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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Radical new 3D-printed Mythos Elix stem launches with £500 price tag
British manufacturer claims its high-tech component is the world's first commercially available 3D-printed stem
By Simon Smythe Published
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Can a classic steel race bike beat a modern superbike?
We fit power meter pedals to a Colnago C68 and a Colnago Master Olympic and ride them back to back to find out what 30 years of progress translates to in the real world. As it turns out? 14 seconds.
By Simon Smythe Last updated
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Friday tech roundup: Garmin's camera-equipped Varia, classic De Marchi jerseys, Smith's latest aero lid and some budget sunnies from California
Garmin packs the latest tech into its new tail light while De Marchi celebrates its glorious past - plus more selected tech highlights of the week
By Simon Smythe Published
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How to be a hors-categorie climber from your own home
Top tips to get you climbing with the best of them...
By Simon Smythe Published
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All-new Colnago TT1 time trial bike to debut at the the Giro d'Italia
UAE Emirates will use prototype versions of the radical new design at the ITT in Budapest
By Simon Smythe Published
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The best front lights for time trialling
Everything you need to consider when you're buying a front light for your TT bike including what type to choose, how to mount the various designs in the most aerodynamic way and how much they will cost - both in cash and in watts
By Simon Smythe Published
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Wahoo acquires RGT and offers it bundled with SYSTM as ‘Wahoo X’ for the same subscription price
Interactive virtual reality platform RGT joins SYSTM - formerly Sufferfest - in Wahoo's lineup of indoor training software
By Simon Smythe Published
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New Colnago C68: a next-generation classic
The latest in the legendary C-series is still handmade in Italy but features the latest tech, including 3D printing and blockchain
By Simon Smythe Published
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Are normal bikes the new normal at Paris-Roubaix?
Dylan van Baarle's almost-standard Pinarello Dogma F and more Paris-Roubaix tech highlights
By Simon Smythe Published
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Tom Boonen in world’s first sustainable 3D-printed glasses collaboration
Former world champion becomes poster boy for new eco-friendly eyewear made from castor beans
By Simon Smythe Published
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Giant and Stages launch new pro-level Dash 200 computer, already used in the WorldTour by BikeExchange-Jayco
New head unit aims to rival Garmin and Wahoo with sophisticated functionality and is available either Giant or Stages branded
By Simon Smythe Published
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Is better pedalling really the next big wellspring of untapped watts?
Eager to substantiate his souplesse, Simon Smythe gets his pedal stroke analysed by an expert
By Simon Smythe Published
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Swytch launches a new e-bike conversion kit with a ‘pocket sized’ battery
UK brand Swytch claims a world first for its new compact battery that turns any bike into an electric bike
By Simon Smythe Published
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Pearson and Lake launch new Velcro-based all-terrain pedal/cleat system
New Tearaway shoe and Born Unslippy pedal aimed at those who don't like click-clacking around in cleats
By Simon Smythe Published
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Giro Synthe MIPS II helmet review
The updated Synthe comes with a lower price than the original due to its use of a superseded type of MIPS, but as the 'UItegra' of Giro's range it is still a high-performance road helmet
By Simon Smythe Published
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Dan Bigham: extra watts that broke the British pursuit record prove the world Hour record is possible
New national pursuit champion's physiological gains mean he has the power needed to attack Campenaerts's Hour - and says he will reveal details shortly
By Simon Smythe Published
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New Shokz OpenRun Pro: ‘the most advanced bone-conduction sports headphones yet’
Upgraded flagship model features enhanced bass, extended battery life and more tactile controls
By Simon Smythe Published
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Ribble Weldtite unveil custom team edition Ultra SL R race bike
Stunning paintjob and exclusive component upgrades ready for 2022 racing season
By Simon Smythe Published
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New Garmin Instinct 2 Series includes solar model with 'unlimited battery life'
Updated outdoors GPS watch also gets two sizes, bright new colours and Garmin's wellness suite of features
By Simon Smythe Published
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Wahoo and EF Education sign multi-year hardware and software sponsorship deal
EF Education's men's and women's WorldTour teams to use entire Wahoo ecosystem from 2022
By Simon Smythe Published
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Road bike size guide to help find a frame that fits
We run through the details of road bike sizes and fit, how to get a bike that’s the right size and how to fine tune it to your needs
By Simon Smythe Published
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Tom Pidcock’s new Pinarello Crossista F unveiled for Sunday’s cyclocross World Championships
The bike the Brit will ride in his bid to add the elite men's rainbow jersey to his collection
By Simon Smythe Published
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Pearson HammerandTongs road bike review
A ride that perfectly blends pace and plushness
By Simon Smythe Published
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Rapha unveils 'Seeing Sound' kit and special Cannondale frameset created with Lachlan Morton
Limited edition range inspired by the music that keeps the Australian explorer pushing the pedals
By Simon Smythe Published