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RealXGear

realxgear

realxgearThe difference between a fun ride and an utterly miserable one can all be down to temperature – of course performance can also drop off as the heat increases, so finding a good way to regulate things is an important consideration when taking to the saddle. Offering an innovative solution with a range of products that actively lowers your skin’s temperature RealXGear promises big things, but does it all stack up?

 

There are three basic components to the RealXGear range – two sizes of towel, a baseball-style cap and a neck collar – each employing the same tech to cool things down, namely chemical beads (totally safe, naturally, but also environmentally friendly) that react to water to reduce the material’s temperature. To set things in motion the material needs to be dunked or soaked in water – not necessarily even cold water – wrung out and put on.

 

Of the three the collar (which is ‘coming soon’ to the brand’s website) proved far and away the most useful for the bike. Measuring approximately 84 by 13cm and with a slit in one end so the other can be tucked through and secured, the collar packs small enough to carry in a jersey pocket, ready for use when needed via a good soaking from your water bottle. The temperature drop is almost immediate – up to 20 degrees cooler can be achieved under optimum conditions – and we found it stayed cold long after a four-hour Sunday ride. Naturally there are elements that will have a bearing on exactly how long the tech will reduce temperature for – external ambient temperature, direct and strong sunshine, wind (a big factor on the bike) – but manufacturers claim anything up to eight hours and we’ve little reason to doubt them.

 

Post-ride both the towel and cap have their place for cooling things off and both worked equally as well as the collar. However the collar also has a practical application for use as part of the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) regime in case of minor injury – there is enough strength and equal stretch in the fabric to easily wrap aching muscles and the temperature drop is just about enough to be affective, short term, for recuperation.

 

In all honesty Cyclo had thought that RealXGear would be a gimmick with limited real-world use, but we’re more than happy to stand corrected – the range, particularly the collar, brings real benefit to the bike and it’s simply one of those products that has to be tried to be believed.

 

The RealXGear towel is available in small or large and a choice of blue or pink (£11.95 and £13.95 dependent on size), the caps are available in a range of colours for £14.95 and the RealXGear collar retails at £11.95. For further information and online purchase at realxgear.co.uk

 

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Books Featured Reviews

At Speed

At Speed

At SpeedThere’s really no arguing with the fact that Mark Cavendish has achieved incredible things for a 28-year-old – so much that it more than justifies the publication of At Speed, a book that amounts to volume two of his autobiography. Boy Racer was published back in 2010 and, to be slightly reductive, whilst it dealt with the ‘getting there’, At Speed covers the ‘being there/staying there’.

 

Of course much has happened in the intervening years both personally (marriage, the birth of his daughter to whom he dedicates the book) and professionally – the small matter of a World Road Race title, the London Games, jerseys at all three Grand Tour events –and At Speed recounts what this period has meant to and for him. Cavendish opens with a thrillingly recounted ‘Prologue’ chapter on the World Championship road race in Copenhagen before taking an occasionally non-linear journey through the other ups and (occasional) downs of his recent career across three teams. As befits a cyclist who places equal emphasis on mental as physical prowess – he’s an avid Sudoku solver – he never presents excuses for his failures, just highly analytical and insightful reasons, this alone raises the book above many in the genre.

 

At Speed is co-written by Daniel Friebe, author of Eddy Merckx: The Cannibal and Mountain Higher (see Cyclo review here) but there is a real sense of Cav’s own voice throughout. His fastidious and sometimes foul-mouthed approach and take doesn’t feel tempered by Friebe, though this of course is the art of a good ghost-writer and having worked together on Boy Racer a symbiosis is inevitable. There is perhaps a lack of insight into some aspects of Cav’s personality which we would have expect to be explored further – particularly his bad-boy image, which was hinted at in the title of Boy Racer. But regardless At Speed is a credible and highly readable second instalment and with no sign of tailing off in performance there’s bound to be room for this in volume three…

