Happy Friday! This week has been a busy one at Cyclist.
Not only is there the February 2023 issue of the magazine out – buy it online, subscribe or pick it up from a reputable newsstand near you – but tech editor Sam dusted off his Magic 8 Ball to give some road tech predictions for 2023.
Emma hit the streets to see all the bike share and rentals London has to offer, while Charlotte reviewed the Castelli Sorpasso RoS women’s bib tights and we also got to look at the stunning vintage pro bike in Jacek Berruti’s 1920s Alcyon.
Hungry for more reviews? You can check out the Bryton Rider S800 GPS bike computer and the Shimano Ultegra R810 C50 wheelset too.
Now let’s get into another edition of In the Drops.
Products included in our weekly round-up are independently selected by our editorial team. Cyclist may earn an affiliate commission if you make a purchase through a retailer link. Learn more.
Castelli Unlimited Merino Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Pockets are out, loose trail-friendly fits are in, right? Well not for everyone, but tech tees are growing in popularity for gravel riding in particular and they do have the advantage over regular cycling tops of looking more like normal clothing.
The Unlimited long sleeve uses a merino/polyester blend in an effort to combine the best attributes of both materials, ie, the warmth and stank-resistance of wool, plus the wicking and durability of synthetics.
I find that I prefer thinner, long-sleeved T-shirts if I’m exercising. This is one of Castelli’s cooler shirts, designed to be worn as part of a layered outfit.
The back is shaped to work in a riding position and the fit is described as ‘neutral’. The chest pocket isn’t for heavy cargo yet it’s zippered so valuables can’t escape.
We’re fans of the unapologetic orange option, but three more muted alternatives are also offered. Thanks Matthew for modelling.
Phizz 3-in-1 Effervescent Tablets
It’s that time of year when I try and muster up the energy and willingness to go to the gym. It’s good for my mental health, it gets me out of the house as I work from home, and I see there’s a Pilates class every other day.
Have I been yet? No. For some reason, I’m always too tired. With that in mind, I had been looking at the multivitamin aisle in Sainsbury’s when this product from Phizz landed at my doorstep.
London-based start-up Phizz says it worked with a Swiss research laboratory to develop an all-in-one health supplement to support daily wellbeing, exercise, travel and nights out.
A multivitamin tablet, it is balanced with 18 vitamins and minerals to boost natural energy, such as B12 and B6, plus a 375% daily dose of vitamin C.
Each tube contains 20 tablets. You dissolve one in a bottle or glass of water and drink within 24 hours. I have to say, my favourite ones are the new mixed berry flavour.
- Buy the Phizz 3-in-1 Effervescent Variety Bundle from Phizz (£15.99)
Jack Wolfskin Top Tube Bag
Sometimes you need more than just a couple of pockets. Enter top tube bags! Made from recycled materials, this top tube bag from Jack Wolfskin can hold a repair kit and other essentials with a capacity of 0.8L.
You can also put place your phone in the top pocket, which is covered in transparent material that is touchscreen-compatible, to keep an eye on where you’re heading.
Just fasten the bag to the top and head tubes using three Velcro loops (handy with my long nails) and you’re good to go.
- Buy the Top Tube Bag from Jack Wolfskin (£35)
What we’re into this week: 35mm film cameras
Over Christmas and New Year, I thought I’d branch out into taking photos on my new 35mm camera. It’s nothing too fancy as I wanted to get basics in place before splashing some cash.
But I love the vintage feel 35mm gives you and, after some shooting advice from my dad, began to snap some pictures of all the holiday family chaos. Enjoy.
A game of Corks – where you’re given cards with a coloured cork on and have to match with four of the same colour as cards are passed around the circle. The person to complete this first grabs a cork, everyone else immediately grabs a cork off the table too and the loser gets a shot. Conveniently, my dad kept losing.
It can get pretty heated.
Tuaca, anyone?
I hope you all had a lovely time over the holidays.
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- Get in first with fast-track entry to the show and take advantage of the complimentary cloakroom
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