TECH | TOUR TESTED
FULL FRONTAL FINESSE
Fulcrum Speed wheels | RRP from R49 900 | jjcycling . co . za
The new Fulcrum Speed 42 and 57 , which replace the previous 40mm and 55mm sizes , are the culmination of over 4 000 hours of wind tunnel , laboratory and openroad testing . The goal was to obtain the best performance in terms of aerodynamics , rolling resistance and light handling , without compromising safety . Higher , wider , lighter and more aerodynamic wheels with new hubs and spokes weigh 1 410g and 1 495g for the 42mm and 57mm versions respectively . The new 9.5mm radius rims paired with 28mm tyres deliver optimum aerodynamic penetration , rolling resistance and comfort . The 4mm wider inner rim was wind-tunnel-tested to reduce drag by a huge 10 %. Despite the higher profile , the width assists with bike handling , which we know can be hairy in wind at high speeds in bunches .
RIDE THE ROLLS ROYCE
Technogym Ride | RRP R105 000 | technogym . com This must be the most technically advanced and comfortable smart trainer we have tested … It ’ s the first bike to offer direct access to apps such as Zwift , Strava , ROUVY , TrainingPeaks , Kinomap and Bkool ; as well as entertainment apps like Netflix and Eurosport . It also has a complete range of training programs and experiences designed to improve your performance outdoors . The integrated super-high-definition 22in screen and surround sound allows users to dive into an unprecedented immersive experience . The bike replicates real-world routes and inclines – so you really can feel as if you ’ re riding Alpe d ’ Huez . It challenges you to reach the proper power zones on virtual routes , or you can choose the exclusive TNT ( Technogym Neuromuscular Training ) programs , designed to improve both metabolic and neuromuscular qualities , or set up a completely customised training plan based on your personal goals . The gearbox gives you incredibly realistic cycling with a very fast reaction time . Plus it ’ s quiet ! The V-shaped frame suits sizes from 50 to 58 +, and the adjustable cranks can be set into three positions .
DERRIERE DELIGHT
Assos Equipe RSR S9 Targa bibs | R7 551 | jjcycling . co . za No cyclist who has received a gift with a tiny white A button hasn ’ t smiled in delight . Now the racing shorts of this longstanding butt benchmark bib have had a foundational redesign . The Equipe RSR S9 Targa pushes second-skin aerodynamics , hyperlight construction , and race-tuned engineering to another level . We haven ’ t slipped into this lustworthy lycra as yet , but they sound worth a whirl for sure . Assos say targeted increases in stretch and support provide improved aerodynamics and compression while reducing pressure on sensitive areas – which is everything when stages are long and effort levels high . The new construction also dries faster , limiting your sweat ’ s ability to add weight by soaking into the textiles .
SCON SAVER
Giro Aries Spherical helmet | RRP TBC | omnico . co . za This is all-out innovation . MIPS makes sense and justifies the weight gain , but what if the whole helmet redirected impact stress ? Only 275g with MIPS , well-ventilated , sleek and structurally stable – this helmet is ‘ ground-breaking ’ in every sense . The AURA II Reinforcement Arch is a shatter-resistant , translucent twin bridge running throughout the helmet , providing structural integrity without adding unnecessary weight . This unique ball-and-socket design helps redirect impact forces . Spherical technology by its nature also assists with comfort and airflow . It ’ s not speed that kills , it ’ s stopping suddenly without warning , so be prepared as best you can be .
REVOLUTIONARY RUBBER Specialized S-Works Mondo tyres | RRP TBC | specialized . com At any given speed and on any given surface we bike riders only have 2in of contact with planet earth . A scary prospect then if you don ’ t have a suitably resilient , grippy rubber contact point keeping you on top of your bike . We all desire to ride every tar or gravel road with the perfect blend of race-like speed , total control , insane tread life and next-level puncture protection . The innovators at Morgan Hill California say their new S-Works Mondo is “ our go-anywhere , do-anything , never-sacrifice-again tyre , and when it comes to the competition , the Mondo is untouchable .” How did Speshy achieve 11 % less rolling resistance on a grippy , durable tire ? The compounds created by scientists in their German lab used proprietary Gripton run on a scale from ultra-efficient and durable T2 road compounds to the super tacky T9 mountain compound . “ For the Mondo , our team used a dual compound featuring T2 in the centre flanked by the wet and dry grip of T5 compound on the shoulders .” This is the same dual compound that debuted in a World Road Championship in Specialized ’ s new line of Turbo race tyres .
22 | TOUR DE FRANCE 2023