It's been Winter Cycling Week at BikeRadar and, considering the bleak UK weather, we couldn't have chosen a better (or worse?) week for it.
Before running through our Valentine's Day present suggestions favourite tech of the week, let's recap the quality content we've published so far.
First up, Jack Luke shared his winter cycling mistakes and advised how to avoid them.
We also explained how to commute by bike in winter, how quickly you lose fitness (too fast) and asked what impact exercise has on your immune system.
There's been a flurry of news, including the launch of a new Pivot Switchblade, which Luke Marshall has already reviewed, and a collaboration between Wahoo and Zwift on a new Kickr Core smart trainer.
Meanwhile, Lightweight unveiled limited-edition £7,700 Meilenstein wheels adorned with 23k gold leaf.
If you're shopping on a more modest budget, our guides to the best winter cycling shoes and best winter cycling jackets contain more affordable and practical picks.
Challenge Limus cyclocross tyres
The Challenge Limus are among the best-regarded cyclocross tyres for muddy conditions.
Their large, widely spaced lugs are designed to be grippy and shed mud effectively. They also feel incredibly supple thanks to their 300 TPI SuperPoly casing, which has PPS puncture protection.
Here, I have the handmade tubeless version in a 700 x 33c size with lovely tanwalls. A black version is also available if you're of Oscar Huckle's persuasion.
I've been riding the Limus on my Giant TCX Advanced Pro 2 long-term test bike. Keep an eye out for my next update to see how I've been getting on.
Tailfin Fork Packs
Fork bags usually slot into cargo cages bolted into the bosses of your gravel bike fork.
This works well when you want to carry extra stuff on bikepacking trips. But unless you unscrew them after every adventure, the cargo cages stay on your fork when they're empty, adding weight and leaving something to bash your shin into.
Instead, the aluminium mounts for Tailfin's Fork Packs, which are claimed to be fully waterproof, sit much more flush to the fork. But they shouldn't be close enough to scrape the paint, according to Tailfin.
The Fork Packs mount in a similar way to the brand's panniers and alloy rack, enabling you to clip them on and off in seconds. Their roll-top closure also means you can access the contents without removing them from the bike.
Tailfin sells the Fork Packs in 5-litre and 10-litre sizes, which both come with the mount and compression straps.
- Tailfin Fork Pack 5L: £80
- Tailfin Fork Pack 10L: £100
Rapha Excess Pro Team bib shorts
Rapha's Excess collection is made entirely from surplus materials from previous seasons, meaning no one jersey or set of bib shorts, in this case, is identical.
The style is inspired by the switch-out kit EF Education-EasyPost rode at last year's Giro d'Italia. However, only 72 per cent of that was made from repurposed material because UCI rules dictate all team kit has to look the same.
Rapha claims the first Excess Collection (it released a second last September) saved 2,303m of fabric and 23kg of yarn without compromising the quality of the kit.
I'd agree – the Excess Pro Team bib shorts feel as good as the non-recycled Pro Team bibs I've ridden. The price (£240 / $295 / €270 / AU$410) is similar. And I don't mind the patchwork, slightly mismatched way the off-cuts are stitched together.
If we're serious about reducing cycling's environmental impact, this could be something we have to get used to.
Albion Visibility Cargo Vest
Albion says the Visibility Cargo Vest is a lightweight, comfortable and highly visible vest with built-in storage for ultra-endurance cycling or the humble commute.
Both orange and black colours provide 360-degree reflectivity for riding in low light or through the night, according to Albion.
The Visibility Cargo Vest has four front pockets and a larger back compartment with a side-entry, double zip for access on the move. Albion says this back pocket can hold a hydration pack.
Three stretch cord straps across the front of the vest enable you to adjust the fit. Albion says both the front and side panels are made from light, breathable fabric to prevent you overheating on long rides, such as audaxes.
The Visibility Cargo Vest comes in one unisex size and costs £125 / $170 / €180 / AU$275.
Restrap Frame Strap
The Restrap Frame Strap is a way to carry spares on your bike whether you're travelling light or are heavily loaded.
It's useful on a go-fast day when you don't want to fit a saddle bag and things such as a multi-tool can go in your jersey pocket.
Equally, when almost all of your bike is loaded with bikepacking bags, you can attach the Frame Strap anywhere with the Velcro attachment to carry a little more.
Inside the Hypalon strap, which Restrap says is grippy and durable, a buckle clips over the contents to keep them secure.
The Restrap Frame Strap comes in orange and black, and costs £19.99 / $29.99 / €23.99 / AU$29.99.
