Bike race fans will know that today the winner of the 100th Giro d’Italia will pull on the famous maglia rosa. And to celebrate, what better bike to focus on than a frame from Wilier? The Italian family firm has been making classic road racing frames for 110 years. And it was riding a Wilier in 1997 that Marco Pantani made the fastest ever ascent of Alpe d’Huez. He’d probably have done it even quicker if he’d been on the firm’s new Cento10 Air. It’s a pro-level aero bike with a stunning, wind-carved frame that weighs in at just under 8kg. But what will catch your eye are the handlebars. Called the ‘Alabarda’ – Italian for a halberd – it’s a one-piece stem which radically streamlines the front end, with all cabling being routed internally. The ride is, as Mrs May might say, strong and stable. On the perfectly balanced wind machine the Dolomites have never looked so easy… (wilier.com)
Price: £4,599
Frame: carbon
Weight: 7.8kg
Gears: Shimano Ultegra
Wheels: Mavic
All the kit, every idea
Chris Boardman is known in some circles as ‘the professor’ due to the delight he takes in getting details right. His bike range has become the go-to brand for great design at great prices. Now he and his team have refreshed his cycling range for this season.
If you’re just starting out and are after some good value kit to get you out on the road without breaking the bank, or have been at it for years and want to refresh your kit drawer, then Boardman’s updated clothing range from Halfords could well be the way to go.
Available online and in store, the Boardman range includes all the basic pieces in both men’s and women’s versions. So that means jerseys, shorts (both with and without bibs), jackets, gloves, socks, and caps are all included.
Possibly the highlight of the range is the Boardman removable sleeve jacket (£44.99), which does exactly what it says on the tin, with sleeves which can be removed using zips to enable you to turn it into a thermal gilet for when things aren’t quite so chilly. Boardman also says that the fabric is windproof and breathable, with reflective stitching for a little added visibility.
However, if you’re only after the bare necessities for riding in summer, then the basic cycle jersey and shorts cost just £29.99 each. Ideal for a new and on-trend look.
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
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