Bespoke Blog

Previously we looked at some of the newest bikes on display at Eurobike, in this article we're going to share some of our product highlights including a new computer from Garmin, disc brake Lightweight wheels, dual-sided Stages power meter and new clothing from 7Mesh from the world's biggest bicycle show held every year in Germany.

Garmin launches Edge 1030 plus revamped Vector 3 power pedals

This is the brand new Garmin Edge 1030. It's the most feature-packed computer in the company's range and this new version packs a larger 3.5in screen with a bigger battery that is good for a claimed 20 hours.

There's a stack of new connectivity features, you can now reply to text messages from a connected smartphone, or even send messages to other friends using an Edge 1030. Navigation has been boosted with Trendline offering routes based on the most popular roads using data from activities uploaded to Garmin Connect. The new Edge ships with a slimmer handlebar mount and an extra battery can be fixed underneath it for those longer rides when you need the extra runtime.

Also new from Garmin are the updated Vector 3 and 3S power meter pedals, with the option of dual and single sided power measuring. They've a much more compact design and gone are the auxiliary pods of the previous Vector pedals, and installation is meant to be much easier - just fit them to the cranks and away you go.

Wahoo Kick adds Climbing add-on for extra realism

The Wahoo Kickr Climb made its international debut at the show, an add-on product takes the realism to another level by simulating climbing gradient by lifting and lowering the fork. You can read all about it here.

Tacx launches Magnum treadmill

If the Kickr Climb isn't realistic enough for you, then how about the new Tacx Magnum treadmill? It's a treadmill for a bike, the first time we've seen such a product, but it can be used for running as well, ideal for triathletes. The Magnum has a sensor that automatically adjusts the speed based on where the bike is positioned. Ride closer to the front and it speeds up, drift towards the back and it slows down, and provide a safety net to avoid ejection. There's a small ramp so you can literally ride straight onto the treadmill, and once on there's a 32in television that let's you use the Tacx app or watch old stages of the Tour de France.

Stages go dual-sided with latest power meter

Stages have been a popular power meter because of its Team Sky sponsorship, ease of installation and price, and there's no a dual-sided version. It's been in testing by Team Sky for some time will appeal to those people that really must have left and right leg power measurement. Stages says it's not a replacement for its previous single sided power meters, and it still fully believes in the performance of those for the majority of cyclists.

SRM's Origins power meter

SRM has developed its own crankset for its legendary power meter, still widely regarded as the benchmark by which all others are compared to. This is its new Origin and it's a carbon fibre crankset and thanks to a partnership with French frame and pedal maker Look, can be adjusted between three crankarm lengths (170, 172.5 and 175mm). The Origin is a modular design and is compatible with most of the current bottom bracket standards currently in play, including Shimano Dura-Ace as pictured here. It's also light, just 599g.

Lightweight embraces disc brakes

Lightweight has embraced disc brakes with the new Meilenstein Disc wheels, with the choice of a clincher or tubular rim. At 1,370g the clincher versions are probably the lightest disc brake clincher wheels money can buy right now. The hubs have a unique pentagon design to deal with the braking forces from the sc brakes, and use Shimano's Centre Lock mounting system to attach the disc rotor.

Oakley gets into the helmet business

We didn't see this one coming, but if you think about it, it seems a natural move; Oakley has launched a range of helmets. There are three models, ARO 3 road and ARO 5 aero road helmets and, for time trial and triathletes, the ARO 7. The helmets have been designed using CFD software and tested in a wind tunnel, use a BOA retention system and use MIPS for extra safety.

Here's the new Kask Valegro helmet

Kask also debuted a new helmet. It's called the Valegro and is a lightweight helmet - claimed weight is 180g; compared to 250g for the Protone - with 36 vents making it a better choice than the Protone when the weather is hot. There's still an aerodynamic consideration to its shape and the positioning of the air vents, but it's probably not going to be as low drag as the Protone. Kask has minimised the amount of contact the helmet makes with the head to improve comfort.

Giro's radical new Vanquish aero helmet

More helmets news… Giro has added the striking new Vanquish to its range for 2018. Making its first appearance at the Tour de France, this new helmet is an all-new helmet but looks like a replacement for the old Air Attack - it even has an integrated visor for that Robocop look. It's a dedicated aero helmet taking inspiration from the company's Arrowhead time trial helmet and the most interesting feature is the transition in shape about halfway along the helmet. This is essentially a turbulator intended to deliberately trip the boundary layer into turbulence before the air separates, which reduces overall drag. It's the same principle behind the dimples on a golf ball.

Shimano unveils Ultegra R8000 groupset

Shimano has followed up the redesign of its top-tier Dura-Ace R9100 groupset with new Ultegra R8000. It gets the same styling and tech updates as Dura-Ace but in a more affordable package. And like Dura-Ace, it's available with rim or disc brakes. You can hardly tell the difference between hydraulic and mechanical brake levers. Ultegra has always followed in the footsteps of Dura-Ace but unless you really want the best and lightest, new Ultegra looks a good choice. Save on Ultegra and spend on wheels.