A closer look at the world's best cycling gear brought to you by the Cyclingnews tech team
(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
The Musette is Cyclingnews’ weekly curation of the world’s best cycling gear. Here, we’ll take a look at pro-level equipment, bikes and components, alongside some of the most desirable clothing and newest accessories in the world of cycling.
It's been a bit of an action-packed week at Cyclingnews keeping up with the number of new bikes being announced recently. Orbea kicked things off with the release of their new Orca 2021 range and followed up three days later with a new Avant budget endurance bike. But it was Specialized that stole the show, releasing it's new Tarmac SL7, simultaneously redefining the lightweight road bike category whilst killing its Venge aero bike range. Merida launched the fourth iteration of its Reacto aero road bike which impressed Aaron who shared his first impressions.
We also published an array of expertly curated buyer's guides to help you make an informed decision when it comes to your next cycling purchase. So if you're looking for a new bike and steel is real or aero is everything, make sure you scroll through the following guides:
SunGod Velan sunglasses, with full frame conversion kit and IRIS Photochromic lenses(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
Removing the full-frame section transforms the aesthetic of these performance cycling optics(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
Custom designed, the full price is rather high, but there's a lifetime warranty backing them up(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
SunGod Velans cycling sunglasses
Aiming squarely at the title of best cycling glasses, SunGod has entered the fray with two dedicated-to-cycling offerings, Velans and Vulcans, much to the delight of individuals who enjoy a bit of custom creativity.
What I mean by that, is rather than offering x number of colourways from which we must choose, SunGod's website takes buyers through a full design-your-own process with thousands of potential final outcomes. Of course, nobody will manage to improve upon the above design, but if you wish to have a go, you can do so here at SunGod.
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I've opted for the IRIS photochromic lens here, which are designed more for traditionally-British poor-weather conditions rather than the bright sunshine we're privy to at the moment, but in the short test ride I've had so far, vision clarity is superb.
The initial impressions of the Velans are that they have an altogether different feel to the likes of Oakley or 100%. While the polymer feels a little less premium at first touch, it's reassuringly flexible and seems to take heavy-handedness in its stride, unlike the fragility of the competition. They're really not cheap - see below for details - but in addition to their indestructible feel, they also come with a lifetime warranty.
As ever, there's a full review in the works, so check back for that when I've formed a longer-term opinion.
Not leaving much to the imagination, the Sportful BodyFit Pro Evo jersey is super breathable(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
Featuring what I consider to be the best looking design in 2020, the jersey oozes style(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
While the white is rather transparent, darker colours are much more conservative(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
My only gripe, the zipper isn't cam-locked(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
Sportful BodyFit Pro Evo jersey
Up next is a rather summery addition to this week's Musette, this hyper-breathable jersey from Sportful. The Bodyfit Pro Evo jersey is exactly the same as that worn by Bora Hansgrohe riders such as Peter Sagan, Pascal Ackermann and co on those toasty hot race days (well, unless they choose a skinsuit, but you get the point).
As you'll see, this white jersey does little to hide one's modesty - points for anyone who can guess which bib shorts I'm wearing - but I can confirm darker colours are more conservative in this regard. However, even with the major over-transparency, in my humble opinion, the design of the BodyFit Pro Evo jersey is the best available on the market at the moment.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the jersey doesn't feature a cam lock zipper, but on early impressions, this is a jersey I'll wear at any given opportunity. Sadly, being based in the UK, I don't expect that'll be all too often!
The UAE Team Emirates edition Met Trenta 3K Carbon(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
The helmet features an aero profile(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
From the front, the carbon exoskeleton is hard to miss(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
And from the rear, the exhaust is sleek and well shaped(Image credit: Josh Croxton)
Met Trenta 3K Carbon helmet - UAE Team Emirates edition
The final piece of cycling tech added to this week's Musette is this UAE Team Emirates edition of the well-revered Met Trenta 3K Carbon helmet.
The Trenta 3K features in our guide to the best road bike helmets and was rated at 4/5 stars by Graham in his recent Met Trenta 3K Carbon review, but after our friends over at Procycling magazine offered up the chance to use this UAE Team Emirates edition, I couldn't refuse.
Being the same helmet as used by Tadej Pogačar and Alexander Kristoff, sadly it hasn't given me superhuman watts a la Like Mike, but I do think it looks great and it cradles my head with a super-secure, comfortable feel.
Foregoing MIPS as a technology, the Trenta 3K uses a carbon exoskeleton to improve impact resistance, in turn, MET shaved 20 per cent of weight from the EPS foam without affecting safety performance. The result is a lightweight helmet that sits in the position of an aero all-rounder.
As WorldTour racing kicks off again this weekend, you can tune into Strade Bianche to see how the Trenta gets on in its first race back atop the heads of Pogačar, Davide Formolo, Sergio Henao and more.
Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews.
On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.
