Simon Smythe
Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer.
In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends a bit more time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.
What's in the stable? There's a Colnago Master Olympic, a Hotta TT700, an ex-Castorama lo-pro that was ridden in the 1993 Tour de France, a Pinarello Montello, an Independent Fabrication Club Racer, a Mercian Classic fixed winter bike and a renovated Roberts with a modern Campag groupset.
And the vital statistics:
Age: 53 Height: 178cm
Weight: 69kg
Latest articles by Simon Smythe
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Are you sitting comfortably? Best bike saddles 2023 ridden and reviewed
The best bike saddle can make the difference between a dream ride and a nightmare. We tell you what to look for in your quest to find the best bike saddle for you
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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Raleigh has an e-bike for every type of riding - which one is right for you?
Whether you want to commute without breaking a sweat or need some extra power for your off-road adventures, Raleigh has it covered - we look at four of the latest e-bikes from the legendary brand
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Garmin Edge Explore 2 computer review - user friendly, well priced with a focus on the journey
A welcome antidote to the super expensive computers that do too much and cost too much for most people
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Classic Bike: Colnago Arabesque - a model reborn after a factory basement find
This Colnago Arabesque is a big bike – and it has a big place in Colnago’s history.
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Specialized S-Works Torch shoes long-term review - extraordinary comfort and performance for a wider audience
Specialized went wide with the sole of its flagship road shoe with the aim of offering better comfort and uncompromised performance - and it works
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Colnago V4Rs bike review - ultimate racing weapon that's not for the faint-legged
Pogačar's bike is designed specifically to win races - and you can tell
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Best road bike tires for summer riding 2023
The best road bike tires will combine speed, grip and puncture protection
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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Best cycling water bottles 2023: how to find the perfect bidon for you
We've rounded up our pick of the best cycling water bottles to keep your fluid intake up, as well as guiding to find your ideal hydration station.
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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Best chain lubes for bikes 2023
We round up the best chain lube for your bike and get to grips with the slippery subject of choosing a wet or dry chain lube
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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Best bike locks 2023: heavy duty and portable locks for keeping your bike safe
You'll want one of the best bike locks if you plan to leave your bike unattended at any time - here’s what to look for and an overview of some of the best locks on the market
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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Sirrus case of déjà vu: the new Specialized Sirrus breaks all the rules... but haven't we been here before?
Specialized's radical new bike isn't first to try to break free of the diamond-frame template... and won't be the last
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Shimano Cues: all-new ‘ecosystem’ to replace every groupset below 105
Phase one focuses on flat bar hybrids and e-bikes with interchangeable components across nine, 10 and 11-speeds; road components to follow at some point
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Tech of the week: Adidas 2.0 road shoes, Koo Strade Bianche sunnies, Pirelli's fastest tyres yet and a POC helmet with pockets
With spring and the Classics just round the corner, there's loads of new kit to get excited about
By Simon Smythe • Published
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AeroCoach unveils lustrous Aten 1x road chainring - the new gold standard?
British brand launches the road version of its super high-end track chainring
By Simon Smythe • Published
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MAAP’s sustainable new road collection features ‘more recycled fabric content than ever before’
Australian brand's message is to do better for yourself, the people around you and the planet
By Simon Smythe • Published
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What is the science behind the unreleased new Uno-X TT helmet? We ask the aero experts
Xavier Disley and Michael Hutchinson theorise about what might - or might not - make the most-talked-about lid the one to beat in 2023
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Colnago C68 bike review - tradition and technology in perfect proportions
The latest model-C Colnago is still made in Italy and still has lugs, but it is a thoroughly 21st-century superbike
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Wahoo launches steering for its RGT indoor cycling platform: 'a new level of strategy and engagement'
Added realism can be accessed via a new Kickr Steer smartphone accessory or existing thumb buttons on the Kickr Bike
By Simon Smythe • Published
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New Cofidis Look prototype bikes photographed in full race setup at the Saudi Tour
Exclusive pictures of the unreleased prototype that Max Walscheid rode to a podium place on stage one
By Simon Smythe • Published
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What a month off alcohol taught me about my cycling... and myself
Dry January is over - time to crack open a magnum of champagne, or crack on with the abstinence?
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Rapha launches new flagship Explore Gore-Tex jacket - at £395/$530 you'd better not fall off...
New high-end jacket and trousers added to Explore off-road collection
By Simon Smythe • Published
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UCI introduces mandatory 'height category' sticky labels for time trial and pursuit bikes
New downloadable labels to be the 'reference point for UCI commissaires' and must be visible on the top tubes of bikes in all UCI-sanctioned TT and pursuit events
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Garmin Epix (Gen 2) smartwatch review - superb functionality, brilliant display, changed my life
All of the features of the top Fenix and Forerunner watches but with an enhanced AMOLED display - which makes it more expensive, but it's worth it
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Best bike fenders / mudguards for autumn and winter 2023
They're hardly bling, but a good set of bike fenders / mudguards will help you to ride through winter in comfort. We've rounded up the best
By Simon Smythe • Last updated