Bikes, e-bikes, helmets and cycle kit, reviewed from independent tests and rider forums.
Two German tests and a Spanish e-bike trial rate Thule's folding towbar rack highly. We add the nose-weight sum, the UK plate and lighting rules, and prices from £739.99 to £849.99.
The 6-speed C Line Explore is discontinued. road.cc’s test of the Explore, CycleChat owners on 4-speed gearing and the few buyer ratings so far, plus weight, handlebars, warranty and UK prices from £1,399.
Garmin’s Edge 550 replaced the Edge 540. BikeRadar’s 3.5/5 test, the5krunner’s battery warning and 779 retailer ratings, plus what is in the box, which features need sensors, and why the cheaper 540 still makes sense.
OutdoorGearLab’s bolt cutters and saws failed on the shackle but a grinder took 18 seconds; a specialist calls it a bike rack lock; UK buyers are few but happy. Plus Sold Secure Gold, insurer rules and Kryptonite’s £1,500 offer.
road.cc scored it 7/10 and BikeRadar 4.5/5, and both timed about 90 minutes on full 800 lumens. Testers agree it is well built with a wide beam and an easy bracket; buyer ratings are few. Plus four weights, a USB dispute and UK light law.
road.cc scored it 9/10, UK riders on Singletrack World like it for commuting, and 384 owners average 4.8/5. All agree it is comfortable and great value — and heavy. Plus what the 2025 Virginia Tech rescale means for its five stars.
Halfords has rebuilt its best-selling electric mountain bike around a Bafang hub motor, a 378Wh battery and a 120mm fork. Two editorial tests, a ten-page owners’ thread and the UK legal limits — plus the range claim nobody has reproduced.
