Simon Withers

Simon has been cycling for as long as he can remember, and more seriously since his time at university in the Dark Ages (the 1980s). This has taken in time trialling, duathlon and triathlon and he has toured extensively in Asia and Australasia, including riding solo 2900km from Cairns to Melbourne. He’s been testing bikes and working for Cycling Plus in various capacities for nearly 20 years.

Recent articles by Simon Withers

Boardman SLR 8.6 road bike

Review Boardman SLR 8.6

GBP £550

Specialized Allez Elite

Review Specialized Allez Elite

GBP £1050

Side view of Pinnacle Pyrolite 1

Review Pinnacle Pyrolite 1

GBP £950

Ribble Endurance AL Disc

Ribble Endurance AL Disc review

GBP £1099

Focus Paralane 8.9 GC

Focus Paralane 8.9 GC review

side view Giant Contend SL on white background

Giant Contend SL1 review

GBP £999

Side view Cannondale CAAD Optimo 105 white background

Cannondale CAAD Optimo 105 review

GBP £1000

The newest incarnation of the Triban 520, minus the B’Twin branding

Decathlon Triban 520 Disc review

GBP £730.00 RRP

The frame, with a claimed weight of just 1,280g, is as light as you’ll find at this price

Rose Pro SL 105 review

GBP £998.00 RRP

Its carbon frame and full-carbon fork are paired with an all-carbon cockpit

Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 Pro review

GBP £2449.00 RRP AUD $3949.00 USD $2999.00

Its X-Lite name is apt, as our test bike weighs just under 7kg

Rose X-Lite Four review

GBP £2659.00 RRP

Wilier's GTR Team

Wilier GTR Team review

GBP £2250.00 RRP

You want waterproofing? This has it in spades

Oxford Aqua v20 backpack review

GBP £50.00 RRP USD $65.00

This has pretty much all you need in a large-capacity, cycling-specific backpack

Deuter Giga Bike review

GBP £125.00 RRP AUD $220.00 USD $130.00