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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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
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Wahoo Powrlink Zero and Wahoo Kickr Rollr trainer launched
All the details, specs and first impressions on Wahoo's all-new Powrlink Zero pedals and Kickr Rollr indoor trainer
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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NBA legend LeBron James invests $30 million in Canyon as German bike brand increases US presence
NBA megastar's money aimed at boosting Canyon and is billed as "the perfect match"
By Simon Smythe • Published
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New, lower-priced Vittoria Corsa N.EXT tyre: the Conti GP 5000 killer?
New Corsa has a nylon instead of cotton casing, has better puncture resistance and grip in the wet, and is hookless compatible
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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Enve launches the Melee, its first mass-produced frameset that comes in stock sizes, one colour and costs $5,500
US brand follows up last year's bespoke Custom Road with a Far East-made, off-the-peg option that's only marginally more affordable
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Can Alexey Lutsenko secure a top-10 place and save Astana's Tour de France?
The Kazakh GC rider heads into the final week looking for success aboard a Wilier 0 SLR
By Simon Smythe • Published
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We went for a 10k run after a day at Eurobike because bikes are a pain
Sometimes you've just got to accept the limitations of the things you love
By Stefan Abram • Published
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Andre Greipel: it’s good for cycling if Vingegaard wins the Tour de France
German sprint legend talks to Cycling Weekly about the Tour, his retirement and why he's investing in the Classified hub
By Simon Smythe • Published
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Classified gold hubs, glasses with a rearview mirror, a 5kg German bike and a pair of naked mannequins... Eurobike is back!
We avoided being brainwashed by the big brands' PRs and roamed the huge halls of the Frankfurt Messe incognito to track down the tech you really wanted to see
By Simon Smythe • Published
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New Brompton Electric P Line powers up with a Williams motor and a titanium rear frame
F1 comes to folding e-bikes with the launch of the iconic British brand's lightest so far
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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New Cannondale Topstone Alloy: stable geometry, more versatility and lower price - and what we think
More than just an aluminium copy of the carbon version, the Topstone Alloy is designed for a wider range of riding and is super user-friendly
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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With Neilson Powless just seconds off the yellow jersey, could Cannondale win its first ever Tour de France?
Rigorberto Uran was second with Drapac in 2017, but will 2022 be the year Cannondale finally claims cycling's biggest prize?
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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Unreleased Giant Propel with all-new Cadex tubular wheels breaks cover at the Tour de France
Cycling Weekly exclusive photos confirm the new Giant is the next Propel, and it's rolling on as-yet unreleased tubular wheels
By Simon Smythe • Last updated
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Head socks and sandpaper saddles: tech tricks and fashion failures at the Tour de France
We cast a critical eye over the new equipment on display at the world's biggest bike race
By Simon Smythe • Last updated