FANCY FOOTWORK Gaerne Fuga Carbon Shoes | R6 000 | jjcycling . co . za Possibly the most underrated decision you can make is to get a road shoe that fits well , especially when the ride gets long and hard . Your feet do most of the work and , as temperatures fluctuate , feet swell – making what felt fine for 50km unbearable for the next 50 . Gaerne has prioritised comfort for years , often over weight , but the Fuga was based on meticulous research into refined materials and technological solutions . A perforated microfibre upper and anatomical tongue delivers breathability ; a closure system with two independent Boa dials delivers fast and exact personalised closure without pressure points ; an anatomically designed tarsal-support insole and integrated anti-slip heel-cup assist foot comfort and stability ; and the ultra-thin ventilated carbon sole delivers maximal lightness and rigidity at minimal distance from the pedal for direct power transmission .
PEDDLING POWER HT PK02T road pedals | RRP R4 500 | jjcycling . co . za If you want lightweight , reliable , quick-access pedals with float option for knee rotation then check these out . HT Components are lesser known to locals , but the PK02T are carbon pedals that are easy to use with the familiar clunk-in Look Keo-style cleat system . At 231g a pair , including cleats , they ’ re light for the price . If you ’ re extra weight weenie-ish there ’ s a titanium axle version that lops off nearly 40g . The injection-moulded carbon base looks posh with a smooth finish , and provides a stiff pedal base that doesn ’ t flex under load . The platform is reasonably broad at 65x86mm offering solid power transfer . But sorry big fellas , there is a 80kg rider weight limit .
BEAT THE BONK
NAMED Sport Isotonic Power Gel | RRP R60 | namedsport . com When practising any sport for more than 45 minutes , you need to restore carb levels to maintain high intensity and guarantee the correct level of hydration . These Isotonic gels release sugars after a few minutes , then slowly release carbohydrates to avoid a spike and subsequent dropoff of energy levels . Great for those pre-race jitters and keeping up with your all-day energy requirements .
PBP ( PURE BIKE PORN ) Bianchi Hyperbike Oltre RC | R357 750 with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed groupset + Reparto Corse SPB Tech wheels | jjcycling . co . za Like all things x-rated , we couldn ’ t admit it even if we had seen it . But we could never do this bike the justice in words … Head over to bianchi . com / oltre-aerovolution / when none of your neighbourhood competitors are watching … Bianchi ’ s Oltre RC is the brand ’ s first “ hyperbike ” – with unique , patent-pending vents on the headtube to redirect airflow into low pressure vortices aimed at the rider ’ s moving legs , to reduce turbulence and low-pressure zones that cause wind resistance , even in direct crosswinds . Add a fully integrated one-piece handlebar and stem plus new Reparto Corse carbon-fibre aero wheels and you have the Italian bike designers claiming a 45-second saving over 40km at 250 watts . The hubs use Bianchi ’ s SPB ( Super Precision Bearing ) construction so they roll smoothly . Top it all off with a 165g racing saddle with carbon-fibre shell and 3D-printed padding and you have a pro-level racing bike that weighs in at a claimed 6.85kg in size 55 .
2023 TOUR DE FRANCE | 21