Remco Evenepoel has only just become the world time trial champion for the fourth time in his career, and the Belgian is already setting his sights to a new objective that are the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. As unusual as this venue is through the lens of a cycling fan, the current double Oly...

Alexys Brunel has delivered an impressive performance away from the professional peloton, completing the Lille Marathon in 2 hours, 26 minutes and 50 seconds. The 28-year-old Frenchman, who remains under contract with TotalEnergies, finished 20th overall and was the fourth-fastest French runner in t...

Unit 1 makes a handful of commuter- and urban-oriented helmets for adults and kids, and the Aura is the brands flagship model. All of Unit 1s helmets include techy features, but the Aura goes all-in on integrated technology and safety features to create the ultimate smart helmet for the modern commuter. This includes adaptive lights, crash detection, and more, built into a feature-packed and reasonably stylish commuter helmet with a 5-star safety rating in Virginia Techs impact testing.Ive typically shied away from commuter- or urban-specific helmets in the past because they all tend to look pretty goofy, and Ive got no shortage of quality road and mountain bike helmets to wear. But now that I live in a city and often use my electric bikes to get around town and run errands, Ill take all the safety features and enhanced visibility I can get. So, when Unit 1 offered to send me its latest smart helmet, I gladly accepted. Ive been testing the Aura for the past couple of months; heres what you need to know.Unit 1 AuraCheck Price at Unit 1SpecificationsMSRP: $260Weight (size L): 578 g w/o brim, 605 g w/ brimRotational Impact Protection System: Mips Evolve CoreVisor: Magnetic, removable brimNumber of vents: 10Available sizes: S, M, LVirginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating: 5-starProsComfortable fitPacked with safety features lights crash detection5-star Virginia Tech ratingE-bike certifiedDecent ventilationConsFairly expensiveHeavier weightSomewhat bulkyJeremy BensonUnit 1 Aura DetailsThe Aura is a half-shell-style helmet with a traditional in-mold construction with EPS foam molded into a polycarbonate outer shell. It has 10 fixed vents: 4 on the top, 1 on each side, and 4 in the rear. Inside, it features a Mips Evolve Core liner for rotational impact protection, along with polyester comfort padding. It comes with thin (7mm) and thick (12mm) sets of pads to customize the fit.The Aura comes in 3 shell sizes: S (51-55 cm), M (55-59 cm), and L (59-62 cm). It has an adjustment cradle at the back of the head to dial in the fit within those size ranges. The straps feature an adjustable yoke to optimize their position by the ears, and a Fidlock buckle for easy one-handed operation.The Aura also comes with an easily removable magnetic brim and is compatible with optional magnetic visors large goggle-like lenses. These visors/lenses come in clear or tinted ($39.90) and adaptive/photochromic ($129.90). The brim and visor/lens can be used together or separately.The Aura helmet comes in five colors: Blackbird, Stingray, Chalk, Orca, and Maverick. At present, the helmet comes with a handlebar remote that controls the lights, turn signals, etc. It is also sold in packages that include a visor, smart lights, or the Blaze Backpack. Unit 1 also sells accessories like a bug net and a winter liner.Safety CertificationsLike any commercially available helmet, the Unit 1 Aura meets or exceeds the requirements to earn its CPSC (U.S.) and EN1078 (Europe and UK) certifications. The Aura also carries the Dutch NTA-8776 e-bike certification, meaning it has been tested to withstand impacts at higher rates of speed associated with electric bicycles.The Unit 1 Aura was also tested by Virginia Techs independent helmet test lab, earning a coveted 5-star safety rating. In fact, its currently the #3 rated helmet in the urban category, and #26 overall of the 311 models tested. A good Virginia Tech rating is not more important than a helmets certifications, but these days, it is arguably a bigger deal to consumers.Actual WeightUnit 1 lists the Aura helmets weight at 440 grams in size medium. On my scale, the Unit 1 Aura weighed in at 605 grams in size large with the included magnetic visor, and 578 grams with the visor removed. Thats well above the brands claimed weight of the helmet, even when you consider its the larger size. That said, it makes sense when you consider there is an integrated battery, front and rear lights, a 3-axis accelerometer, ambient light sensor, power button, and charging port on the helmet.How Smart is It?For a helmet, the Unit 1 Aura is about as smart as they come. All of its smart features are designed to improve rider safety, primarily through enhanced visibility. To that end, the Aura is equipped with integrated LED light strips at the front and rear of the helmet that provide 360-degree visibility. While they are fairly obvious, theyre well integrated into the helmets design, so they dont detract much from its aesthetics.The front light is white, the rear is red, and both can put out up to 350 lumens. There are three light settings: standard, max visibility, and eco modes. The light modes and brightness levels are customizable through the Unit 1 app. Pairing the helmet with the included Bluetooth remote enables you to control turn signals from the handlebar. Thats right, turn signals on your head. Additionally, sensors in the remote enable the rear light to function as a brake light. The remote and helmet lights can also be paired with the Unit 1s Smart Lights (sold separately or in packages with the helmet).A 3-axis accelerometer is part of the Auras crash detection system. When set up and enabled through the app, it works like any other crash detection system. If it senses a significant