo certainly salutes the idea of protection from ferns��The Heliocare range prices start from �21.00 and are available from leading clinics nationwide; for further details see aestheticare.co.uk

ProSport 44

Whilst most sun creams opt for the conventional multiples of five for their SPF ratings, Cyclo can�t help but admire ProSport for going off-piste with their SPF 44 (15 and 35 is also available for traditionalists.) Of course there�s more to recommend then just a wayward sun factor; ProSport 44 promises � and as far as our tests went, delivers � 8hours of protection and the thin cream rubs in fast and thoroughly, it didn�t feel greasy and had the pleasant smell of summers-past. With UVA and UVB filters, this cream has forged its reputation at Ironman Hawaii and it�s easy to see why. It remained sweat-proof, but didn�t feel like it was clogging up the skin and it had the added advantage of feeling dry to the touch after application so we didn�t end up looking like flypaper. Paraben (preservative) and oil-free, the 180ml tube retails at �17.99 and, whilst it should easily last you a full day in the saddle, single-application 7.5ml sachets are available at �2.99 for slipping into the pocket or saddle post bag.�For further details see prosportsunscreen.co.uk

Books Featured Reviews

Racing Hard

Post author By Editor
Post date 03/07/2013

Few cycling journalists have enjoyed a career as long and esteemed as that of William Fotheringham; since joining the Guardian in 1989 he has established himself as a writer respected not only by the lay-reader but by the Grand Tour participants � he is undoubtedly as �riders� journalist�.� Racing Hard, published by Faber and Faber, brings together what might be considered the definitive collection of tales from the front line of pro-racing, which, taken together, becomes something of a meditation on the changing face of the sport over the last two decades.

Whilst Fotheringham�s newspaper features can, at times, feel a little cold or detached (he is after all a great analyst), as an anthology of work they are transformed somehow into something greater � something in which a true passion shines through. The original articles are annotated and noted for context and this lifts the entire book to one that chronicles the lives � and races � of the great and the good in a way that positively glows with admiration. There is, of course, much scandal and controversy covered here (none of it salaciously presented) and Lance Armstrong looms large � how could he not? But there is balance and wisdom too throughout Fotheringham�s writing.

The forward to Racing Hard, by David Millar, not only sets out the regard with which Fotheringham is held, but encapsulates the span of his work; Millar writes: �William has put my career into words, from an ambitious teenager to a fallen world champion to a fervent anti-doping campaigner, team owner and father.�

Those that know and love Fotheringham�s work as a journalist or author (read the review of his book Merckx: Half Man, Half Bike here) will naturally gravitate towards Racing Hard; but hopefully it will also bring his words to those unfamiliar with his prolific output and earn him yet more dedicated followers. He�s worked long and hard for them�

Racing Hard (ISBN-10: 0571303625) is published by Faber and Faber, RRP �12.99 paperback and currently on Kindle offer at just �1.59 from Amazon.co.uk

For more book reviews from Cyclo click here.

Tags David Millar, Lance Armstrong, william Fotheringham

Extras Featured Reviews

Aura Belts

Post author By Editor
Post date 01/07/2013

There is much to be said about adding as much visibility as possible on the bike � especially in poor visibility and low light. The Aura Belt is an interesting solution from a new Brit start-up, which looks to address the issue of 360degree visibility; whilst traditional lights (regardless of how many you add) broadly provide illumination front and back, the Aura Belt delivers all-round light and resolves the problem of side-on illumination and protection.

Constructed from high-wearing �ballistic� nylon, the Aura features an integrated LED strip (powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery) beneath coloured, weather-proof, fabric which switches on via a button next to the clip fastener. Available in six colours � pink, yellow, orange, blue, red, green � the belt can deliver either a fixed �on� glow or two speeds of pulsing flash. Construction is substantial and it feels built to last, it might not quite be a thing of beauty but in terms of functionality it�s spot on.

The Aura Belt currently comes as one-size-fits all, adjustable from �Women�s size UK 4 to men�s size 38inch�, a good starting point but smaller sizes � specifically for children � would be an excellent addition as would, perhaps, larger ones to accommodate rainy-weather commuters fully layered-up against the elements.

At �25 the Aura Belts are pretty much on the money. There are very few other products on the market that address the 360degree and side-on safety issue (the Nathan LightBender at �20 perhaps or the Fibre Flare Shorty at �27.99 � Cyclo review here) but Aura Belts do it with some style. Expect to see theses in shops soon, but for now they can be ordered at auracyclesystems.co.uk with the addition of �3.50 P&P which covers any number of belts ordered and world-wide delivery.

