Mike Stead

Scotland

Husband. Dad. Rider of bikes. Drinker of Real Ale. Breaker of Things. @RoadCC reviewer. 🌱-powered. Lapsed Kiwi🇳🇿-Newbie Scot🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿-Believer in Better

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Articles

Muc-Off AirMach Electric Mini Inflator

1 week ago | road.cc | Mike Stead

VERDICT: 10 Effective inflator but its lack of gauge and preset function means it struggles against the opposition Fast to charge with USB-C Quiet-ish in use Cool to hold No pressure gauge or preset modeSchrader valve pin is easy to lose At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective.
Topeak Fork Drybag 4L

3 weeks ago | road.cc | Mike Stead

The Topeak Fork Drybag 4L is light and very well made, with an air release valve for ease of compression and two Velcro straps to help with retention. For the price, it's an excellent bit of kit. Drybags are the go-to for most people needing to carry luggage off-road or on long adventurous trips. Unlike a pannier they will survive apocalyptic weather experiences up to and including complete immersion – hence the name.
Topeak Fork Drybag 4L

3 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Mike Stead

2 hours agoA world record-breaking swimmer has told BBC Panorama she was left "broken" by the harsh regime run by one of the UK's most successful swimming coaches. Rūta Meilutytė, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympics, said Jon Rudd's focus on weighing and swimmers' diets contributed to her struggle with an …
Lezyne Smart Vice Phone Mount

3 weeks ago | road.cc | Mike Stead

VERDICT: 10 Solid, easy-to use phone mount that quickly fits to any bike and phone Fits quickly to any bike Portrait or landscape orientation Holds phones very securely Rattles with no phone in place Lots of turns to wind in or out At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective.
Hiplok D1000 Anti-Angle Grinder Bike Lock

1 month ago | road.cc | Mike Stead

VERDICT: 10 Excellent lock, with many options for carrying on your bike and securing to your house or workplace Diamond rated Excellent mount and bag (optional extras) Partnerships with Klickfix and Ortlieb Many matching wall and floor anchor options Lifetime warranty Three keys Price Weight Can rattle in the bracket At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works.
Litelok X1 | road.cc

1 month ago | road.cc | Mike Stead

VERDICT: 10 Excellent lightweight and very well-priced grinder-proof lock Light Good value High level of security Resistant to angle grinders Reflective Carry pouch included Mount only suits traditional frames Reflective tape may come off At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective.
Muc-Off Hey Dipstick!

Feb 24, 2025 | road.cc | Mike Stead

VERDICT: 10 Made from premium materials, but unfortunately it's hard to read and relatively expensive Shiny finish can make it hard to read Cost At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict.
Lezyne Multi Chain Pliers

Feb 20, 2025 | road.cc | Mike Stead

VERDICT: 10 Good trail and roadside emergency tool, covering most major malfunctions likely to occur to a modern bike Loose fit of arm for use as a chain tool Chain plier arms aren't reversible No chain hook included Links can fall off the tool if it's dropped 8-speed quick links are too fat to store flush At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works.
Dynaplug Micro Racer tubeless bicycle tyre repair kit

Jan 9, 2025 | road.cc | Mike Stead |not Megaplugs

The Dynaplug Micro Racer is the lightest and smallest alloy tubeless repair tool in the company's range. The Micro bit refers to it being 10g lighter and two-thirds the length of the already-small-and-light Racer Pro tool. If you want Dynaplug functionality in a tiny, light package, look no further. > Buy now: Dynaplug Micro Racer for £37.99 from Team CyclesUS brand Dynaplug is pretty much the undisputed king of fast, effective tubeless repair.
Gaciron Raptor-3000 front bike light

Dec 4, 2024 | road.cc | Mike Stead

VERDICT: 10 Very bright light with excellent beam shapes and mount, but annoying mode selection Very bright Excellent beam shaping A low beam that works Adjustable mount position & GoPro adaptor included Can be used as a powerbank Bluetooth remote button Price Frustrating software modes No high-power USB-C charging Can only run and charge on lowest beam Charging level indication is lacking At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how...