Cycling Plus

Cycling Plus is the manual for the modern road cyclist. Whether you're cycling weekly, an occasional new rider or a Tour de France fan you’ll find everything you need. Each issue is packed with buying advice and tests of essential cycling gear - everything from bikes to bags! Cycling Plus is the place to find training advice, nutrition secrets and practical tips guaranteed to improve your bicycling. It's also full of inspirational rides, real-life cycling stories and entertaining riding-related features.

Ed’s letter • Issue 429 ● April 2025

The Big Picture

What’s on • The best media, entertainment and events from the cycling world

Go figure • The 2025 Giro d’Italia in numbers

Lost lanes • How Carlton Reid uncovered a national network of 1930s cycle lanes hiding in plain sight

Roubaix showers • At Paris-Roubaix, riders have a retro alternative to their team buses’ high-spec showers

PEDAL-O-METER • WHO’S SPINNING ALONG AT SPEED AND WHO’S CRASHING OUT THIS MONTH?

3T Strada Italia • £11,462 The brand’s original aero-all roader now has an Italian-made option

The kids are alright • There’s a quiet revolution afoot that’s helping school children reclaim the streets, says Laura

Oslo

The route

THE LONG ROAD AHEAD • We rack up the miles on three new-for-2025 endurance bikes

Need to know • Endurance bikes haven’t had the limelight recently, but here’s why we think they’re the type of bike many of us should be riding

Bike tech explained • Your quickfire guide to the jargon

Bikes on test • These three machines will keep you riding longer distances in comfort

Cube Attain C:62 SLT • £2,999 The best-priced Ultegra Di2-equipped bike on sale today

Cervélo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 •  £7,400 Welcome updates improve this speedy endurance bike

Ribble Allroad SL R Hero • £8,799 On-road, speed-orientated machine

Cube Attain C:62 SLX • The German bike takes the win for its ride quality and headline-grabbing value for money

SUMMIT IN THE WATER • CHASING THE TIME RECORDS UP EUROPEAN MOUNTAINS IS ON-TREND, AND TWO UK RIDERS ILLI GARDNER AND ED LAVERACK HAVE CAPTURED SOME OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS. HERE, THEY SHARE THEIR TIPS

FAUSTIAN PACT • The ominous Colle Fauniera looms large over the brutal Granfondo La Fausto Coppi

WEATHERING THE STORM • From heatwaves to torrential rain, the climate crisis has a direct impact on every aspect of pro cycling – be it athletes, events or even its future calendar. We find out how the sport is adapting to these unprecedented challenges

TRAIN LIKE A PRO WITH ROUVY

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE • Britain’s best-selling cycling magazine will come through your letterbox as if by magic every month if you become a subscriber. And it’s much cheaper than buying it in the shops. It’s a win-win!

Ridden & Rated The UK’s best tests for over 30 years

Hammerhead Karoo 3 • £449.99 The best GPS for SRAM AXS, but not Shimano Di2

Guava Spot Force AXS • £4,950 Spanish-born gravel bike hits the spot

Winter boots • We see which footwear keeps our toes toastiest

Genesis Croix De Fer 40 • £2,499.99 British steel bike built for big adventures

Winter gloves • £29.99-£110 Which are best at keeping your fingers toasty and dry?

ALL-SEASON TRAINING TYRES • What should you look for in a tyre that’s said to deal with all conditions, and which of the six we’ve tested here does it best?

SCOTCH MYTHS • Following the route of the first long-distance bike ride (allegedly), Rob Ainsley pedals from Dumfries to Glasgow to find the truth about Kirkpatrick Macmillan, ‘inventor of the bicycle’

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Training...