Luke Friend
Luke Friend has worked as a writer, editor and copywriter for twenty five years. Across books, magazines and websites, he's covered a broad range of topics for a range of clients including Major League Baseball, the National Trust and the NHS. He has an MA in Professional Writing from Falmouth University and is a qualified bicycle mechanic. He has been a cycling enthusiast from an early age, partly due to watching the Tour de France on TV. He's a keen follower of bike racing to this day as well as a regular road and gravel rider.
Latest articles by Luke Friend
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Deda Elementi Trenta 2 gravel wheelset review - light and snappy but a little too firm to be called comfy
A performance-orientated set of carbon hoops with solid all-road and gravel riding credentials
By Luke Friend Published
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American Classic Aggregate gravel tire review - solid performance at an affordable price
The relatively low price tag may suggest a budget offering but does the Aggregate punch above its weight?
By Luke Friend Published
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Tech of the Month January: Potential updates from Shimano and SRAM, new bikes for 2023 and the Colnago V4RS
We discuss possible updates to SRAM and Shimano groupsets as well as the road bikes most likely to be see a redesign in 2023...
By Luke Friend Published
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2023 road bike releases: what are the models we expect to see updated in the next 12 months?
Some big names are long overdue a refresh...
By Luke Friend Published
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Is an updated SRAM Red AXS groupset on the way?
Images snapped at the recent Movistar training camp as well as World Cup CX races show newly shaped levers that could indicate a Red refresh for 2023
By Luke Friend Published
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The best aftermarket aero bars for triathlons and time trialling
The best aero bars can optimize your TT position and help you save watts.
By Kristin Jenny Published
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Decathlon is now selling e-cargo bikes – a Christmas gift for the whole family...?
The Elops R 500 comes in at a competitive price for e-cargo bikes, but incredibly there are still cheaper options
By Luke Friend Published
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Our 2023 gravel bike tech trend predictions: More of the same or a radical new direction for drop-bar off-roading?
We look into gravel's crystal ball and see more race-ready rigs as well as affordable electronic shifting and wider tires
By Luke Friend Published
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Christmas Sales e-bike deals: big savings on road, gravel and city models including Orbea, Vitus and more
We've rounded up the best savings on e-bikes this Christmas Sales season
By Luke Friend Published
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Corima Essentia 40 wheels review - a jack of many trades but a masterly performer on less-than-perfect roads
Designed to handle tires ranging in width from 28mm to 50mm, these tubeless carbon hoops are an all-road wheel to be reckoned with
By Luke Friend Published
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New BMC Roadmachine 01 AMP X premium road e-bike 'feels like riding on the fittest day of your life'
The 01 AMP X comes equipped with TQ's lightweight motor, a SRAM 1x wireless drivetrain and 35mm tyres ready for on and off-road adventures
By Luke Friend Last updated
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Winter warrior kit picks: Luke Friend's Gear of the Year 2022
A modern steel road bike, a 3D printed saddle, waterproof gloves and versatile insulated jacket
By Luke Friend Published
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Fizik Antares Versus Evo R3 Adaptive saddle - a high tech and comfy perch but requires deep pockets
Equipped with 3D printed adaptive technology and an effective pressure relief channel, the Antares is a saddle worthy of attention
By Luke Friend Published
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New Look 765 Optimum endurance bike features carbon tech that makes it '20% more compliant than before'
French brand's 3D Wave tubing used in redesigned carbon frame that has clearance for 34mm tyres
By Luke Friend Published
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How to hire a city bike for your commute
Thinking of commuting to work by bike? Hiring a city bike is ideal to take you from A to B. Here's the best advice on doing just that
By Luke Friend Last updated
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Top picks from Wiggle's Christmas Sales: dhb, Castelli, Garmin and more
Save big on bikes, cycling apparel and training tech with our selected Christmas Sales deals
By Luke Friend Published
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Top Christmas Sales picks from Sigma Sports: Giro, Specialized, Cannondale and more
Big savings on complete bikes, cycling clothing, training tech and accessories
By Luke Friend Published
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Tech of the Month December: Tacx Neo Bike Plus vs Wahoo Kickr Bike V2 and how wide will road wheels go?
We discuss the direction of road wheel design and which is best out of the two most recently updated smart trainers
By Luke Friend Published
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New UCI rules target extremely narrow handlebars... but appear to miss
Minimum width is now 350mm from outside to outside - but there's nothing in the new technical regulations about the hoods
By Luke Friend Published
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Smartwatch versus cycling computer: which is best for cyclists?
Is mapping most important to you? Or would you get more out of 24/7 health monitoring? - we take you through all the pros and cons of wearables versus bike-mounted devices
By Luke Friend Last updated
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Winter bikes: do you really need one?
We investigate whether a dedicated bike for the colder season is a necessity or a luxury, and ask do you really need a winter bike?
By Luke Friend Last updated
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Tech of the Month November: SRAM goes sailing, Bianchi's new hyperbike, gravel worlds on a road bike and the Scott Foil Ultimate FC
We discuss SRAM's involvement in the America's Cup, Bianchi's controversial aero bike, how to convert your road bike for gravel and dig deeper into the new Scott Foil
By Luke Friend Published
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Tech round up: Kask Sintesi, MAAP Training Range and Maium's Future Ground clothing
A helmet for every ride, training gear and weatherproof clothing that looks as good off the bike as it does on...
By Luke Friend Published
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Ribble celebrates 125 years in the business with new special-edition bikes
The three anniversary designs feature bespoke 'gemstone' paint jobs, gold leaf detailing and plenty of fancy components
By Luke Friend Published