 

At Speed (ISBN-10: 0091933404) by Mark Cavendish and Daniel Friebe is published by Ebury Press. RRP £20 hardback and £9.49 on Kindle – available from, amongst other paces, Amazon.co.uk

 

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Apparel Featured Reviews

Funkier Winter Thermal TPU Tights

Funkier Winter Thermal TPU Tights

Funkier Winter Thermal TPU TightsCome on people it’s time to get those legs under wraps, it’s no longer the weather to have those beet-red thighs on show. Cyclo certainly welcomed the arrival of the Funkier Winter Thermal TPU Tights and the opportunity to put this fine looking apparel through its paces…

 

First up some tech spec: the ‘TPU’ in the Funkier Winter Thermal TPU Tights refers to thermoplastic polyurethane which is effectively laminated on to other technical fabrics to produce a membrane that is both extremely breathable, yet 100% waterproof. The result is a fabric that has microscopic pores 1000 times smaller than a drop of water but, crucially 100 times bigger than a molecule of moisture vapour. That and – we suspect – some magic because the result is spectacularly good at its job.

 

Riding both road commute and mountain bike trail (sans-mudguards) through deep puddles and more than one torrential rainstorm the Funkiers performed admirably when it came to keeping us bone-dry; but more importantly there isn’t a feeling of being cocooned in thick tyre-rubber. The zoned panels put protection where it’s most needed and give way to greater flex where it’s not, so there’s almost a second-skin feeling to wearing them with no restriction of movement.

 

Thermal properties have impressed too. Having used them near zero – a two or three degree average – we’re more than confident that they’ll see us through some harsh winter sub temperature rides. The soft flock-like lining keeps things just toasty enough and adds greatly to the comfort and, because the TPU breathes so well, there was no sweaty build-up. The saddle pad is more than adequate without unnecessary bulk and the ergonomic design very comfortable even on longer rides.

 

Funkier Winter Thermal TPU Tights retail at £69.95 absolutely on the money for quality and whilst something like the Altura Night Vision Tights could be yours for around £20 less the Funkier option undoubtedly out-performs them for both thermal property and weather-proofing. In fact you would need to go a long way up the price points (into Castelli land) for anything near comparable.

 

Funkier Winter Thermal TPU Tights are available in sizes S to XXXL from, amongst others, globalbike.co.uk

 

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Apparel Featured Reviews

No Nonsense Merino Base Layer

No Nonsense Merino Base Layer

No Nonsense Merino Base LayerMerino wool has been prized for its luxurious qualities for more than 1000 years; Cyclo’s no Simon Schama, but we’re almost certain this predates both the bicycle and man’s need for technical base layers. Sooner or later these things were going to converge though, and they do so beautifully in the No Nonsense Merion tops from 74 Degrees.

 

Made in New Zealand the cut and style of the No Nonsense is commendably simple, elegant and unadorned (no nonsense, you might say) with a black-on-black logo so discreet it’s like a mini-game trying to spot it. Using only 100% fine merino wool – ecological, sustainable and biodegradable – the 215gsm knit is heavier than many base layers that use the same material; whilst others skimp on the costly fabric, 74 Degrees indulge to create a layer that not only works well across a broader range of temperatures but should prove longer-lasting and retain shape far better. Because the wool is naturally antibacterial, keeping ‘bike stink’ in check and (relatively) strain resistant this is one piece of apparel that should serve you for many years.

 

Comfort is superb and if you think wool is itchy, think again. Merino is almost silky soft and although the side seams look slightly bulky they sit perfectly flat on the ride and apart from the noticeable temperature regulation (merino helps retain heat in the cold, but keeps you cool as things heat up) we hardly noticed we were wearing the No Nonsense.

