Have the new super aero time trial helmets gone too far? GCN Tech Show

Our regular GCN Tech Show duo Alex Paton and Ollie Bridgewood are reunited this week, much to the disappointment of Jon Cannings fans, to discuss the latest news in the world of tech. And what a week it proved to be, filled with multiple tech releases and another trademark performance from Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche, all of which we cover in this week’s show.

In most weeks, Pogačar’s performance and his tech set-up for the race would be enough to steal our undivided attention, but it proved to be anything but an ordinary week. The peculiarities began when martians turned up to the startline of the Tirreno-Adriatico individual time trial, except on closer inspection, it turned out they were actually Visma-Lease a Bike riders in bizarre new Giro time trial helmets, much to the bemusement of much of the cycling world.

Things only got wilder when Bahrain Victorious also rocked up with similarly designed new Rudy helmets. Some would say that they’re crimes against cycling fashion and the UCI appears to have taken a dislike to them too, although for different reasons. Cycling’s governing body swiftly announced an ‘in-depth analysis’ of its regulations, suggesting the helmets could soon be outlawed, despite gaining UCI approval.

Whatever happens, it begs the question, has tech gone too far? There’s no doubting that the designs will have aero benefits, but for Alex these are outweighed by the aesthetics. Even for Ollie, a self-professed aero nerd who is willing to try virtually any aero tech, it’s a step too far.

But what do you think? Is this new aero helmet trend evidence that cycling tech has gone too far into the extremes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

• Read more: Visma-Lease a Bike and Jonas Vingegaard debut spectacular new time trial helmet

Hot and spicy tech

Hidden behind the aero helmet controversy, there were multiple exciting tech releases this week.

If it was any other rider, Pogačar’s victory at Strade Bianche would be considered seismic. For the Slovenian, it adds to his already long list of astounding performances.

Just as impressively, our presenters believe that he has mastered bike set-up, managing to balance a build that is knocking on the aero weight limit while packing in plenty of aero gains.

• Read more: Incredible Tadej Pogačar wins Strade Bianche after jaw-dropping 81km solo break

Look has released new power meter versions of its Keo and X-Track pedals. This would usually mean changing the overall shape of the pedals to accommodate the necessary technology, but the French company has managed to do it without altering the profile. This means that anyone swapping in the new versions won’t need to adjust their saddle position to account for the additional stack height.

• Read more: Look reveals KEO Blade and X-Track power meter pedals

Canyon’s gravel range of bikes has a new addition in the form of the Grizl:ON electric bike.

The Grizl has traditionally been Canyon’s more adventure-focussed model and the ON certainly lives up to that billing through its suspension fork and dropper post.

• Read more: Canyon electrifies the Grizl with the new Grizl:ON gravel e-bike

Orbea has also been busy in the realms of e-biking, releasing its Diem commuter electric bike. We won’t share too many details here as Si Richardson recently gave the bike a test ride - you can check that video out here.

There was more controversy this week following Thomas De Gendt’s crash at the UAE Tour. The Belgian appeared to hit the deck after his Vittoria tyre dismounted from its Zipp hookless rim, which kickstarted a spiralling debate. CPA president Adam Hansen has criticised the technology, while Vittoria, Zipp and Lotto Dstny have defended the tech. The UCI then waded in, announcing that it was launching an investigation into the technology.

• Read more: Zipp defends 'proven safe' hookless rims amid ongoing criticism of technology

Bike vault

With the news out of the way, it’s time to find out whose bikes have earnt a ‘super-nice’ vote, starting with this shiny Cannondale SuperSix Evo. Immaculately set-up in the correct gear, crank and valve position, it is well deserving of a ‘super-nice’ vote.

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This 2022 Cannondale SuperSix Evo is partnered with Hunt wheels and a SRAM Force groupset

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This Cannondale CAAD8 is from the good old days of rim brakes and 10-speed Shimano 105 groupsets

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The Colnago Master was first released in the 1980s and this version is presented immaculately

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This Trek Emonda bike build was completed mainly using a second-hand frame and components, and the result is seriously impressive

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