enough impact, the app sends your emergency contact a crash alert message with your location. To avoid unnecessary alerts, the app gives you a countdown to cancel it before it is sent.The Aura helmet is rated IPX5 for weather resistance, meaning it is protected against water jets from any direction. It also has a weather mode, where it switches the lights to an intense strobing setting when rain is detected for enhanced visibility. Additionally, it has a daylight mode that defaults the lights to a small dot in the rear to save battery when its bright outside.The helmets smart functions are powered by an integrated 1350mAh battery that provides between 3 hours (solid mode at 100%) and 30 hours (beacon mode at 50%) of run time for the lights. The battery is charged via USB-C with a port on the back of the helmet below the rear light bar and power button.Unit 1 Aura ReviewSetupOutside of adjustable straps or fit systems, I dont think Ive ever written about setting up a bike helmet before use. You can wear it straight out of the box and use it in its stock light settings, but with all of the tech integrated into this helmet, its worth taking a little time and dialing everything in.I checked out the Get Started guide, which prompted me to pair the turn signal remote with the helmet before downloading and diving into the Unit 1 app. Once that was done, I scanned the QR code, downloaded the app, created an account, and connected it with my Aura helmet. Once connected, I checked out all of the different light mode settings, turn signal settings, daylight and rain sensors, and crash alert feature.I found the app to be intuitive and easy to use, and I was actually a little surprised to see just how customizable all the light settings are. For each of the three modes, you can choose the light setting (solid, strobe, flash, beacon, etc.) and the brightness for the front and rear lights independently. So, you could have it solid in the front, flashing in the rear, vice versa, or any combination you choose. While choosing, the app shows a graphic demonstration of the light mode and estimates battery run time based on your choices.Should you choose to use them, the turn signals and the brake light are also set up and customized through the app. You can choose between three blinker styles and their duration. A sensor in the remote triggers the brake light; there are two brake light styles and the sensitivity to braking is also adjustable. Of course, you also need to attach the remote to your handlebar.ScreenshotCrash alert is one of the other main safety features of the Aura. In the app, you can enable/disable crash detection, add your emergency contact, and preview the crash alert message. You can also edit the countdown time, with 15-second, 1-minute, or 4-minute options to cancel the alert message. I tested this at home, and it worked as advertised, sending an alert message with my location to my wife, who was working in the other room.That sounds like a lot, but its a well-designed app that I found easy to navigate, making it a fairly straightforward setup process. But lets not forget the non-app-related setup. The magnetic brim sticks right onto the helmet in seconds and is easy to remove but also very secure. Unit 1 also sent me the photochromic/adaptive visor lens, which also sticks to the helmet with its five powerful little magnets.Fit and ComfortThe Aura comes in three relatively standard shell sizes, so picking the right one is similar to any other cycling helmet. For me, that means my 59 cm measurement is right on the cusp of the medium and large sizes. I went with the large (59-62), and it fits me well even though Im at the lowest end of its fit range. Based on the size of the large, I think I probably couldve squeezed into the medium without issue, too. Unit 1s size chart includes measurements for both oval and round head shapes.The shell has a relatively deep fit on my head, and it provides a similar level of coverage to most of my half-shell mountain bike helmets. Ive got plenty of extra space inside the shell, which is easily taken up by the fit adjustment system. The dial is easy to turn when tightening and loosening, and Ive had no problem getting the Aura snug and secure on my head. The straps lay flat and dont conflict with my ears, and the Fidlock buckle is convenient. That said, the chin strap seems excessively long like really, really long.At 605 grams, the Aura is definitely on the heavier side, especially when compared to lightweight road/gravel or mountain bike helmets. That weight definitely makes it a bit more noticeable on my head than my usual mountain bike helmets, which typically weigh around 400-450 grams. Still, the weight doesnt bother me, and it doesnt feel cumbersome on my head. That said, with the integrated battery and lights, the Aura is a touch bulky-looking, especially in the back.On the RoadOnce you have all your settings and your fit dialed, using the Aura helmet is simple. Just press the power button to turn it on, then choose between your three lighting modes. When youre finished riding, press the power button to turn it off. Sure, you also need to remember to charge the helmet and the turn signal remote (both USB-C) occasionally, but thats easy to remember in our increasingly tech-heavy world.The integrated lights are quite bright, and they work very well to make you visible both day and night. The max output of 350 lumens is eye-catching, and that goes double for the flashing light modes that grab the attention of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, or anyone else in sight. The Auras lights make you hard to miss on their own, and even more so with the lights you probably have on your bike, too. While very bright, the front light doesnt have a beam, per se, so it isnt really adequate for seeing your way in the dark.Otherwise, its a helmet, and Ive found it to be comfortable and