Cyclo highly recommends Aura Belts � light up and be seen�

Tags bike lights, lighting, Road Safety

Extras Featured Reviews Tech

Mavic Cosmic Carbone 40 C Wheels

Post author By Editor
Post date 26/06/2013

Renowned manufacturer of bike systems and riders� equipment Mavic, based in Annecy, France, has been an official partner and sponsor of the Tour de France since the 1970s. Founded in 1889 � their name an acronym for �Manufacture d’Articles V�locip�diques Idoux et Chanel� (phew) � it�s fair to say they know a thing or two about the sport and with their first carbon clinchers, the Mavic Cosmic Carbone 40 C Wheels, fresh to market Cyclo were naturally eager to put them through their paces.

Three years in development, The Cosmic is a wheel-tyre system, which comes with slim Yksion Pro tyres (190g each), inner tubes, skewers and wheel bags. They have high stiffness, carbon/alloy hubs with aero flanges, integrated nipples and weigh 1,545g for a 40mm-deep pair (front wheel: 670g, front wheel with tyre – WTS: 940g) and 2,085g for the pair of wheels with tyres. But it�s not the weight (there are lighter clingers available) that sets them apart.

There are two recognised difficulties in developing a carbon fibre rim for a clincher; the first is the resistance of the sidewalls to the pressure of the tyre and the second is the resistance of the brake track to the heat created by braking. Whilst an aluminum rim is able to dissipate heat relatively quickly and aluminum resists very high temperatures, that is not the case for carbon fibre (and especially for the resin holding it together) and this inability to resist the heat can tend to cause softening and the failure of the sidewalls.

Mavic�s solution: a combination of an aluminum insert (completely different from a normal rim) with carbon fibre, which uses a resin able to withstand very high temperatures. Two types of resins are used on the brake track, each one having its own glass transition temperature. Mavic�s Maximum Glass Transition Temperature TgMAX technology consists of laying up several types of high technology resins, then fixing them using a proprietary heat treatment process to achieve the highest possible resistance to braking heat. In addition the manufacturing process, Mavic say, allows them to drill only the inner rim wall and not the aluminum insert, this avoids having to drill the tyre bed of the rim, making for a stronger rim as the inside is left uncompromised by holes.

Mavic tested the Cosmics with a 100kg rider on a 10km downhill section of Mount Ventoux in the Alps, riding at a consistently high speed whilst constantly applying the brakes. They measured the heat inside the rim with a T� patch and each sample had to withstand multiple descents. Whilst Cyclo lacked both the Alps and a 100kg rider (we�ll admit to 70kg), we set about testing the Cosmics�

Having fitted the yellow carbon rim brake pads (which Mavic supplied with the wheels) to our Specialized Transition time trial bike we took the Cosmics out for a ride over a mix of fast flat and hilly terrain. The Cosmics felt stiff and light when we climbed steep, winding ascents and certainly much easier to climb with than our normal day-to-day wheel (Easton EA90 SLX), a relatively light wheel (1,398g for the wheelset without tyres). Descending relatively short but steep and fast technical descents in dry conditions we found the brakes to be very efficient when applying the pressure needed.

On the flat it felt like the Cosmics really came into their own. Certainly over the shorter distance they felt nimble and quick to accelerate, and when we pulled into a sprint the sensation of speed was exceptional. What�s more we found that we could maintain the sprint for longer than usual; whether this was a mix of strong legs on the day combined with the wheels, only time will tell, but the Cosmics certainly delivered a very smooth ride and more than met our expectations.

The Mavic Cosmic Carbone 40 C wheel-tyre system has an RRP of �1,800, more details at mavic.com or see the video below�

Tags Carbon, Clinchers, Mavic, Mavic Cosmic Carbone, Wheels

Books Featured Reviews

Domestique, The True Life Ups and Downs of a Tour Pro

Post author By Editor
Post date 24/06/2013

The domestique. You�ve seen them. In the pack, working away. But possibly those who casually watch the big road races or dip in and out of coverage of the likes of the Tour de France consider riders hung back in the peleton as merely the �also rans�; tough riders, no doubt, but simply without the gift or grit of Wiggins, Contador, Nibali, et al. Not so � or at least a massive oversimplification of affairs � as the domestique is a very special breed of rider and one man who knows every detail of their life is Charly Wegelius. A professional for more than a decade with some 14 Grand Tours to his credit, Wegelius�s book Domestique, The True Life Ups and Downs of a Tour Pro lays bare the true struggle of life on the circuit and demystifies much of cycling�s inner machinations.

In his opening chapter, Prologue (natch), Wegelius says. �What is it to be a great cycling champion, I will never know. What I can tell you is what it is to race bicycles for a living�. And so he does, but this is typically self-deprecating � possibly just modest � of Wegelius. A �great cycling champion�, perhaps not by strict definition, but a great Domestique? Absolutely.

