The best cycling gear of 2018
The experts from Road Cycling UK give us their verdict on 2018’s top cycling gear
The Bike
Canyon Grail, from £1,999
This is Canyon’s first dedicated gravel bike and the German firm’s attempt to grab a slice of the fast-evolving adventure market.
Canyon’s engineers started with a blank sheet of paper and refused to be restrained by convention of consumer expectations; the Hover Bar is the result of that forward-thinking design approach. By isolating the top of the handlebar from the bottom, Canyon has sought to find the perfect balance of comfort and rigidity. Indeed, the floating ‘Flex Area’ on the Hover Bar is said to be seven times more compliant than the tops of Canyon’s existing H31 Ergocockpit.
The Grail is based around a carbon fibre frame, with two options: the top-end CF SLX chassis comes in at 830g, which is incredibly light for a gravel bike, while the mid-range CF frame is a little heavier at 1,040g – no porker by any stretch. The range is due to be completed later this year with the launch of an aluminium Grail, which will have a conventional cockpit.
Canyon’s aim with the Grail was to produce a bike equally at home on the road as it is on the rough stuff – a Holy Grail between speed and comfort. And they’ve nailed it.
Robin Pearson
The Shoes
£325
The latest S-Works 7 race shoe is the stiffest yet. And why would you want greater stiffness in a shoe? Well, it’s all about power transfer; ensuring every iota of power you produce is transferred into your pedals and then through the frame and into the road.
The redesigned carbon sole is a clever piece of engineering that has utilised pressure mapping to work out where carbon is needed.
Of course, they’re light, too: a size nine shoe weighs in at just 224g. Go on – step to it!
Robin Pearson
The Helmet
From £149
Think of Oakley and it will likely be its popular sunglasses that spring to mind, but this year the brand also launched a range of premium Aro road helmets.
They’re designed to integrate with your chosen eyewear – whether that’s Oakley or not.
Mark Cavendish’s Dimension Data has linked up with Oakley for the season, so you will see the new lids in use on the World Tour.
Robin Pearson
The Jersey
£75
The Kalf Flux Chevron jersey combines great styling – thanks to the distinctive chevron design – with high performance.
A slim cut allows the jersey to hug the body, minimising flappage in the wind, while it’s infused with enough elasticity to reduce pressure points.
The potential for chafing is further reduced thanks to flat seams – and there are laser-cut holes in the panels to help keep you cool.
Robin Pearson
The Sunglasses
£109.99
It’s rare that we come across a pair of sunglasses that can hold a candle to shade experts Oakley, but Lazer certainly have one in the Walter.
Clever lens shaping means the field of vision is excellent with no interruptions in the key areas, while the central support is minimal enough that it never intrudes on your outlook.
They’re featherweight on the scales at 30g without losing out on build quality.
Robin Pearson