stable on my head. When adjusted properly, it doesnt shift around, and the Mips liner hasnt made any noise. Im a fan of the magnetic brim for a little extra sun protection, and I think the helmet looks better with it on, too. I imagine the goggle-like visor/lens could be useful for cold morning commutes, but it is definitely not my style (see below). Ive got plenty of great lifestyle and cycling sunglasses that I prefer to wear.VentilationWith its layout of ten fixed vents, the Unit 1 Aura provides a respectable level of ventilation, especially when compared to many other commuter-style helmets. Many commuter helmets have very few or very small vents sometimes both and the Auras ten vents offer a step up in airflow in comparison. To be clear, its ventilation is not competitive with the best road or MTB helmets, but I think its pretty good for what it is.My TakeawayThe Unit 1 Aura is undoubtedly the smartest bike helmet Ive ever worn. Its packed with functional features like integrated, bright, customizable lights and turn signals to help you be seen on the road, whether youre a dedicated bike commuter or recreational rider. The addition of crash detection and alerts adds another layer of safety, and the Unit 1 app makes it all easy to customize and use.But lights on your head are one pirce of the safety puzzle, which is why its good to know the Aura is NTA-8776 e-bike certified and has a 5-star Virginia Tech rating. In theory, its currently one of the safest/most protective commuter/urban helmets on the market. Yes, its a little heavier and bulkier than some other options, but thats a tradeoff Im willing to make to be seen and well protected on the road.At $260, its a little spendy, but that buys you the peace of mind of an e-bike-rated helmet with a great impact test rating, plus integrated lights and crash detection. With many top-tier mountain bike helmets exceeding that price these days, Im actually surprised this tech-forward helmet doesnt cost more.You can check out the Aura and Unit 1s other smart helmets on the brands website.unit1gear.com

Selwyns The Trail Bike is a new 140mm MTB with a coil shock, designed for a 160mm fork. This puts it in a strange category; it has less travel than an enduro bike and a focus on ride performance rather than low weight.The Trail Bike's geometry looks bang-on and the craftsmanship is evident in every line of the steel tubing.Selwyn Bicycles is run by one man, who builds the frames in a shed in the French Alps. Each bike is handmade and unique, with features such as brazed-on 3D-printed lugs. So, if youre looking for a robust trail bike that will stand out from the carbon crowd, The Trail Bike could be for you.There's a catch If you want a bike from Selwyn, you'll need to collect it from the company's Alpine workshop. Selwyn bikes There is a catch, though. Alex Plaisted, who owns the brand, is adamant Selwyn Bicycles does not offer delivery. Each bike sold must be collected in person from the workshop in Samons, where the owner will accompany you on the first ride.Plaisteds philosophy is his bikes should be suitable for the kind of riding the Alps is known for. When we started the design process, the intention was to make a true mountain bike for the mountains; not just for lift laps in the summer, he says.So, if you want one, youre going to have to buy a plane ticket as well as a bike, and get ready for some Alpine riding.Form follows function The Trail Bike is steel except for the rocker link, which is CNC machined from aluminium. Selwyn bikes The frame is built from Reynolds 853, 631 and 931 steel tubing. The dropouts, chainstay yoke and seatstay pivots are 3D printed from stainless steel. The rocker and hardware are designed in-house and machined in Asia from 7075 aluminium.The rear suspension uses a tried and tested four-bar design with steel seatstays and chainstays, and an aluminium rocker link actuating the FAST Fenix coil shock. Keeping the travel to 140mm means that the bike stays precise and agile, says Plaisted.The straight head tube is non-negotiable according to Plaisted, and The Trail Bike is 29er only with no mixed wheel-size option.The bike is designed to be rugged and straightforward with no frippery or concessions to fashion.Its made with 148x12mm Boost axle spacing, a 73mm BB shell and a Universal Derailleur Hanger.Frame geometry The default colours are Blue Pearl and British Racing Green, but other finishes are available. Selwyn bikes There are four sizes, ranging from 425mm reach for the S up to 505mm for the XL. There is also an attempt to provide proportional geometry, with 440mm chainstays on the S and M, and 445mm on the L and XL.The bottom bracket (BB) height is a low 335mm and is paired with a relaxed 64.5-degree head angle. The seat angle is an aggressive 69.5 degrees for traction when climbing seated.Builds House Special builds include a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and Hope components, but custom builds are available. Selwyn bikes The Trail Bike is available as a frame only for 4,650 (shock included), as a 'House Special' build for 8,850 or as a custom build starting at 9,000.Each frame is fitted with a 1,045 coil-sprung FAST Fenix 2.0 shock tuned for each rider's weight.Our House Special full build has big brakes and solid parts because the Alps is hard on bikes and I dont like replacing parts, says Plaisted. However, customers can choose any component they like to adapt the bike to their preferred type of riding with one of Selwyns custom builds.House Special builds come with a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork, Hope wheels, brakes and cockpit, and SRAM Eagle 90 mechanical Transmission. The Hope components can be supplied in your chosen colour of anodising.The frame is painted in Metallic British Racing Green with yellow logos, or in Pearl Blue with silver logos. Custom colours are available on request.

