Walking into a bike shop, or shopping online for cycling gear can be overwhelming. There are so many choices besides brand, color and size. Of all the gear that was launched in 2019, we curated the items we thought stood out most, from bikes, gear and every accessory in between.
Road Bike: Cannondale Supersix EVO Hi-Mod Disc
Ridden by WorldTour Team EF Education First, the new Cannondale Cannondale Supersix EVO Hi-Mod Disc was successfully piloted to wins at the top level of bike racing. Hi-Mod refers to the carbon lay-up, and Cannondale uses different density weaves, thicknesses and strand direction throughout the Supersix frame to achieve a stiff yet compliant design. The Shimano Dura-Ace 9100 electronic group with hydraulic braking offers fast, reliable and flawless shifting. The Supersix EVO is outfitted with house-brand Hollowgram seatpost, cranks, cockpit and wheels, completing this 16-pound (claimed) pro-level package.
Wheels: Zipp 303 NSW Carbon Clincher Tubeless
The Zipp 303 NSW Carbon Clincher Tubeless merges Zipp's latest technologies, and makes this do-it-all-on-any-surface wheel suited for paved or dirt roads—even gravel. The wheel is shallow enough to be insusceptible to crosswinds while the dimpling pattern, width and profile may offer aerodynamic advantages of wheels with much taller cross-sections. Zipp's use magnets not springs for internal clutch mechanism in its hubs, for faster drive engagements when going from coasting to pedaling. The rear hub driver is compatible with all of the latest drivetrains from SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo. Choice of color branding is printed directly on the wheel, so there are no decals to peel.
Inner Tubes: Tubolito S-Tubo Tubes
Tubolito S-Tubo tubes are extremely lightweight—just 23g (claimed) each—yet also very durable. Short of catastrophically destroying tire casings, our testers could not cause them to flat. Tubolito tubes are great as spares: When deflated, they take up very little volume, and twice as many of these tubes could be crammed into a standard spare pack compared to a butyl tube. Tubolito tubes are available in 42mm, 60mm and 80mm stem lengths for use with nearly any depth rim. While the S-Tubo tubes are recommended for use only with disc brakes, standard Tubo tubes can be used with either rim or disc brakes.
Tires: Continental Grand Prix 5000s
Available in tubeless, tubular and standard clincher variants and in 23mm, 25mm, 28mm and 32mm widths, the Continental Grand Prix 5000s tires are a top choice for training and racing. Unlike many performance tires, these Contis offer enhanced puncture-resistance without compromising the supple road feel nor grippiness for which this German brand is known. Well past 2000K, Conti GP 5000 tires keep their grip and ride feel.
Floor Pump: Lezyne CNC Travel Floor Drive Pump
Acknowledging that the Lezyne CNC Travel Floor Drive Pump is diminutive in stature and meant to be packable, we still keep it in reach and use it on a regular basis. It only took us 35 strokes to get our 25mm tires from 0 to 85psi. The inflator head threads onto tube valves for a positive, hands-free engagement, and the reliable, easy-to-read analog dial is robust and can withstand minor bumps without coming out of calibration.
Bike Computer: Wahoo Elemnt ROAM
The Wahoo Elemnt ROAM's best attribute is not a function, it's the easy-to-read screen. The transreflective full color display is visible in any light conditions while the zoom function allows the user to select how many data fields and ride metrics to display, adjusting the font size automatically. The turn-by-turn GPS functionality has been a life saver. This Wahoo "head unit" is ANT+ and BTLE capable, pairing with a mobile phone, power meters, heart rate monitors, speed sensors and even with the latest smart indoor trainers. The Wahoo Elemnt ROAM will even integrate with other brands' accessories and sensors.
Bike Computer Accessory: Varia RTL510 Radar Taillight
The next best thing to having eyes in the back of your head is the Garmin Varia Radar Tail Light. Paired with a compatible bike computer, the Varia provides visual and audible cues of traffic approaching from the rear, up to 140m away, and the bright taillight can be seen up to 1500m away. This device won't protect the user from being hit by a car, but it does provide early warning to decrease the chances of a really bad incident.
General Accessory: Silca Maratona Minimo Gear Bag
Silca, known for shop-quality pro tools and pumps, has also created a line of cycling accessories with the same exacting standards. The Silca Maratona Minimo Gear Bag has so many compartments—reconfigurable through modular and movable divider walls—with interior and exterior-zippered, waterproof pockets. The internal chambers and removable bag, which easily clips in and out, are great for quarantining soiled gear from clean. This is a perfect pack for storing a helmet, shoes, cycling kit, outerwear and accessories all in one place when traveling.
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Road Helmet: Rudy Project Spectrum
The Rudy Project Spectrum helmet features 15 massive vents for superior ventilation. At just 255g (size small, claimed), fatigue is not a concern, even for 100K-plus days. One tester's experience with Rudy Project helmet technology has been life saving. This Rudy Project is comfortable, and we think it's one of the most stylish lids on the market.
Road Cycling Shoes: Specialized S-Works 7 Road Cycling Shoe
It can be hard to quantify performance in cycling shoes or apparel when comfort is more easily pinpointed. The Specialized S-Works 7 road cycling shoe has a full carbon sole, with additional reinforcement where the cleat attaches. Boa dials, which adjust in 1mm increments, help to get that perfect hotspot-free fit. The upper conforms to foot shape and won't stretch or deform—even after thousands of kilometers and hundreds of hours of pedaling in all kinds of weather.
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