With the Tour de France just around the corner now, we’ve had a run down of all the WorldTour bikes and the teams’ choices of finishing kit. And we’ve also had a video with a detailed look at Dimension Data’s new Cervélo R5 as ridden by Omar Fraile, with its matching green Speedplay pedals.
A look at Omar Fraile's new Cervélo R5
We’ve drooled over another custom paint job on Specialized’s Allez Sprint track bike this week – literally in the case of Cycling Weekly’s Symon Lewis, who rode the machine at the Brixton Cycle Super Madison.
A look around the Pinarello factory and an interview with Fausto Pinarello
We’ve also had a tour round Pinarello’s factory in Italy and asked Fausto Pinarello why there’s no specific climber’s bike or sprinter’s bike for Team Sky. And we’ve had the sad sight of Nettie Edmondson’s Colnago C60 in pieces after she was hit by a truck in training. Fortunately she was not injured.
New tyres, wheels and special edition kit
Also this week, Pirelli has launched its PZero Velo cycle tyres. We went out to Milan to learn about the research that has gone into the range and try the tyres out on the company’s wet and dry test tracks.
New Pirelli PZero Velo tyres ridden
Pirelli is not the only company with tyre news this week, as Mavic has announced that it’s gone tubeless. Its Ksyrium, Comete and Cosmic wheel ranges and its Open Pro rims all get a new rim profile designed to support the tyre and prevent a flat tyre rolling off the rim, while its tyres are redesigned to work with the rims without tubes.
Mavic's Izoard shoes celebrate the defining climb of this year's Tour de France
And Mavic has also launched a new limited edition clothing range celebrating the Col d’Izoard, the finish of Tour Stage 18, the women’s La Course race and the Etape du Tour this year.
New Oakley Tour de France sunnies launched
Another brand launching a Tour de France limited edition is Oakley, with Tour special Jawbreaker, Radar and EVZero models now available.
Advice and deals
With a feast of climbing on display over the next few weeks, if you’re tempted to head out and tackle a long climb yourself, we’ve had a video telling you how to go about it. And helpfully, we’ve also had videos with advice on how to fit lower gears to your bike and how to ride with clipless pedals. While Café du Cycliste is offering free badges to customers who have completed any of its local climbs near Nice.
Keep your cool on long hot climbs
Long climbs mean extra sun exposure too. With the hot weather last week, we’ve picked out the best sun creams to keep you protected while riding.