One of the finest achievements of this book is in defining the role of the domestique � ��to protect a rider from the wind, fetching food, clothing and information from the car� to manipulate, or force, the shape of a race to change it in favour of his leader.� At times this seems almost mundane, workmanlike, but Wegelius, with equal measure of wit and wisdom, helps the reader understand what it takes to perform this invaluable role; what it takes to be an athlete of dedication and physical prowess the likes of which us mere mortals can only dream of, but to be denied, by definition of the job, the real shot at glory.��

Of course the book is also a biographical progression from cycle-mad kid in York, to driven youth and seasoned professional, and helping Wegelius�s story maintain shape and structure is co-author Tom Southam, once a pro himself, now known for his journalism in the sport. But Southam�s hand is appropriately subtle and it�s Wegelius�s tale and more importantly his �voice� (with all its earthy profanities) that is allowed to shine through.

But wait. Will those looking for titillation and scandal on the drugs-front be disappointed? Is it even possible to write a cycling book � particularly one focused on the opening decade of the 21st century � to eschew a mention of doping? Of course not: part of the scene, but this is not an expos� (is there even anything left to expose?); Wegelius sets out his stall from the off: he doesn�t deny the scale of abuse but chooses not to make it his focus.

Wegelius balances humour with brutal reality (�forget the glamour, welcome to the shitty, true life ups and downs of a tour cyclist�); entertainingly written without feeling obliged to turn to the salacious � a refreshing approach to cycling books. Domestique, The True Life Ups and Downs of a Tour Pro, Ebury Press (ISBN-10: 0091950937) is currently out in hardback at �16.99 (Kindle �9.29) with the paperback edition due February 2014. Buy online at Amazon.co.uk

Tags books, Charly Wegelius, Domestique

Featured Nutrition Reviews

Vita Coco

Post author By Editor
Post date 20/06/2013

If you have attended almost any sporting event over the last few months � indeed almost any outdoor event � you can�t help having noticed the presence of Vita Coco; pumping the kind of high-visibility on-site marketing into the �natural hydration� market that Red Bull reserves for the energy drink.

The story goes that friends Ira Liran and Michael Kirban were talking to two Brazilian women in 2003 about what they most missed about their country; their answer, �agua de coco� (coconut water) set Liran and Kirban on a course to bring it to market in the US � successfully achieved, on a small scale, along the East Coast the following year. A decade later and Vita Coco is sold in a reported 20,000 outlets globally. But how does it really stack up in the hydration department?

Served ice-cold it�s certainly refreshing � it�s ability to quench, we found, reduces exponentially with any rise beyond straight-from-the-fridge-temperature � but the real secret to Vita Coco is that it contains a balance of electrolytes very close to that of the human body. This means it hydrates �in balance� in the same way that an isotonic energy drink does but, broadly speaking, in a much more �natural� way. Both fat- and cholesterol-free, the original Vita Coco, contains just 0.02g of sodium and 5g of carbohydrates � the result a small quantity of added fruit sugars � per 330ml serving.

It probably goes without saying that Vita Coco have diversified. There are now five additional flavours from which to choose: peach and mango, pineapple, orange, tropical fruit and acai and pomegranate. Of these, none but the acai (a �drupe� from the palm of the same name) and pomegranate truly tickled our taste buds; we found them a little insipid and certainly no improvement over the original pure coconut variety. Acai and pomegranate was another matter; an unusual taste with a surprisingly pungent � but pleasant � smell, this could well be our post-ride drink of the summer. Of course the extra fruit also adds to the carbohydrates � typically an addition 1g, hardly worth worrying over.

So, certainly not all varieties to out taste (they may well, of course, be to yours) but the choice of a truly natural hydration solution appeals immensely when the alternative is often overly-sugared, �sciencey�, sports drinks. Keep it ice cold and keep it natural.

Vita Coco is available in 330ml, 500ml and 1litre servings; Prices vary widely � try comparing 20,000 retail outlets � but for full details and list guide prices (and online purchase) see vitacoco.com

Tags hydration

Apparel Featured Reviews

SealSkinz Lightweight Waterproof Overshoes

Post author By Editor
Post date 18/06/2013

SealSkinz Lightweight Waterproof Overshoes seem like such an obvious idea. Since the 1980s, when the first SealSkinz waterproof sock was invented (in a flash of inspiration whilst watching a documentary about John Logie Baird, so legend has it), the company has been keeping bad weather away from the skin of outdoors type. Now the wait is almost over for cyclists with the SealSkinz Lightweight Waterproof Overshoes due for release in autumn 2013. Cyclo took an early first look in the hope they would live up to our expectations�

Designed predominantly for mountain bike and road/commuting (a specific race overshoe for cleated shoes is also out later this year � read our review here) the SealSkinz Lightweight Waterproof Overshoes offer an exceptional degree of weatherproofing, combined with breathability and comfort. As you would expect from SealSkinz this is a true quality product, absolutely fit for purpose and with the kind of attention to detail on which the brand thrives.

