Skip to main content

Topeak PanoComputer bike computer


SO GOOD
A single Bluetooth sensor detects both cadence and speed, making Topeak’s offering relatively painless to set up. It displays up to five metrics simultaneously, and it’s easy to toggle through the other data. An optional smartphone app adds GPS tracking, without shortening the computer’s superb battery life.

NO GOOD
It’s pricey for what’s essentially a non-GPS computer without a heart-rate monitor (75$ extra). GPS aside, Topeak’s app offers little advantage over Strava other than cadence data. The wheel magnet can get dislodged on rough ground, and the mount is slightly flimsy.

Price 127$ (with cadence sensor)

Popular posts from this blog

Gusset Magnum stem

SO GOOD Gusset’s 50mm stem is nicely CNC machined from 7075 alloy and the faceplate and internal steerer clamp are available in a range of five anodised colours to complement the black body. The hidden steerer clamp keeps sharp edges to a minimum and removes stress from the body of the stem. Out on the bike, the stem proved flex free and bombproof.

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

iXS Asper BC shorts

THEY AREN’T CHEAP, but these well made and feature packed shorts are the epitome of classic mountainbike-specific functionality, and on the bike they don’t disappoint.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.