Simon Smythe
Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer.
In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends a bit more time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.
What's in the stable? There's a Colnago Master Olympic, a Hotta TT700, an ex-Castorama lo-pro that was ridden in the 1993 Tour de France, a Pinarello Montello, an Independent Fabrication Club Racer, a Mercian Classic fixed winter bike and a renovated Roberts with a modern Campag groupset.
And the vital statistics:
Age: 53 Height: 178cm
Weight: 69kg
Latest articles by Simon Smythe
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'The best I’ve come up with is a ‘how many fingers am I holding up’ pre-start check': What can be done about dangerously aggressive time trial positions?
Is time trialling on a collision course with the UCI or is the governing body turning a blind eye?
By Simon Smythe Published
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Where can I get a deal on an Assos jacket in the Cyber Monday sales?
Looking for a decent discount on a premium-priced jacket from the Swiss clothing brand? We've rounded up the best ones
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Best bike fenders / mudguards for fall and winter riding 2023
They're hardly bling, but a good set of bike fenders / mudguards will help you to ride through winter in comfort. We've rounded up the best
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Garmin Epix 2 smartwatch review - superb functionality, brilliant display, changed my life
All of the features of the top Fenix and Forerunner watches but with an enhanced AMOLED display - which makes it more expensive, but it's worth it
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel 2023
Our guide to the best bike bags and boxes to keep your ride protected when travelling the world
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Tech Question: Is MIPS the safest helmet impact technology available?
We lift the lid on the safety testing protocol
By Simon Smythe Published
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Tech Question: Should cyclists be using daytime running lights?
We shed some light on a trend that has made its way from Volvos to velos, is backed up by accident data and now has a pro cyclist-led campaign behind it
By Simon Smythe Published
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Are carbon rims really stronger than aluminium ones?
How is carbon-fibre, with its reputation for being lightweight but prone to catastrophic failure, now being ridden routinely by mountain bikers?
By Simon Smythe Published
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Wilier Adlar: a tough new gravel bike for the true adventurer
Broaden your bikepacking horizons and go anywhere with Wilier's hugely capable new Adlar
By Simon Smythe Published
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The Cube Trike Hybrid: it really could replace your car
Innovative new three-wheeled e-cargo bike is all you need for getting from A to B emission-free
By Simon Smythe Published
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Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 bike review - fast, fun and a fraction of the cost of flagship aero bikes
The SRAM Rival AXS-equipped Propel is an aero all-rounder with an exceptional price-to-performance ratio
By Simon Smythe Published
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Are you sitting comfortably? Best bike saddles 2023 ridden and reviewed
The best bike saddle can make the difference between a dream ride and a nightmare. We tell you what to look for in your quest to find the best bike saddle for you
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Bollé C-Shifter glasses review - quality and style to throw shade on the premium brands
Excellent optics, tough, lightweight frame and high-end look and feel without the high price
By Simon Smythe Published
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Best road bike tires for summer riding 2023
Here’s our pick of the best tires which balance speed, grip and puncture protection
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Trek Madone SLR 7 Gen 7 review - very fast and very expensive
The latest Madone may have a hole through the seat tube but we couldn't find any in its performance
By Simon Smythe Published
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Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 Di2 review - fast and keenly priced; a little chattery on rougher roads
The Aeroad packs a suite of neat features and is up there with the fastest aero bikes
By Simon Smythe Published
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Classic Bike: Allin - British beauty possibly built by a legendary frame fettler
By Simon Smythe Published
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Garmin Forerunner 255 review - no-frills smartwatch with premium functionality
Most of the sports and health tracking of Garmin's top-of-the-range watches but at a much more affordable price
By Simon Smythe Published
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Raleigh has an e-bike for every type of riding - which one is right for you?
Whether you want to commute without breaking a sweat or need some extra power for your off-road adventures, Raleigh has it covered - we look at four of the latest e-bikes from the legendary brand
By Simon Smythe Published
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Garmin Edge Explore 2 computer review - user friendly, well priced with a focus on the journey
A welcome antidote to the super expensive computers that do too much and cost too much for most people
By Simon Smythe Published
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Classic Bike: Colnago Arabesque - a model reborn after a factory basement find
This Colnago Arabesque is a big bike – and it has a big place in Colnago’s history.
By Simon Smythe Published
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Specialized S-Works Torch shoes long-term review - extraordinary comfort and performance for a wider audience
Specialized went wide with the sole of its flagship road shoe with the aim of offering better comfort and uncompromised performance - and it works
By Simon Smythe Published
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Colnago V4Rs bike review - ultimate racing weapon that's not for the faint-legged
Pogačar's bike is designed specifically to win races - and you can tell
By Simon Smythe Published
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Best cycling water bottles 2023: how to find the perfect bidon for you
We've rounded up our pick of the best cycling water bottles to keep your fluid intake up, as well as guiding to find your ideal hydration station.
By Simon Smythe Last updated