We are in the middle of a cold spell in Bristol, and I can’t stand the cold.
Because of this (and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), I’ve spent nearly every hour indoors for the past few weeks. I become a hermit.
Sure, I could look more like my more enduring colleagues, put on winter cycling clothes, ride a bike like the new 2022 Cannondale Synapse and brave the elements.
According to the main photo, Technical Writer Tom Marvin tested Schwalbe’s Wicked Will Super Race tires in shorts and a t-shirt. I’m skeptical. Look at the sidewalls of the tires – something is wrong.
The thing is, I don’t want to do any of that.
I would prefer sunny, warm and dry weather. I dream of days when it will be appropriate to ride in shoes that are whiter than white like the new Specialized S-Works 7 Lace.
Riding indoors (using Zwift and a smart trainer) ticks two of those three boxes, so that’s mostly what I did.
I even did an FTP test on my time trial bike last Saturday (of my own volition), which probably confirms that I really lost track.
But I digress, you’ve clicked on the latest edition of First Look Friday – a chance to look at some of the latest swag to hit BikeRadar – so let’s dive right in there.
Prime Primavera Shorty Saddle
The Primavera Shorty Saddle is a new full carbon short nose saddle from Prime.
Featuring a 3K carbon fiber base and carbon fiber rails, the Primavera Shorty is 240mm long and 143mm wide. It also features a generously sized center cutout to reduce soft tissue pressure in sensitive areas.
This makes its design very similar to popular short road bike saddles, such as Specialized Power, PRO Stealth and Bontrager Aelous.
While how well PU padding performs in terms of comfort remains to be seen, the Primavera Shorty Saddle clearly performs very well in terms of value.
With an RRP of £119.99, it’s significantly cheaper than equivalent spec saddles from many other brands.
Our test sample weighs just 165g (5g under the advertised weight of 170g), so it’s also very light.
One last feature worth noting is the integrated accessory port on the rear edge. This securely attaches a universal accessory mount, on which you can place lights, rear-facing cameras, etc.
Bont Vaypor G Reflex Ghost gravel cycling shoes
We were very impressed with the previous generation Bont Vaypor G shoes, so it’s nice to see that Bont hasn’t spoiled a winning formula.
As usual with Bont’s top-end cycling shoes, you get a super-stiff, full-carbon sole in a reasonably lightweight package (769g for a size EU45 pair on our scales) and full hot mold capabilities. to fine-tune the fit. .
This latest generation Vaypor G updates the closure system with the latest Boa Li2 dials and is now available in Bont’s Reflex Ghost colorway.
This gray lights up like a reflective jacket when illuminated, making you a little more visible in the dark.
The soles are drilled for two-bolt SPD cleats (for use with clipless mountain bike pedals) and have a fully replaceable tread system.
O’Neal Pinned Pro Flat Pedal Shoe V.22 grey/blue
The Pinned Pro Flat V.22 is a flat mountain bike shoe designed for gravity-oriented riders and has been redesigned for 2022.
O’Neal claims the honey rubber sole provides a happy medium of good pedal traction while allowing you to reposition your foot as needed.
The hexagonal shape of the sole is also said to allow the pins of your flat pedals to find a more secure position.
A durable board is placed inside the sole, which adds some stiffness from front to back. Not too much to make walking uncomfortable, though. Lateral stiffness is more important, however, providing better control during hard impacts, such as when descending.
The shoe has a high, soft padded inner ankle for added comfort and protection, and the tongue has a water-repellent coating. This prevents the padded material from acting like a sponge if you plow through deep puddles.
Although the whole shoe is not fully waterproof, the materials are naturally quite water resistant and there are perforations in the upper to aid breathability in warmer conditions as well.
Bicycling Science (The MIT Press), Fourth Edition
For those who like to analyze every aspect of cycling in great detail, the fourth edition of bike science “offers a comprehensive account of the history of bicycles, how humans power them, what makes them go faster – and what keeps them from going even faster.”
Covering recent experiences and busting myths, the latest edition discusses recent research on human physiology, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, braking and more.
At 568 pages, I’ll be slowly digesting every bit of it over breakfast over the next few months.
