UK Distributor Madison hosted it's popular in-house show this week to highlight some of the key kit we'll be seeing in shops over the coming year. Responsible for looking after some of the biggest names in cycling such as Shimano, Park Tools and Pearl Izumi, Madison had plenty on show. We put together a highlights feature to show you some of the exciting new kit we found during a day up in Milton Keynes.
Cooper Bicycles, the cycling arm of Cooper Cars has got together with British steel experts wizards Spoon Customs to put together a limited edition, custom road bike. It celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of Cooper's back to back Formula One title victories in 1960 and 1961 and as such has a unique heritage look whilst still remaining up-to-date and modern in terms of geometry and equipment.
Find out more about the bike and how you can get your hands on one in this feature.
MIPS flying high
It's been a good week for the Swedish tech brand behind the now instantly recognisable MIPS helmet safety system. Recording a 39 percent increase in sales of its impact reducing inserts to manufacturers, it now claims to have 103 helmet brands using its technology. In total there are currently 583 different helmet models on sale throughout the world that use some form of MIPS.
Champions of the tri-spoke, Spengle has just launched its most ostentatious custom wheel option to date. The Spengle Gold is exactly that, a gold wheel. But this isn't just a fancy gold paint, Spengle use 24 carat gold leaf to furnish the carbon monocoque wheels with a finish even Liberace would be happy with. Before you all rush out to place an order the Spengle Gold is a one-off wheelset but it is for sale if you get in quick. The price? A cool 10,000 Swiss Francs (around £7,899).
Specialized are rolling out it's well received Mimic padding technology onto more women's saddles for 2020. Specialized has released two saddles with the Mimic technology it released in 2018, building the female design focused material into existing men’s models – the Romin and Phenom – whilst discontinuing the women’s specific Oura and Myth.
Zwift has launched a virtual version of Haute Route (Picture: Zwift)
Some exciting information for the Zwift fans out there with the news that the on-line training and racing platform is rolling out its latest open-access stage race. Based around the popular Haute Route series of amateur stage races that take place around the globe, Haute Route Watopia will be a three day event and take in stages varying in length from 25-72km.
Leran more about Haute Route Watopia in this feature.
The best bikes for under £1500
Trek
(Image credit: Trek)
We've been doing some compiling of our own and brought together a list of what we consider to be the best bikes for under £1500.
The £1000 category can be a real mixed bag since every manufacturer targets this highly popular price point. However, if you can stretch to £500 more you’ll move well clear of the entry-level category and into trickle-down territory.
James Bracey's career has seen him move from geography teacher, to MBR writer, to Cycling Weekly's senior tech writer and video presenter. He possesses an in-depth knowledge of bicycle mechanics, as well as bike fit and coaching qualifications. Bracey enjoys all manner of cycling, from road to gravel and mountain biking.
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