 

Yes, there are cheaper base layers to be had – there are even cheaper, if lighter, merino bases out there (Altura and Endura both around the £40 mark for example) – but the 74 Degrees No Nonsense Merino Base Layer is demonstrably a superior beast. The men’s long-sleeve retails at £54.00, the women’s equivalent and men’s short-sleeve option at £49.00

 

For further details on the No Nonsense Merino Base Layer and other products from 74 Degrees see seventyfourdegrees.com

 

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Featured Nutrition Reviews

GU Energy Gels

GU Energy Gels

GU Energy GelsFor more than 20 years GU have been at the forefront of the energy gel business and although a few (minor things) have been tweaked here and there they are still largely unchanged since their launch in 1991 – testament to the mantra ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

 

Don’t be fooled by the somewhat miniscule 32g GU pack size; they deliver 100kcal per serving – equal to many larger gels – from 25g of carbohydrate, a blend of 70-80% maltodextrin and 30-20% fructose (depending on flavour variety.) The mixed carb source has several benefits: fructose absorbs quickly and so goes to work fast, but the gentler on the stomach maltodextrin – a starch derivative – absorbs slower for sustained energy but still quickly enough not to shunt blood away from otherwise preoccupied muscles. Combined, the fructose and maltodextrin provide a steady energy source without the peaks and troughs of simple sugars. To aid carb absorption and to help fight off muscle fatigue each serving also contains 450mg of amino acids in addition to sodium and potassium to counter ‘body salts’ lost through sweat.

 

GU also offers a wide range of flavours – Jet Blackberry, Chocolate Orange and Cyclo’s favourite Vanilla Bean amongst them. All of the flavours are well balanced (tasty without being overpowering) and the consistency is closer to a paste than most gels, which takes some getting used to and does require a swig from the bidon to wash down.

 

GU certainly delivers on the energy front and those with sensitive stomachs should benefit from the maltodextrin biased carb content, flavour range means there is (probably) something for everyone and their tiny packet size – half of a Maxifuel Viper for similar energy delivery for example – means there is less bulk in the jersey pocket. As the makers say: ‘Just suck down a packet of your favourite flavour and go (big)!’

 

GU Energy Gels are £36 per box of 24, further details and online purchase from GUEnergy.co.uk

 

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Apparel Reviews

Phew Gloves

phew_glove1There’s nothing worse than cold hands on the bike (actually there are far worse things, but cold hands are hateful.) With winter really starting to bite Cyclo took a look at two pairs of gloves from new boutique outfit Phew, who aim to produce premium products at affordable prices.

 

First (literally) on hand were the Phew Early Winter Gloves that combine an upper ‘Windster’ membrane for cutting wind-chill with a softer palm and well-placed gel pads for a relatively bulk-free shoulder season ride (3-12 degrees range, say the makers.) Comfort is excellent; they’re well cut and the grip is outstanding with an extra thick palm-pad for shock-absorbency on rough terrain and a towelling thumb detail of wiping away sweat – okay, snot… Either way, a nice detail. Construction feels solid, with special note to the long cuff, and the styling and detailing look expensive, despite a more than reasonable £24.99 price tag. Not the warmest glove, but the clue is in the Early Winter name. Perfect for when those leaves are turning golden and the sun is low.

 

phew_glove2When things get colder still there is the Phew Lobster Outer Shell to consider. It can be used on its own or as an outer in conjunction with the Early Winter Glove to tackle proper negative temperatures. Again construction (plus style and detailing) is outstanding and the grip impressive – but they do lack gel padding, instead relying on the use of the Early Winter as an inner for that function. Even when the two are worn in conjunction the result isn’t restrictively bulky and the thermal properties should see you through the harshest of conditions. The Phew Lobsters, like the Early Winters, are priced at £24.99.