The outer membrane swept away water on our test rides, whilst the inner, flocked, lining did an excellent job of keeping feet warm. The design lines are clean, which, the makers quite rightly claim, reduces wind resistance and means that they get on with doing their job unobtrusively while you get on with the ride.

The fit is snug but not restrictive (available in sizes S, M, L and XL)�with final adjustments made via a Velcro strap across the upper zip, which features a raised, rubberised, branding flash and an inner waterproof flap to ensure nothing creeps in through the fastenings.

The inch-wide underfoot Velcro strap did its job equally well and, whilst we had initial misgivings about its bulk, it remained perfectly in place without any discomfort. The neon-green pull-on loop is a nicety we admired, it meant that tugging the overshoe on (or indeed off) was achievable without getting hands unduly muddy/oily or risking stretching or misshaping, and for extra safety the zip edges are lined with reflective strips.

Having already put the SealSkinz Waterproof Overshoes for cleats through their paces, we had expected these lightweight, road versions to deliver � and so they did. Their tough construction � which includes a Kevlar toe piece for added durability � should see these through many seasons and the extra niceties make them worth every pound of their �35 RRP.

Once launched in August full details of the SealSkinz Lightweight Waterproof Overshoes will be�at sealskinz.com. To read the Cyclo review of the SealSkinz Waterproof Overshoes (for cleats) click here, and for a review of their Thin Socklet click here

Tags commuting, MTB, overshoes, sealskinz

Extras Featured Reviews

Salice 005

Post author By Editor
Post date 14/06/2013

When it comes to choosing sunglasses there are many criteria to consider when investing � and given some of the prices around �investing� is the correct term� Not least of these considerations is manufacturer credentials and heritage (not always failsafe as even the mighty Oakley have, in our opinion, occasionally missed a trick). Consider Salice, then; with almost a hundred year�s of experience in producing quality eye-wear this Italian giant has reputation aplenty � how though do the new Salice 005 measure up?

If the name 005 feels less than inspired (something like Eye-Armour X2 always sounds so much harder working), Salice can perhaps be forgiven; it appears most of their effort has, quite rightly, gone into designing the actual glasses.

Beyond the aforementioned manufacturer�s credentials there are a number of crucial points to consider when picking new glasses. Firstly: pure aesthetics. Horses for course and no one design is going to be to everyone�s taste, but in our opinion the 005s look damn look; available in a positively phantasmagoric array of colour combinations and lens types. Cyclo was testing Salice�s trademark ITA design that hints at the country�s tricolore with green, white and red flashes across the upper front frame; a full wrap, with elegantly tapering arm, they manage to look good without seeming to try too hard, with the added benefit of not appearing overly engineered or unnecessarily fussy. �Simple and elegant� is perhaps the reductive way to put it.

Moving on to comfort. The Salice 005 aren�t exactly featherlight, but weighing in at less than 30g and with a flexible, adjustable nose piece they sit perfectly comfortably with generously large rubberised grips on the arm ends keeping them securely in place. The frame and lens curve is such that even those with the lashes of a cow shouldn�t experience any close-call discomfort and although they lack the multi-flexibility that gives some maker�s glasses an almost bespoke feel the overall level of comfort is more than adequate.

Polarized and photochromic lens options are available, whilst Cyclo was testing the more workmanlike mirror options. With to-be-expected 100% protection against UVA, B and C rays, these antiglare lenses performed admirably even riding into setting sunlight, with contrast strong and negligible image distortion even on the very periphery of vision. Unlike the 006 iteration, the Salice 005 features two individual lenses which, with triple-vents to the top and semi-open aspect to the sides, failed to fog even on our hottest test ride. The lenses are interchangeable (they ship with clear, low-light appropriate options for when you just need a �windscreen for the eyes�) and snap in and out effectively with little fuss or recourse to checking complex instructions. That alone is refreshing and makes them worthy of recommendation.

The ITA design with mirror lens ships at �69.95, whilst the transitional photochromic option costs �74.95 and the polarized �84.95. The price-point, whilst hardly in the budget category, hits the mark dead on for the quality of both build and lens, making the Salice 005 a solid option that adds a dash of Italian dolce vita. Still a shame about the name 005�

For further details see: salice.co.uk

Tags salice, sunglasses