By Simon von Bromley

Published: Friday, 21 January 2022 at 12:00 am

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We’re in the midst of a cold snap in Bristol, and I don’t cope well with the cold.

Because of that (and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic) I’ve spent almost every hour indoors in recent weeks. I’m becoming a hermit.

Of course, I could be more like my hardier colleagues, put on some winter cycling clothing, ride a bike such as the new 2022 Cannondale Synapse and brave the elements.

According to the lead photograph, technical editor Tom Marvin has been out testing Schwalbe’s Wicked Will Super Race tyres in shorts and a T-shirt. I’m sceptical. Look at the tyre sidewalls – something doesn’t add up.

The thing is, though, I don’t want to do any of that.

I’d just rather it was sunny, warm and dry. I’m dreaming of days when it’s appropriate to ride in whiter than white shoes such as the new Specialized S-Works 7 Lace.

Riding indoors (using Zwift and a smart trainer) ticks two out of those three boxes, though, so that’s mostly what I’ve been doing.

I even did an FTP test on my time trial bike last Saturday (of my own volition), which probably confirms I really have lost the plot.

But I digress, you’ve clicked through for the latest edition of First Look Friday – an opportunity to examine some of the latest swag to arrive at BikeRadar – so let’s dive straight into it.