 

When you consider that something like the Castelli Estremo Winter Cycling Gloves comes in at £65 (let alone the Assos fuguGloves_S7 at over £90) the Phew options, with the versatility of combinations, makes excellent sense to us. Both the Early Winter and Lobsters are available in S, M, L & XL – further details and online purchase at phew.cc

 

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Featured Nutrition Reviews

MuleBar Kick Gels

MuleBar Kick Gels

MuleBar Kick GelsSometimes it’s the little things in life that matter, the detail that amplifies the underlying excellence – like the dab of rouge on the woman’s cheek in Seurat’s La Grande Jatte. Okay perhaps we’re waxing a little too lyrical for a gel review, but MuleBar Kick Gels are ridiculous easy to open…

 

Opening a gel one-handed on a bike can be precarious at best, but the angled rip top on MuleBar Kick Gels is a breeze and (generally) the tab stays attached so there’s no quandary about stashing two bits of litter and no eco-embarrassment from the top taking flight behind you. On a further environmental note the Kick Gels are registered organic, have no synthetic ingredients, artificial preservatives, colourings or flavourings and are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Although the wrappers are not compostable like many of MuleBar’s energy bars, we suspect they’re working on that too.

 

All this would count for nothing if the gels didn’t perform in the energy department, but they stack up here too. Values differ very slightly between flavours – Apple Strudlel, Lemon Zinger, Café Cortado and, our favourite, Cherry Bomb – but generally you can expect around 110kcal with 27g of carbs (25g of which from sugars) from a 37g sachet. Carbohydrate sources again vary in their specifics between varieties but are a mix of fast and slower release sugars from fruit sources and high GI brown rice syrup (which can also be easier on the stomach than fruit derived sugars.)

 

Flavours are excellent with the Lemon Zinger and Cherry Bomb both delivering a welcome tang to cut through the sweetness, whilst the Café Cortado, as the name implies, adds 100mg caffeine – a little more than you would get from an 80ml espresso or two regular 330ml cans of Coke (should you really not care about your health.) The Café Cortado also throws in natural guarana extract which, combined with the caffeine, delivers a noticeable kick. To partially counter body-salt loss from sweating all four varieties of MuleBar Kick Gels include 100mg of sodium derived from Himalayan crystal salts, and although we applaud adding something that sounds like it’s been collected by Lara Croft, it would arguably have been good to have included some potassium too. Sweat rate and sweat composition vary massively from person to person but with anything between 400 and 1800mg lost per litre of sweat even 2-3 gels per-hour are not the complete solution.

 

Tiny niggle aside (who relies on their gels for rehydration strategy anyway?) MuleBar Kick Gels have a great deal to recommend about them. Boxes of 12 are £19, boxes of 24 gels £38 – further details and online purchase at mulebar.com

 

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Extras Reviews

Zéfal Shield R30 Mudguards

Zéfal Shield R30 Zéfal Shield R30 Mudguards offer a low-profile solution for quick fitting when the season shifts and a dry ride is required. And by quick fitting we mean really quick – even initial setup was a sub-five-minute job of work that frankly we could have halved if we read the fitting instructions.

 

The Shield R30 uses loose rubber strap fittings with complete U-stays made from stainless steel, which make them exceptionally solid once fitted, and the variety of adaptors make these a flexible guard of choice. There are also two interchangeable spoilers for the rear of the guard allowing you to choose the amount of protection needed, with the longest one extending below the rear derailleur to provide up to 80% coverage; if you ride in a peloton you’ll notice the difference here (as will your fellow cyclists, who will avoid a face-full…)

 

Adjusting the position over the wheel was slightly fiddlier than we would hope for, but once the job is done, it’s done. The degree of stability was impressive; there’s little more annoying than guards that flap, dangle, squeak and rattle but the Zéfal Shield R30 quietly and efficiently got on with the job for us.

 

At £29.99 the Zéfal Shield R30 sits midrange between the likes of the £18.99 SJS Roadguards and the sturdy and dependable Topeak D-Fender R1/R2 mudguards  (£39.99), they certainly out-perform the flimsier former and stack up very well against the latter.

 

For further details on the Zéfal Shield R30 – and to find a retailer – see zyro.co.uk