Rachel Sokal
Rachel has been writing about and reviewing bike tech for the last 10 years. Cynical by nature, Rachel never really trusts the marketing hype and prefers to give products a mighty good testing before deciding whether they're worth buying or not.
Rachel's first riding love is mountain biking where she's been European and UK 24hr Champion on more than one occasion. She's not just confined to the trails though and regularly rides - and occasionally races - on gravel and road too.
Latest articles by Rachel Sokal
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Should you be waxing your chain?
Reduced wear from chain waxing could save you money - but is the saving worth the hassle and the outlay?
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Wahoo Kickr Move review - comfort boosting potential, but it's not for everyone
A good option for those who remain seated when riding indoors, but not great for high power and out-the-saddle efforts
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Troy Lee Designs Lilium Pants review - a slim and lightweight option tailored for women
Stylish and practical cycling trousers tailored for women
By Rachel Sokal Published
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All you need to know about the latest e-bike anti-lock braking systems
Is anti-lock braking fundamental to e-bike safety?
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Vitus Substance V-2 Flat Bar Gravel Bike Sora review - redefining the modern hybrid bike
You don't have to have drop bars to have a fast and capable bike for on and off-road riding
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Rapha Men's Explore Pants review - not quite what we were expecting
Trousers for adventures which are a little short on bike features
By Rachel Sokal Published
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We've tested the Garmin Rally XC200 off-road power pedals for 6 months - here's how they stack up in the long run
All the capabilities of the Garmin Rally power pedal encased by the popular Shimano SPD off-road clipless pedal body
By Rachel Sokal Last updated
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MAAP Women's Short Team Bib Evo review - with a 5cm shorter leg length than standard
Sustainably produced bib shorts offer good performance but at a high price and a lack of finishing detail
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Selle Italia Flite Boost Gravel TI 316 Superflow review - a gravel saddle that's actually tangibly good
A combination of vibration dampening, cut outs and colors tunes the hugely popular Selle Italia Flite for gravel riding
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Vitus Razor Disc Road Bike Claris review - are disc brakes worth it at this price point?
Disc brakes don't necessarily mean braking performance
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Limits BIA power meter review - Affordable? Yes. Transferable? Yes. Reliable? Probably not.
A power meter that promises much although there's a way to go with accuracy, connectivity and build quality
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Velocio Women's Foundation Bib Short review - a lower priced option with an easy-pee system
Compression bib shorts with a fuss-free easy-pee design
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Sportful Classic Women's Bib Shorts review - sometimes simple is the best
A great-performing pair of bib shorts without any unnecessary bells and whistles
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Rapha Women's Core Bib Shorts review - not just for Sunday best
All the quality you'd expect from Rapha but without the eye-watering price tag
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Poc Propel sunglasses review - Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads
Poc go full sci-fi in the quest for speed and efficiency
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Bont Vaypor S road shoe review - heat mouldable, these relieve pressure points
Super stiff, loads of size options and heat mouldable to tweak the fit but only if you have lots of money to spend
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Specialized Diverge Comp E5 review - front end comfort on the bike that promises to do it all
The front end dampening from the Future Shock makes its way down to the affordable end of the Diverge range
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Adidas The Gravel Cycling Shoe review - three-striped style turns to the trail
Adidas go full-on gravel chic with a new off-road shoe
By Rachel Sokal Published
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MET Rivale MIPS helmet review - a little bit of everything
A lightweight, airy, aero and protective helmet that's really competitively priced
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Specialized Allez Sport review - it's been popular for years for a reason
A smart, fun and versatile road bike whether you're just starting out or been at it for ages
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Time ATAC XC 2 pedal review - clean, easy, and pain-free pedalling on gravel trails and the way to work
The design of the mountain biker's knee-friendly favourite hasn't changed in 20 years - there'll be a good reason for that
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Specialized Air Tool Comp Floor Pump review - the do-it-all pump that you'll never lose in the back of the garage
A floor pump that's easy to find, attach and inflate your tires on whatever bike you want
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals review - gravel doesn't have to be grey
The pedal that gives you a generous platform, excellent mud shedding and a little colour on your ride
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Specialized Air Tool Road review - a sleek, high-volume mini-pump
A fast and effective pump when you have your hands in the right places
By Rachel Sokal Published