Category: Reviews

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Featured Nutrition Recovery Reviews

Scheckter’s OrganicEnergy

Schecklers Energy Drink

Need a boost on the bike? Hate the quick fix ‘jag’ of coffee or more traditional energy drinks? The answer could well lay with Scheckter’s OrganicEnergy, a break from the norm that delivers a 100% natural power lift and boasts organic credentials to boot, whilst also claiming a more sustained approach to energy levels without any of the sudden crash that can accompany other manufacturers’ product. As if Scheckter’s needed one more trick up its sleeve, it tastes great.

 

Developed by Toby Scheckter, a former racing driver who was raised on an organic farm, the 250ml cans of OrganicEnergy delivers through three main mechanisms. Firstly, caffeine comes from a combination of raw green coffee bean extract and guarana, the latter a South American plant related to the maple which delivers twice the caffeine of coffee alone – one can of OrganicEnergy provides approximately 85mg caffeine, about the same as a double espresso. Secondly, ginseng a traditional herbal supplement that claims innumerable benefits (though none scrupulously tested or proven) and finally gingko biloba another long-established herbal preparation which is often said to improve mental focus and improved blood circulation – though the latter isn’t amongst Scheckter’s claimsf for it.

 

However, Cyclo can be absolutely certain on several points: the caffeine boost was more than perceptible on the ride, a good steady increase that felt sustained and didn’t leave us lagged at the end of it. Beyond the increased buzz that you would expect caffeine to deliver, it’s also worth noting that mounting research shows that it can, in the short term, increase VO2-Max (effectively the amount of oxygen you can metabolise and the effectiveness with which this happens) in addition to raising lactic acid thresholds which can delay the onset of fatigue. We also know for sure that Scheckter’s OrganicEnergy tastes incredibly good – almost an unheard of quality in energy drinks where the norm still seems to be ‘if it tastes foul, it must be doing some good.’ This drink delivers a crisp, clean, slightly citrus taste with no bitter after tang.

 

Soil Association and Vegetarian Association approved, Fairtrade compliant, 100% natural and organic and, another bonus, from this month also available in a ‘lite’ version that has 33% fewer calories, thanks to the switch from sugar cane to organic agave, a cactus-like plant native to Mexico. Scheckter’s OrganicEnergy is available from Waitrose, Holland & Barrett and some independent health food stores across the UK with a RRP of £1.45 for a 250ml can. This drink is definitely set to be Cyclo’s taste of the summer rides. Further information at www.schecktersorganic.com

 

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Apparel Reviews

Sugoi 2012 Evolution Full Finger Gloves

Sugoi Gloves

British weather eh? Blazing March sunshine, followed my Arctic blasts and a rain-washed April. And Cyclo’s point? You never know when you’re going to need a good pair of gloves and at a mid-range price of £29.99 the 2012 Sugoi Evolution Full Finger Glove might just be the pair you should opt for. The word ‘Sugoi’ is a Japanese term for ‘Incredible’ and whilst this might be over egging things just a little, these are a really fully featured (as well as fully fingered) pair of gloves. The padding system, here swishly called ‘V-Control’ padding, is excellent throughout with particular emphasis on foam padding across the palms too reduce ride vibration and well considered pads to protect the ulnar nerve – a feature that seems to be becoming increasingly wide-spread.

 

Being full-fingered means the Evolutions should see you through three seasons with plenty of meshing to help air-flow and temperature control and a terry thumb, bonded to keep its shape, useful for wiping away a drop or two or perspiration. The combination of synthetic, vented, leather palms, gel detailing and a silicone Sugoi logo on the index and middle (i.e. breaking) fingers make for superb grip even in the wettest conditions and with a good choice of sizes – from x-small to x-x-large – getting close to a second-skin experience is as simple as following the sizing guidelines when you buy.

 

Black, red or white, each with a hint of 3M Scotchlite, may be your only colours choices, but at this price and with this much on offer in terms of tech-spec it would be churlish to complain.

 

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Apparel Reviews

B.Sock ProRacingSock

B.Sock ProRacingSock

CompresSport have been making steady inroads in the world of compression technology race kit over the last couple of years. Increasingly a brand seen at triathlon and particularly Ironman events throughout Europe and beyond (the likes Chrissie Wellington and Tim Berkel sport them), the initial range – including quad and calf guards – has begun to grow and now includes their first foray into cycling specific kit in the form of their B.Sock ProRacingSocks. Whilst the name might seem a little cumbersome the product itself is an excellent blend of tech and style that builds on the brands reputation.

