2019 is upon us and the big hitters in the bike-making business have new rides to get us lusting after. Our main bike test this issue sees six very high calibre bikes go up against one another in a high stakes battle, including the Cannondale SystemSix Carbon Dura-Ace, the Specialized Venge Pro and the Trek Madone Disc SLR9.
In First Ride we’ve reviews of Chapter 2 Rere, J Laverack R J.ack Disc III, Specialized CruX Expert, the Ampler Stout plus the Adventure Flat White goes head-to-head with the Pinnacle Laterite 0.
In New Kit we’ve reviews of Zipp 303 Firecrest 650b tubeless disc wheels, Specialized Power Arc Pro saddle, Genetic Schizo pedals and Quoc gravel shoes.
We go inside the factory of CeramicSpeed, the Danish bearings firm with a friction obsession and test 16 of the best helmets currently on the market.
In our Long-Term bike test, Italian style meets innovation in technical writer Robin Wilmott’s test of his Cinelli Superstar Disc. Campagnolo’s Record EPS hydraulic disc groupset looms large.
In Features, we join September's Deloitte Ride Across Britain, the Land’s End to John o’Groats sportive, as it travels from Bath to Ludlow, and editor Rob finds out what skills he can take from cyclo-cross back to the road. In Big Ride, we head to the Italian Alps town of Bormio to ride the Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo.
In Training Camp we’ve advice on how to bounce back from a crash like pro cyclist Taylor Phinney; hear from former pro Kristian House and his retirement transition; learn about the benefits of joining a cycling club; and how you can adjust your rim brakes for better stopping in the wet.
In The Hub, we ponder the Tour de France’s troublesome take on the war on plastic; learn three routes in Leek and North Staffordshire; meet the youngest-ever cyclist to ride the length of Britain; and look into the questionable attitude train companies have to bicycles.
And in keeping with the look ahead to 2019, issue 348 comes with a calendar, complete with the biggest races and rides to keep an eye on.
