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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New Garmin Instinct Crossover combines tradition and technology via analogue hands and smartwatch functionality
Along with 'real hands' are built-in sports apps, health and wellness features and solar charging, all of which set a new standard of hybrid smartwatch functionality according to Garmin
By Simon Smythe Published
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World's first real denim cycling shorts about to launch - and they could be worn by AG2R Citroën
French UCI WorldTeam's kit supplier Rosti not ruling out a swap from the iconic brown shorts to denim - and either way the 'Bib Jeans' will go on sale to the public in February
By Simon Smythe Published
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Are MTB brands taking over the gravel scene? YT is the latest one to muscle in with its new 'gravity' Szepter
'Gravel by category, gravity by nature' is YT's approach to its all-new Szepter platform
By Simon Smythe Published
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Livall Pikaboost e-bike conversion kit is self-charging, takes 30 seconds to fit and will cost under $300/£300
Innovative new energy-saving electric bike converter launches on Kickstarter with a price that undercuts other popular e-bike conversion kits
By Simon Smythe Published
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Mythos Elix 3D-printed stem review - technology in search of a component?
The world's first commercially available 3D-printed stem is a real statement, but what does it offer beyond its radical looks?
By Simon Smythe Published
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Wahoo X aims at indoor and outdoor domination with latest expansion
Better integration with outdoor rides and 'in-app' voice chat on RGT are just a few of the highlights...
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Why is the internet so angry about Bianchi's new F1-inspired 'hyperbike'?
The new Bianchi Oltre RC: genuine 'aerovolution' or next-level marketing hyperbole?
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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The 5.9kg bike that won Britain’s most prestigious hill-climb was 'my dad's old Planet X frame from about 2010'
Monsal Hill Climb winner Gregg Booker talks CW though his idiosyncratic but superfast gravity-defying setup
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Sportful Pro Race Toe Covers review
These half-overshoes are wholly useful for days when it's not quite warm enough to leave home without some sort of toe protection
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Wahoo Powrlink Zero dual-sided power meter pedals - long-term review
Six months after they were launched, the lollipop-shaped power meter pedals are running as sweetly as ever
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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New Wahoo Elemnt Roam bike computer gets more accurate GPS, more memory and more colours - here's our first look
It looks mostly the same as the old one but the new Roam has a lot more horsepower under the hood
By Simon Smythe Published
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Never mind the London Marathon, Britain's wackiest cycling time trial is go!
Three... two... one... have a good ride and try not to catch your superhero cape in your chain at the Team Bottrill fancy dress TT
By Simon Smythe Published
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New Hunt Limitless road wheels get carbon spokes - but they're not going hookless or super wide
Hunt Limitless 48 and 60 get lighter and stiffer thanks to new carbon spokes - but the rims are hooked and the internal rim widths are narrow compared to the likes of Zipp
By Simon Smythe Published
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In the wind tunnel with Alan Murchison, the world's fastest Michelin-starred chef
How to serve up an 18-minute '10' at age 51 - the Performance Chef's recipe for time trial success
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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New Factor Ostro Gravel 'ultimate gravel racing bike’ is based on Tour de France stage-winning road frame
Elite gravel racing version of Tour cobbled stage-winning road bike, already ridden in Unbound, launches to the public
By Simon Smythe Published
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Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v2 bike computer - long-term review
More than a year after it was launched, the second generation of Wahoo's small but mighty Elemnt Bolt is still keeping us on the straight and narrow (with the occasional stretch of gravel thrown in for good measure)
By Simon Smythe Published
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Ford is developing a Covid-style road safety app that will 'ping' drivers when a cyclist is near
Automotive manufacturer researches new tech that will use Bluetooth LE to warn drivers of nearby cyclists and pedestrians
By Simon Smythe Published
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Why spend £12K when you can build your dream classic bike for under £500? Here's how...
If you love a project, don't mind spending time scrolling through Ebay listings and are a bit of a tinkerer, why not build yourself a brand new bike out of old parts and save yourself a ton of cash?
By Simon Smythe Published
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Wahoo updates Kickr Smart Trainer and Kickr Bike with Wi-Fi connectivity
US brand futureproofs its flagship devices as well as adding extra features aimed at enhancing its Wahoo X indoor training subscription service
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Racer Rosa custom carbon review - an Italian superbike for the cognoscenti... with rim brakes
Bespoke geometry, custom paintjob, handmade in Italy... if you love a classic road bike unsullied by disc brakes, Di2 and dirt tyres London-based Italian brand Racer Rosa will build it
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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New Canyon Ultimate first ride: classic looks but extra aero, comfort and integration
Fifth-generation Canyon Ultimate gets a subtle but significant redesign that's aimed at making it an all-rounder rather than a climbing bike
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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New £449/$499 Zwift Hub smart trainer: idiot-proof and cheap is the new high-tech and expensive
Global online cycling platform ditches plans for a high-end smart bike and goes back to basics with a user-friendly turbo
By Simon Smythe Published
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Woodrup's 'path racer' reimagines the fixie for the gravel biking generation and we want one
Leeds brand recreates the type of bike that was designed for unpaved roads as well as track racing in the 19th century - and it's surprisingly relevant
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Winter cycling sunglasses: why do cyclists wear sunglasses in winter?
A pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV and debris all year round; we take a look at why winter cycling sunglasses should be an essential part of your kit
By Simon Smythe Last updated