product reviews

Focus Cayo Evo LTD Review

I’ve had extensive experience with various Focus bikes and I’m a big fan. They’ve managed to hold on to their higly regarded brand perception while keeping their prices extremely competitive in a crowded market. In this bike review I look closely at the super lightweight Focus Cayo Evo Limited edition that tips the scales at […]

Shimano Dura Ace C35 Clincher Wheel Review

A mid-depth carbon wheel isn’t something I would normally consider purchasing. I’ve always been someone to use a shallow profile wheel (~25mm), or a ~60mm deep profile wheelset. I’m not what you’d call a “light” rider, so I never have problems with getting blown around in the wind and always considered a mid-depth wheel somewhat […]

Basso Diamante Review

The folks at Basso Bikes have been making racing bikes for more than 35 years in their Italian factory near Vicenza. Their catalogue was once devoted to steel though in recent years steel has been replaced by carbon. The Diamante is their premium frameset.

CTech May Product Picks

In this month’s swag of products you’ll find new lights from Knog, Echelon Sports, and Moon, t-shirts from Apres Velo, customised team Sky kit from Rapha, Castelli Fawesome Vest and Nano Flex armwarmers, kit from Attaquer and Babici, socks from Capo and Bontrager, tyres from Specialized, chainrings from Praxis and shoes from Shimano. Have you […]

Dura-Ace 9000 C50 Carbon Clincher Review

Shimano has typically been known for its outstanding groupsets which continue to raise the bar, but it’s the company’s wheel story that is its best kept secret. I’ve spent more than two months on the new Dura-Ace 9000 C50 carbon clinchers and I’ll be sad to give them back now that this review period is […]

Garmin Edge 810 Review

The Garmin Edge 810 is the successor to the Edge 800 which was hugely popular and an excellent upgrade from previous models. With so many features and improvements, it’s taken me many weeks to get entirely comfortable with it. But after some heavy use I think I can finally add something constructive to discussions about […]

Specialized S-Works Allez Review

There’s a common misconception that aluminium frames are associated with “harshness”. I remember my first aluminium bike — a 1990 Cannondale R600. It had an aluminium fork and was stiff and harsh as could be, but it was the bees-knees at the time. Things have come a long way since then and riding this aluminium […]

Bontrager Aeolus 3 D3 tubulars

Bontrager recently redesigned its Aeolus wheels and expanded on the number of models in its range. The Aeolus 3 D3 is the lightest wheel on offer and is aimed at climbers looking for light wheels that also offer a significant reduction in aerodynamic drag. This wheelset may also be the best all-rounder on the market […]

Specialized Tarmac SL4 Pro Review

At the end of this winter I found myself needing a good race bike. I spoke to Specialized about getting on one of their bikes, but I have to admit, I’d never ridden one of their newer road models; the Roubaix, Tarmac or Venge. I wasn’t sure which one to choose but was fortunately given […]

Mad Fiber Clincher Review

For a long time now I’ve wanted to review a set of Mad Fiber wheels. I first saw these exotic looking wheels last year on someone’s bike on Beach Road and he was raving on about how using them are practically cheating. Last week I finally got my hands on a set of Mad Fiber […]