Product Reviews

Shimano R321 and R171 shoe review

February 12, 2015

Shimano is best known for its groupsets and wheels but you’d be mistaken to think of the company’s extensive line of soft-goods as an after-thought. With the success of Shimano’s R320 road shoe, the company has given its flagship shoes a facelift and has launched a new top-end model, the R321, along with a more […]

TrainerRoad review

February 5, 2015

I’m not a guy who gets excited by riding on the indoor trainer. However, I do understand the massive benefits and efficiencies that you can get in a short amount of time by doing ergo sessions. It’s not easy though. You need to go into each session with a plan. Personally, if I have a […]

LifeBeam Smart Helmet review

January 15, 2015

In this review CyclingTips editor Matt de Neef takes a look at the LifeBeam Smart Helmet, a helmet with an integrated heartrate monitor.

Merida Reacto Team-E review

January 15, 2015

In this review CTech editor Matt Wikstrom takes the Merida Reacto Team-E for a spin to find out how the bike handles and how it compares to similar bikes on the market.

December 2014 Product Picks

December 15, 2014

It’s that time again when we pull together a whole bunch of the new and interesting products that have arrived at the CyclingTips office in the past month or so, giving you our initial thoughts. In this edition of Product Picks we feature everything from books to shoes to kit to tyres and a whole […]

First-look review: Thule Sprint Carriers

December 11, 2014

In this first-look review we check out the new Thule Sprint 528, the company’s latest roof-mount bike carrier.

Sony Action Cam review

December 9, 2014

The sports video camera market has becoming increasingly competitive in recent years with market leader GoPro now facing challenges from the Shimano Sports Camera and Garmin Virb among others. In this review CyclingTips editor Matt de Neef considers another would-be challenger: the Sony HDR-AS100V (also known as the Sony Action Cam).

Polygon Helios A9X review

November 17, 2014

Polygon is an Indonesian company that offers buyers a lot of value with its bikes. The company’s Helios A9X has a high-end build but just a mid-level price of $5,999. CTech editor Matt Wikstrom recently spent some time with the bike to judge how much performance the Helios A9X has to offer.

Shimano XTR Di2 Groupset Review

November 11, 2014

I would argue that mountain bike technology is more advanced and progressive than what we typically see on road bikes. The many variations of disciplines, relaxed UCI technical rules, and perhaps a tendency for riders to let go of traditions make the mountain bike an open slate for innovation and experimentation. However, the first bit […]

First-look review: PRO Toolbox

November 7, 2014

In this first-look review, mechanic/photographer Andy Rogers checks out the Toolbox made by PRO Bike Gear, Shimano’s in-house component and tool brand.