{"id":57520,"date":"2023-12-08T08:00:38","date_gmt":"2023-12-08T07:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=757003"},"modified":"2023-12-09T08:46:14","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T07:46:14","slug":"a-500-castelli-waterproof-jacket-flagship-sidi-shoes-fresh-koo-shades-7mesh-gravel-clothing-and-lightweight-dry-bags","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/a-500-castelli-waterproof-jacket-flagship-sidi-shoes-fresh-koo-shades-7mesh-gravel-clothing-and-lightweight-dry-bags\/","title":{"rendered":"A \u00a3500 Castelli waterproof jacket, flagship Sidi shoes, fresh Koo shades, 7mesh gravel clothing and lightweight dry bags\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Plus all the latest news and reviews from the week <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 08 December 2023 at 07:00 AM<\/p>

\n\n

Now that we\u2019re in December, utterance of the C-word is officially acceptable in my book. And what better than an early Christmas present in the form of First Look Friday?<\/p>\n

However, before I unveil a bonanza of goodies, I\u2019ll have to keep you in suspense just a little longer while we recap on the week just gone.<\/p>\n

Senior technical writer Simon von Bromley penned a love letter to his go-to Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain Vest<\/a>\u00a0in the latest of our semi-regular High Mileage Heroes<\/a> series. I\u2019ve never really been one for gilets myself in the winter, swearing by my Castelli Gabba 2 jacket<\/a>, but Simon\u2019s effusive praise may have tempted me to give them another go.<\/p>\n

Nick Clark was the only contender who could have reviewed his namesake Clarks CRS C4 brakes<\/a>, and he came away highly impressed by with their impressive stopping power and lever feel.<\/p>\n

Digital writer Jack Evans<\/a> brought us news of the new Focus Paralane<\/a>, the German brand\u2019s latest rendition of its endurance road bike. The bike has clearance for 35mm road bike tyres<\/a>, with tubes that have undergone an aero makeover for increased stiffness. We were also treated to his first ride review<\/a> from the atmospheric Vosges mountains in eastern France.<\/p>\n

Jack also introduced us to his Giant TCX Advanced Pro 2<\/a>, which will be his long-term bike<\/a> for the next year.<\/p>\n

Although cyclocross bikes<\/a> conjure images of race weapons with tight tyre clearances and shoulder-friendly top tubes, this latest TCX has clearance for 45mm gravel bike tyres<\/a> and dropper post<\/a> compatibility if you want to get rowdy.<\/p>\n

Jack\u2019s already baptised the bike in some truly filthy conditions in a handful of cyclocross races<\/a> in the West Midlands.<\/p>\n

Finally, we brought news that Strava has introduced messaging<\/a> on its app, so you can now slide into people\u2019s DMs or chat directly in a group. Will it replace WhatsApp or other popular messaging systems as the platform of choice for organising rides? Only time will tell.<\/p>\n