So-called ‘endurance’ bikes, those built for all-day stints in the saddle, have arguably being marginalised by the advances in aero and race bike, which have become lighter and more comfortable respectively. At Cycling Plus we believe there’s still a seat at the table for the endurance bike, however, and this issue we test out four of the very best, from brands Giant, Kinesis, Felt and Cube.
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Elsewhere, we’ve also got a thousand quid shootout test from two of the biggest fish in the UK bike market, Giant and Cannondale, and take first rides of the Vitus ZX-1 EVO 105 aero bike and Benno Bikes’ RemiDemi 9D ‘etility’ – electric utility – bike.
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In Upgrade, we’ve Tests of Hunt 60 Limitless Aero Disc wheels, See.Sense BEAM light, MET Rivale MIPS helmet and much more, while gear guru Warren draws on decades of testing experience for the 10 best ways to upgrade your bike.
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In Features, we ponder whether you should eat like a pro. We encourage you to climb like a pro and corner like a pro, but should this be the case when it comes to the extreme dietary demands of the pro cyclist? Mark Bailey investigates.
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We also look at how Mark Cavendish pulled off a comeback for the ages at the Tour de France and explore the gravel tracks of the Gower Peninsula in south Wales. Gravel can be a tricky surface to ride on for the uninitiated, but we’ll put your concerns to rest in this issue’s skills Masterclass entry.
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Later on, in Big Ride, James Witts stays firmer terrain with a circular tour of the pristine roads of the Isle of Wight.
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We also bring you a Tokyo Olympic photo special and celebrate another table-topping performance – with a difference – by Team GB’s cyclists.
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