With summer well and truly here, Cyclingnews has put together a round-up of this season’s hottest cycling essentials. Find these must-have items on shelves at your nearest retailer.
Sunny disposition
Solargenome bags, a collection by storage accessories company Scicon, allow you to catch some rays on the trails and keep your electronic devices running at the same time.
The HydraCharge bags, which are fitted with supercharge polymer cells, will recharge the lithium battery pack in less than five hours and keep you switched on regardless of your loadshedding schedule.
The seven-litre bag provides ample space for food, as well as integrated pockets for bike tools and spares. It also houses a 1.5-litre, compact Hydrapak that is easy to clean and refill.
Happily hydrated
Keep your hydration levels up when the heat is on with Zero tabs, which are free from artificial colourants and preservatives.
This fruit drink is loaded with Vitamin C and electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium to combat fatigue without adding any extra kilojoules.
A 20-tablet tube can make up to 15 litres of the refreshing drink, making this great value for money to boot.
Vroom with a view
Rudy Project offers ImpactX Lenses that activate from clear to colour in seconds, even performing their magic when behind windows and windshields.
The range, which is newly available from retailers, comes in black, red and brown colour options.
The lenses have a wider photochromic range than their predecessors and feature higher contrast
definition to deliver a clearer view of your surroundings.
Shoe sense
Premium cycling shoe brand Sidi has trotted out the new Genius 5 Fit Carbon for the 2015 season, and the newest offering from their stable will have you putting your best foot forward on the bike.
The Millennium 4 Carbon composite sole offers more rigidity than a standard nylon sole, which makes it less prone to wear and tear from prolonged usage.
The replaceable soft instep offers a thermo-formed pad that distributes the pressure evenly over the instep area, making it a good choice for riders who are looking for a comfy fit.
Head cover
Rudy Project’s Airstorm helmet will help you keep a cool head this summer with its high-coverage internal padding of antiperspirant fabric and 21 vents.
An adjustable comfort ring and Fastex system closure button will help you clear your head and enjoy your time on the trails.
Make tracks
Nothing will stop you in your tracks once you’ve fitted the Veloflex Carbon tyre this summer.
Resilient, durable and made from a natural rubber compound, the Veloflex tyre features a Calicot puncture-resistant layer under the tread, making it the clear choice for mountain bike adventures.
Kitted out
When you’re out on the route you need kit that works as hard as you do. Ftech offers stylish yet functional sports gear to ensure a great fit.
The Italian brand utilises Xtra Life Lycra, which can stretch up to 600% without losing material integrity while offering superior UV protection. Hydrofit technology keeps you cool and dry, as it allows air to flow through.
In addition, ASG Sport Solutions provides sponsorship deals, which is perfect if you want to kit your team out with custom threads.
Framed for fame
The Pinarello Dogma needs no introduction and, with an asymmetrical frame that ensures that no power gets lost between you and the road, this bike will give you the most bang for your energy buck.
The bike, which is the first choice for world-renowned UCI outfit Team Sky, is said to be one of the fastest on the market, but comes at a price that reflects its premium nature.