 

Light and comfortable in the extreme the B.Sock holds, indeed almost cradles, the foot whilst providing a well judged degree of compression that delivers posture-holding support and improved circulation – which works to advance performance and, arguably, speed recovery post-ride. Despite the wide toe piece, the B.Sock sits comfortably with the range of shoes that Cyclo put through their paces.

 

The ‘3D dot’ technology that covers sections of the sock isn’t just for show either; the dimples are intended to work as tiny shock-absorbers and whilst it’s been tough to either prove or disprove the idea in testing, feet have certainly felt relatively fresh after some good long rides with little or no ache. The circulation of air is also improved by their inclusion and the further addition of a silver ion treatment to the fabric holds bacteria at bay if things do get sweaty.

 

With a two year guarantee and a price tag of £15 these inarguably represent good value for money and their range of sizes (all the way down to a UK Women’s 2.5) is a bonus. More information and online retail at www.compressport.uk.com

 

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Extras Recovery Reviews

Kenkoh Classic Health Sandal

Kenkoh Classic Health Sandal

With much sunnier weather in prospect it’s high time to start looking at something beyond the comfy fire-side slipper for that all-important post-cycle recovery and pamper session and with that in mind Cyclo took a (slightly cynical) look at the Kenkoh Classic Health Sandal. Why cynical? Well beyond the aesthetic – the Kenkoh’s are odd to say the least – the big selling point for these Japanese imports is that they claim to stimulate the many reflexology points on the sole of the foot and, as something of a pseudo-science, reflexology is something we rather reserve judgement on.

 

The sandals ‘work’ (depending on your definition/belief-system) through stimulation provided along the length of the under-foot by 1000-plus tiny rubbery nodules that gently massage the foot with each step taken. Putting aside any particular adherence to the benefits of reflexology, what the Kenkohs do undeniably delivery is an exceptionally pleasant and wholly unexpected massaging of tired feet that stimulates blood-flow to speed recovery. The sensation – which at first feels a little like walking on a tiny bed of nails – is oddly relaxing and after a few hours strapped into race shoes brought quick relief to achy soles and toes.

 

We can certainly see some benefits here to riders suffering a range of minor foot ailments from plantar fasciitis and heel bruising to poor circulation and, although we would argue that the Kenkohs are far from the stylish ‘must-haves’ that the makers claim, they work exceptionally well in revitalising pedal-worn feet. Cyclo loves a spot of pampering and combining these with a little after-cycle foot cream massage is the closest we’re likely to commit to a day at a spa.

 

Expect to pay around the £50 mark for the Kenkoh Classics or £35 for the all-new flip-flop version that hides away the ‘magic’ nodules within far more conventional looking summer wear. More information and online purchase at www.kenkoh.co.uk

 

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Extras Reviews

Ortlieb Back Roller Classics

Ortlieb Back Roller Classics

With more commuting than usual here at Cyclo over the last few months we’ve been taking a look at some pannier options to take the strain (and sweat) off our back and have settled firmly and favourably on the Ortlieb Back Roller Classics. For more than two decades this venerable manufacturer have been the first – and last – word in no compromise waterproof pannier solutions and the Classics provide beautiful and simply engineered packs that, assuming the roll-top has been correctly fitted (a little practice recommended), is both air- and water-tight.

 

Measuring up at 42 x 32 x 17cm and weighing in at 1.75kg the 40litre capacity is not only ample for commute clothing, laptop, iPad (with Cyclo app, natch) and all the trappings of commercial life but arguably more than enough to see you through some comprehensive touring too. Quickly and easily fitted with the QL1 system, the bags take a handy shoulder strap for carting and the tough construction with integrated 3M Scotchlite reflectives looks hardy enough to outlive your bike (and possibly you too…)

 

Not the cheapest bit of kit on the market with an RRP of £105 for a pair, but if you are looking for near indestructible quality and a (probable) cast-iron guarantee that water will stay firmly on the outside then invest you should. Plus, for the fashion conscious, they are available in a nice range of six colours. What’s not to like?

 

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Books Reviews Tech

Cyclepedia

Cyclepedia

When the original (paper would you believe?) edition of ‘Cyclepedia – A Tour of Icon Bicycle Design’ was published last year by Thames and Hundson we snapped up a copy here at Cyclo – spending hours poring over the delicious images and wishing we could start our own vintage/classic bike museum. Imagine our delight then at the release of the interactive iPad edition, and what a thing of beauty it is – as sumptuous and desirable as the bikes it covers.

