Products of 2010

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We've decided to take a look back at the products that have made our year. The ones that enhanced our enjoyment of riding and we'll never leave home without. We've asked our staff members to pick their top items.

What are yours? Maybe it's something we've already chosen, something cheap, expensive, small or big - it doesn't matter.
For your efforts we're giving away three prize packs including limited edition cap, copy of Rouleur issue 21 and calendar. Just add your comment below.

John Herety - Rapha Condor Sharp Director Sportif
What? Continental Gran Prix 24mm tyres - £26.99
Why? For me it would be the Continental tyre we used. We consistently had fewer punctures than any other team, which made life a lot easier for me and the riders. Safer for me not having to fight my way through a convoy to get to the punctured rider and less wasted effort for riders during the race. I firmly believe the switch to the 24mm tyre from Continental has significantly contributed to this team's success this season.

Conti_Tyres_edited-1

Neil Manning - Production Director
What? Condor race rims (black or white) - £29.99
Why? Double eyelets, cheaper than Mavic, top quality. Great for commuting as thicker, longer lasting sidewalls.

Thomas Pettit - Clothing Buyer
What? Assos legRubi Leg Warmers - £49.99
Why? Just got these last week and really impressed. The fit for me is fantastic and comfortable and they are much warmer then my old leg warmers. They don't slip at all and have nice touches like reflective tabs and anatomic shaping. I prefer to wear shorts with leg warmers as opposed to tights so these will be part of my favourite winter kit.

Greg Needham - Sales Manager
What? Exposure Diablo Light - £199.99
Why? Light, small, very bright (900 lumens to be exact), flashing option for commuting, more than bright enough to ride in the lanes. You'll be safe descending down a hill in the darkest of the countryside with your path well lit in front. I put mine on my 'cross bikes for when I want to take to the off road on a longer evening commute.

Ben Spurrier - Head of Design
What? Garmin Edge 500 - £249.99
Why? Garmin Edge 500 because of the multitude of fitness and navigational functions ram-jammed into such a compact head unit. Ease of upload to web & access of data. New twist-lock mounting system makes it ultra easy to transfer between bikes.

Garmin Edge

Paul Molyneux - MD of Sharp Electronics
Paul rode in a four man team this year in the RAAM (Race Across America) to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Charity. He's back training for his latest hair brain scheme - Gran Corsa d'Italia, which he's inviting everyone to join in, ride and raise money.
What? Chamois Butt'r - £11.99
Why? It makes a massive difference after a fair few hours in the saddle, no matter how good your shorts are. I'll be taking it to Italy next year without a doubt.

Claire Beaumont - Brand Manager & Rapha Condor Women's Rider
What? Skins Calf Socks - £29.99
Why? Any of the Skins RY400 Recovery wear actually. After a long ride they feel like a big hug. But perhaps the calf socks are the easiest to take with me to a race or sportive. On Mondays after a big riding weekend I put them on underneath my jeans for active recovery and my legs feel fresher for it.

Sammy Smithson - Production Assistant
What? Mission Workshop Rambler Backpack - £199.99
Why? It's small enough when compacted to use as an everyday bag, then when expanded it's big enough to use as a sole bag to go to do trips to Italy and Portugal. I use it at every 'cross race too. I can stash all my spare kit and change of clothes/shoes and a helmet in there. Afterwards you can put your wet kit in the seperate compartment to keep your other bits dry. The carbon back sheet ensures that its the most comfy bag I've ever used. I would definitely buy it again - but shouldn't have to as it is guaranteed for life!

Sammy Bag

Belinda Scott - Customer Relations
What? Gore Liquid Windstopper Lady Bibtights - £99.99
Why? Great to wear, even in the coldest conditions. Wearing these meant I could go out even in the depths of the dreadful weather we had last Jan/Feb.

Comments

written by Andy Waterman , December 07, 2010.   report abuse |  vote down |  vote up |  votes: +0
My favourite discovery of 2010 are waterproof overshorts. I wear them over roubaix tights. The extra layer makes a huge difference when the temperature is in the minus figures. They're also great for keeping you dry, so ideal for commuting as you don't need to dry out a chammy in the office.
These are the ones I like — from Madison http://www.madison.co.uk/produ...ef=CL23815
written by Tim Bright , December 07, 2010.   report abuse |  vote down |  vote up |  votes: +0
What? Condor Legacy Chainset

Why? it just looks so right on my 50s Viking & Condor, both restored at Condors.
written by Gem Atkinson , December 13, 2010.   report abuse |  vote down |  vote up |  votes: +0
What? > Blackburn flea usb chargeable lights

Why? > awesome for the commute when you spend every day at a computer, allowing an easy charge of these fab little lights. Such a neat little slick design, and nice and bright on flash mode giving me extreme confidence of being seen by that wayward bus driver!
written by Mike Owen , December 18, 2010.   report abuse |  vote down |  vote up |  votes: +0
Handpresso!

or failing that Norman Perry's winter bike equipped with a full 11spd Super Record Groupset...
written by Martin Magnago , December 19, 2010.   report abuse |  vote down |  vote up |  votes: +0
What? My Condor Baracchi, with Wave fork & Chorus.

Why? After 36 years on steel, my first carbon frame is a revelation; sharp, light and comfortable. Its the only bike I've ridden that leaves my back feeling better after a 3 hour ride than it did at the start. Classy finish looks betterin my opinion than more expensive offerings from bigger brands. A delightful bike!

busy