Technology
Brilliant buys for bikes Technology is doing amazing things for cyclists right now, so if your plans for 2021 including spending more time on two wheels there are all kinds of devices to help you. The important consideration is safety. Many modern bike helmets have integrated MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) to help protect against certain kinds of impacts, and many also have integrated LED lights to make you more visible to other road users. Safety shouldn’t mean sacrificing comfort, though, and good helmets are precision designed to be as light as possible while delivering serious protection. Some even direct airflow to keep your sunglasses fog-free. If you’ve ever suffered from a flat in the middle of nowhere you’ll be delighted to discover that a manual pump isn’t your only option. Portable air compressors can inflate even road bikes’ tyres without any effort and they’re small enough and affordable enough to be a really worthwhile purchase. The advent of apps such as Strava means that many cyclists want to log their trip and performance data to track their own progress and to compete with others. There are several devices that can help you with that. Cycle computers track your distance and key stats, while power meters measure the strength that’s going to your pedals. More affordable models tend to go without connectivity, so you’ll need to enter the results into your chosen app yourself, but higher up the product range you’ll get fully connected computers that automatically sync with your phone. You could also use your phone – there are plenty of cycling apps designed to do just that – but cycling computers are designed to put up with conditions that smartphones aren’t. For example your smartphone may be splash proof, but is it crash proof? And of course, smartphones can be very expensive. Even a high-end cycling computer is a fraction of what you’d pay for an iPhone.
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Xiaomi Mi Portable Tyre Inflator The tiny Mi is a portable electric air compressor that delivers up to 150psi, so it’s suitable for all kinds of bikes. There’s even an integrated light to help you sort out your tyres at night. £39, amazon.co.uk
Cateye Quick Wireless Cycle Computer According to Cycling Weekly, the Cateye mirrors the more expensive Garmin Edge 530 in terms of speed and accuracy; it’s easy to read and the battery life is huge. £44.99, tweekscycles.com
Bell Formula LED MIPS This helmet provides a superb combination of safety features including built-in LED lighting and Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) to protect you from serious impacts. £109.99, bellbikehelmets.co.uk
Livall BH60SE Smart Helmet Helmets don’t come much more high-tech than this. The Livall’s has a rear LED strip, LED indicators, and smartphone integration with built-in speakers for hands-free phone calls. £99, halfords.co.uk
4iiii Precision Power Meter If you’re really serious about cycling, a power meter can log not just your power, but how much power you’re pushing to each pedal. It lasts for about four days on a single coin battery. £269, halfords.co.uk
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