This past week saw the presentation of the 2027 Tour de France in Paris. The time trial-heavy course raised questions on who would be benefitted from it. On the CyclingUpToDate Podcast, Rben Silva and Gavin Quinn have answered the question that's been asked the most: Is it an 'anti-Pogacar' Tour ro...

From my position in the very front row of the theatre, I got the full 4DX experience during the performance of Cadel: Lungs on Legs I saw at the weekend. Watching actor Connor Delves conjure himself into the character of Cadel Evans and recreate the Australians long and bumpy ride to victory in the 2011 Tour de France is a very visceral adventure. I didnt move out of my seat, but by the end of the hour-long one-man show, I was absolutely knackered. And slightly splattered in water squirted from Delves bidons, via his face. I can only imagine how the actor felt. And smelt. Actually, I dont have to imagine that second part, because like a proper cycling groupie I waited with other theatre goers to meet Delves and see the bikes afterwards and, to be fair, considering hed just done over 27km on rollers, under stage lights, and was sporting a real race-worn Tour de France yellow jersey that is steeped in 15-year-old sweat and cant be washed, he wasnt too smelly. It must be all the clean living. Because, when I interviewed him for Cycling Weekly magazine (see this weeks edition, out on Thursday), Delves told me he had to give up drinking, follow a healthy diet and adhere to a very strict exercise regime to get in shape for the show, which he also wrote, and has been touring around the world for last two years. The performance takes you right into Evanss life, from his childhood and time as a mountain biking prodigy, through his journey into road racing, via a stint at the Australian Institute of Sport, where he discovered he has massive lung capacity, much more than 99.9999% of the rest of us. (Hence his nickname, Lungs on Legs.) (Image credit: Kyle Dax Smith)Much of the show is set in the tense post-Armstrong era, just after Floyd Landis admitted to doping offences and a shadow was hanging heavy over the sport, but its an uplifting story of tenacity and talent overcoming adversity. In a few short scenes, Delves takes you through Evans time at Lotto, a period marked by frustration, injury, near-wins, crashes, devastating technicals and toxic team shenanigans, to his 2009 Road Racing World Championship victory and the tragic loss of his coach Aldo Sassi.The play follows Unlucky Evans to the point where he takes a risk and joins the newly formed BMC team in 2010, a year when the rookie squad rode the Tour de France on a wildcard invitation, and the Australian got to wear the yellow jersey for the first time.At BMC he was teamed with super-experienced domestique George Hincapie, a pairing that turned out to be a complete game changer. The show culminates by taking you through the key moments of the 2011 Tour, the photo finish with Alberto Contador on stage four in Mur-de-Bretagne, the battle to stay in contention with Andy and Frank Schleck on Alpe dHuez, and the incredible time trial on the penultimate stage, when Cadel finally sealed his win. (Image credit: Pat Kinsella)Its a lot. And Delves delivers the whole thing on his own (with the assistance of one excellent stagehand), reenacting various scenes while riding a series of bikes that Evans used during the race. And he properly rides them the sweat is not a stage stunt (the actor posts his Strava stats after each show). The live action is augmented by new and archive video footage playing in the background, complete with contemporaneous commentary from Phil Liggett, who collaborated in the making of show, as did Evans himself, and BMC. (The bikes and other gear from the 2011 Tour some of which is on display in the foyer has all been loaned to Delves by BMC and Evans.) Delves was 15 years old when Evans won the Tour, living in his parents bike shop in Perth, Western Australia. Cadel changed my life as a kid, he told me. He was this shining light for Australia.I too was living in Australia in 2011, and I spent three exhausting weeks in July of that year watching the Tour unfold in the middle of the night on SBS. As you can probably imagine, it was a fair-dinkum crikey big deal for everyone in the country at the time, so this whole play is a goosebump-inducing ride along memory lane for me. But even if you can barely remember Evans, if youre passionate about cycling and the Tour de France, watching this play is an extraordinarily absorbing way to spend an unforgettable hour. Just be aware that, if you sit on the front row, the absorbingness of the experience will likely be literal as well as metaphorical. Cadel: Lungs on Legs is playing at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, London, until 15 November. Read the Q&A with Delves in this week's Cycling Weekly.