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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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
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Ortlieb Commuter Daypack Urban Line backpack review - simple and effective
The bike luggage experts go all chic with a backpack for the stylish commuter
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Schwalbe Durano Plus tire review - reliable winter rubber
Grippy, fast rolling and tough - what more do you want from a winter all-round tyre?
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Rapha + POC Ventral Lite helmet review an incredibly light and airy lid with Rapha styling
The Rapha and POC collaboration sees the weight-conscious Ventral Lite road helmet get the Rapha design treatment
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Wahoo Kickr V6 direct drive smart trainer review - is the update worth the extra spend?
The Wahoo Kickr has continuously ranked as one of the best direct drive smart trainers your money can buy. Can its latest developments keep it at the head of the pack?
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Zefal Shield G50 gravel fender review - great value, simple and sturdy guards
A great chunk cheaper than the alternatives these guards punch well above their weight. Just don't expect to fit them quickly
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Wahoo Kickr Snap wheel-on smart trainer review - a great chunk of Wahoo Kickr direct drive performance for a small chunk of the price
A great option for those who'd rather put their money towards a new bike for the spring than staring at the spare room wall in the winter
By Rachel Sokal Published
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SKS Speedrocker fender / mudguard review - full length 'guards for gravel bikes without mounts
A fuller set of fenders / mudguards for gravel and CX bikes which lack mounts for bolt-on guards. It's just a pity that they collect so much dirt themselves
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Elitewheels 50D carbon road wheels review - lighter and half the price of even Hunt wheels
Is it really possible to buy a quality aero wheelset with carbon rims, spokes and ceramic bearings without selling a kidney? We step away from the scalpel to find out
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Ass Savers Mudder Mini fender / mudguard review – is 'just enough' protection worth it?
Subtle, lightweight, easy to fit and remove... but is discrete the thing you're looking for in a gravel bike mudguard? We rode through the splatter to find out
By Rachel Sokal Last updated
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Nikwax Tech Wash and TX.Direct review - making jackets great again
The market leader for washing and re-proofing waterproof clothing shows why it's top of the pile
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Ass Savers Fendor Bendor Big rear gravel mudguard review - lightweight; light coverage
A rear guard you can carry in your pocket and deploy at a moment's notice? Is this what every fender hater dreams of?
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Mudhugger Gravelhugger front and rear fender / guard review - maintaining gravel misadventure throughout the winter
Sturdy and easy to fit with loads of tyre clearance. They won’t keep 100% of the muck off you and your bike but where’s the fun in that?
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Rapha Technical Trousers review - can riding pants really fit in at the office?
Part of Rapha’s lifestyle range, the Technical Trousers are designed to be worn both on and off the bike. But is it really possible to wear riding trousers in the office and not look like “that guy”?
By Rachel Sokal Published
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dhb Equinox Windproof Overshoes review – too much sole for... your cleats?
The dhb Equinox is a good lightweight option to keep your shoes clean and dry in milder, damp weather. The question is, can you still clip in
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Rapha Winter Overshoes review – and the great zip debate
A surprisingly warm and waterproof overshoe for its weight that will suit those who hate fiddling with zips
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Knog Blinder Square and V Bolt rear light review - more flashing LEDs than a school electronics project
A smart and compact rear light with easy fitting, convenient charging and more fancy flashing than you thought possible
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Your guide to the best children's bike trailers 2024
Our top picks for the best children's bike trailers whether you just want to tow, go for a run too, have lots of kit or children to transport, or prefer shredding the trails.
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Drop it like it's hot! The best dropper seatposts and levers for gravel bikes 2024
Do you want more speed, control and awesomeness from your gravel bike? Then you want a dropper seatpost. Here's our pick of the best posts and levers your money can buy (whatever your budget)
By Rachel Sokal Published
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Best budget women's bib shorts 2024 – comfort without the cost
A good set of cycling bib shorts doesn't need to be an expensive investment. Here's our thoughts after reviewing some of the cheaper and more affordable women's bibs.
By Rachel Sokal Published