Wiggle's in-house clothing and accessories brand DHB is rightly regarded as one of the go-to labels for quality kit that doesn't break the bank. The three pairs of 2012 road shoes that have just landed on our desks only reinforce this reputation.
The daddy of the range is undoubtedly the R2.0C, which offers a full-carbon sole, synthetic upper and adjustable ratchet top strap in a sub-£100 (£99.99) package. Other features include ventilation holes at the front and rear of the sole, two additional Velcro straps and reflective detailing. They weigh 734g per pair and come in black/red or white/red.
The non-carbon version, the R1.0 (£59.99), is actually lighter than the R2.0C at 700g/pair but lacks its ratchet tightening system. The sole is made from glass reinforced nylon polymer and lacks the ventilation, and most likely the stiffness, of the premium model.
The sturdy-feeling (1,032g/pair) C1.0 (£59.99) looks to be a hard-as-nails commuting option that's flexible enough for off-the-bike use too. It features a Vibram sole with an option for two-bolt SPD cleats. A reinforced toe, laces and generous reflective detailing boost its commuting credentials.
Syntace
Syntace's carbon Racelite CDR bar is now available with reduced drop (129mm for S/M/L sizes, 133mm XL) and reach (90mm S/M/L, 100mm XL). This makes a more compact position possible, as well as making the brake levers easier to reach. The tops are ovalised and have a 6 º backsweep, which said to improve comfort whether you're sprinting, steering or rolling. The bar is available now in four widths (400, 420, 440, 460mm), with our mid-size 440mm sample weighing just 230g. RRP is £205/US$310.
The German company's Force 140 alloy stem comes with six titanium bolts, to keep weight as low as possible and help to stop corrosion. Our 100mm sample tipped the scales at 145g, with other options available from 60mm to 135mm, all with a 31.8mm diameter and /- 6º rise. RRP £56/$90.
Fibrax
Fibrax have been manufacturing brake pads and cables for the bike industry from their base in Wrexham, North Wales since the early 1970s, so it's fair to say they're well established. The Powerglide Sport stainless steel brake cables come in front (850mm long, 1.5mm diameter, £5.99) and rear (1,800mm, 1.5mm, £6.99) options, in blue, red and white.
Fibrax Powerglide Sport brake cables
The corresponding stainless steel gear cables, called Powershift Sport, are available in one size only (2,000mm, 1.2mm diameter) for £6.99 in red, white or blue. Outer casing length is 1400mm.
Fibrax's Science range of brake pads takes care of stopping for all kinds of rim material and riding conditions. Whether your braking surface is alloy or carbon, and you ride in wet, dry or mixed conditions, there's an insert or block for it.
From back left: Xtreme Performance (wet), High Performance (all-round), High Performance (all-round), High Performance Carbon Friendly (carbon/alloy), High Performance Dual Cure (all conditions)
Telegraph Road
The latest jersey from British clothing label Telegraph Road celebrates the Flamme Rouge, the '1km to go' sign which signals the final chaotic jostle for position in road races. The red motif is emblazoned on a green jersey – the sprinter's jersey of the Tour de France – along with the names of past winners. It has five rear pockets (two Velcro, one zipped, two open) and costs £52.
