Italian firm Bianchi are famed for their bikes but also have a huge array of their own components, accessories and clothing. The latest to land on our desk are two pairs of sunglasses, a helmet and a mini pump, all in the traditional Bianchi celeste colour.
Their two-strong optics range is refreshingly budget. For just £45/$73, the Aquila sunnies pack in a polycarbonate frame, three sets of 100 percent UV protection lenses (smoke/clear/yellow) and a hard shell case and pouch. They come in white, black and celeste options. The Falco specs are even cheaper at £35/$57. They have all the features of the Aquilas but without the hard case and come in three celeste-heavy colour combinations.
Bianchi Aquila sunglasses
Their helmet range is manufactured by Belgian firm Lazer and this Sphere lid (£125/$161) is exactly the same as the Lazer Sphere of the same name apart from external Bianchi logos, the liberal use of celeste - and a £25 premium. Features that remain include the Rollsys fit system, 21 vents and a 286g weight for a large size.
Last but not least is the alloy Mini Pump (£16/$29) which is reversible to fit Presta/Schrader valves, can inflate to 160psi/11bar and has a bracket for down/seat tube mounting.
Fizik
Fizik’s heat-mouldable 3D Flex Custom Insole is a collaboration with insole specialists Sidas that allows the Italian firm’s dealers to offer customers optimised shoe fit. In-store, the Podiaflex material is heated using ‘Flash Fit Technology’ which makes the insole malleable enough to be shaped to the contours of the foot.
To get the right shape, weight is concentrated on the ball and arch area with the insole positioned to match the rise of the outsole. It's said to only take a few minutes. These insoles are purely about comfort and are not designed to be correctional for any biomechanical issues. They will be arriving at dealers soon, priced £59.99/$94 per pair.
Vermarc
Vermarc are arguably the biggest cycle clothing brand in Belgium and their new Flanders Classic range is a dedication to the iconic spring classics. With the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) taking place at the beginning of April, the range is designed to cover all eventualities in weather, which means you can get bib tights and shorts, winter and mid season jackets, and long and short sleeve jerseys. Here we have the full length zipped Short Sleeve jersey (£49.99/$78). Visit their UK website for more information.
Cycraguard
The latest products from the mudguard specialists Cycraguard are the easy-to-fit commuter-specific Road model. At £29.99/$47, they come in two sizes and colours; 20-28mm and 28-37mm, and black and titanium, in front and rear twinpacks. Highlights of the design include water channels that force water to follow the wheel and back onto the road. They are constructed using CycraFlex composite polymers, which is said to be extremely durable and hard wearing (they have a lifetime warranty to prove it) and have telescopic legs so they'll fit any size wheel. They're available now from UK distributor Madison.