 

The 100 bikes covered in the digital version – everything from the Skoot to the Lotus Sport 110 – are beautifully illustrated and supported by 360º ‘spinnable’ models with detailed close-ups of components and hundreds of pages of original brochure and promotion material, engineering sketches and far more besides.

 

Arguably there are some omissions (this being slimmed down from the print edition) but Cyclo feels this is more than adequately made up for by the wealth of interactive swiping and tapping available – our favourites being the animated fold-ups that can eat up hours of what would otherwise have been productive time.

 

As an overview of the evolution of cycling the app works wonderfully and the ability to reorder and catalogue content adds a personal touch that’s hard to beat. £6.99 is a price that at first seems steep for an app, but as the iPad continues to evolve as a means of content delivery it’s really time to start thinking in terms of coffee-table book comparisons (the print edition will cost you double). Buy it, play with it. Love it.

 

For further details see: itunes.apple.com

 

And while you’re there don’t forget to drop by and pick up a copy of the Cyclo app too: itunes.apple.com

 

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Apparel Reviews

Shimano WR41

Shimano WR41

The Shimano WR41 Women’s SPD SL Road Shoes are part of Shimano’s road sport range that the makers (undeniably one of the longest established and most prolific) claim address the three most important properties: stability, rigidity and lack of weight. In testing Cyclo would also probably add, in order of importance, comfort and aesthetics. How do they measure up?

 

In terms of weight an EU 40 (that’s a UK 5.5) come in at around 550g, a mid-range reckoning that feels light enough on the peddle with the general weight-saving coming from the fibreglass reinforced nylon outer sole (well cushioned from the foot’s actual sole by an adequately padded insert) and a degree of meshing on the upper, which of course adds breathability to the ride. Rigidity and stability are also both well dealt with here, providing excellent power transfer and a true feeling of control. The ‘micro-adjustable buckle’ takes a go or two to get used to, but ultimately allows for a great deal of precision closure for a comfortable fit that feels snug but not restrictive. We didn’t feel any hot-spots developing on long rides (or climbs) but as anatomical design varies far wider that shoe design these, like all cycle shoes, are best tested before committing whenever possible. Also worth noting that, although these softened with time, the inner, rear of the shoe is quite dramatically v-shaped and inflexible, which gave initial concern over ankle and Achilles comfort.

 

As these are designed as women’s specific shoes they feature a lower and narrower heel section and a ‘lower volume’ front end– equally significant is the fact that the range runs all the way down to a UK size 2 (EU 36), so even the smallest of feet can benefit from the Shimano way of doing things. And aesthetics? Well, it’s a cycling shoe – it looks just fine; stylish in its own way with a degree of reflective thrown in for good measure/safety…

 

Not the cheapest shoe on the market (RRP of £79.99, naturally excluding cleats), but Shimano are a broadly reliable brand and the WR41 looks like it should deliver plenty of miles for the money.

 

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Reviews

Jensen Jerseys

Jensen Jerseys

With the winter weather still dull (positively Arctic in places) Cyclo was delighted to come across a new range of cycle jerseys that put a smile on our faces and a little warmth in our hearts. Designed by new outfit Jensen Cycling – a sister company to sportswear makers Milano Pro Sport – the kit comprises a range of unusual, humorous designs from Crash Test Dummy to a head-turning and convincing trompe l’oeil Bikini  Top; we road-tested out favourite, the Cardio (a sort of glimpse inside, pumping heart affair), to put the tech not just the look through its paces.

 

With each available in a dozen or so size and long/short sleeve combinations getting the right fit and look was easy and comfort was never in question. A decent length at the back, but nothing to excessively flappy, ensured warm kidneys and everything stayed right in place without any unwanted upwards riding thanks to a close fitting elasticated bottom that proved to be just on the correct side of snug. A generous amount of zip on the front allows for easy on-the-peddle ventilation (trust us, not that we needed any on our frigid test ride) and twin back pockets will pack in more than enough snackage for pretty much any sportive.

 

Crucially – although again far from necessary on our February exploits – the jerseys are 100% COOLMAX® fabric, which, for those who have been off-world, is the go-to moisture management system in sportswear, that helps wick moisture (sweat) away from the skin and regulate temperature on the ride.

 

If we had to make a ‘gun-at-the-head criticism’ of any kind it would be that a little inbuilt reflective always goes a long way safety-wise, although in fairness these are not the sort of jerseys you are that likely to be out in at night. So that aside, what we have with the Jensens is a cool (in all senses), comfortable and highly original line in cycle jerseys – the only quandary they have left Cyclo in is which one we want to try on next…

 

Priced at £42.95, further information (including details of bespoke club designs) and online retail at: www.jensencycling.com