We’re speeding head-long into the business end of the Tour De France and we’re all glued to the drama on TV and our socials. As the riders, including the re-branded Lidl-Trek team, prepare for the ride to the Champs-Élysées, we look at the helmets, eyewear, tyres and bikes the pros wear and ride. Read on for our pick of the pro gear – all available from Big Bear Bikes.
Velocis is part of Bontrager’s aero helmet line-up and has recently undergone a major re-design to improve airflow and cooling. Velocis features the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which was developed by brain surgeons and scientists, and also carries five-star safety ratings from Virginia Tech’s third-party testing facility. The new Velocis packs in a host of improved quality of life features, including secure sunglasses storage and a flexible BOA 360-degree fit system with two lace height positions. A big bonus is Bontrager’s Crash Replacement Guarantee, which provides a free helmet replacement if you’re involved in a crash within the first year of ownership.
Price: From £159.99.
Outstanding grip and puncture protection are two of the key attributes that top level riders demand of their tyres. Pirelli’s range of road bike tyres are among the best on the market for these qualities, which is why they’re team Lidl-Trek’s chosen rubber. We stock the P Zero Velo range, which includes the Smart Evo Compound, Classic and Evo Compound, as well as the Cinturato Velo range, which includes the Classic and Armour Tech versions. Pirelli’s velo tyres offer tubeless-ready options and differing levels of robustness and grip to suit your needs.
Price from: £47.99.
Smith Optics is a global leading brand of sporting eyewear that many put on a par with Oakley and are worn in the Tour De France by Team AG2R Citroën. As well as the large coverage mountain bike-style products, Big Bear Bikes stocks Momentum and Flywheel, two models with more of a wraparound style that are perfect for roadies. With photochromatic lenses that adjust their darkness according to the conditions, they're great whether you're out in the open on a scorching day or pedalling among the trees of your local forest roads.
Price: From £129.99.
Emonda is a genuine racing all-rounder but is renowned as an awesome climber. Lightweight, nimble and built for responsiveness and outstanding performance on the ascents, this is the pro’s bike of choice when faced with a monster climb like Alpe d’Huez. The 800 series carbon frame on the top-of-the-range SLR models is super-light, at less than 700 grams. Émonda’s geometry puts the rider in an aerodynamic position and the frame features aero styling too, all helping to minimise drag. The Émonda is perfect for riders who want a race bike that’s great on hills and responsive in the turns.
Price: From £1,750 for the Émonda ALR 4 to £12,950 for the Émonda SLR 9 AXS, the model team Lidl-Trek are riding.
This is the bike that bore Mads Pedersen to his second career Tour De France stage win in Limoges earlier in Le Tour. The seventh generation Madone, which also helped Pedersen secure his first stage win in 2022, is the most aero model from Trek's core road bike line-up. Built for serious racers and riders who want the ultimate in speed and performance on the flat and more rolling routes, Madone is great for circuit and road racing or just heading out for a quick blast. Trek Madone puts you in an aero position so it cuts through the wind and allows you to carry far more speed, giving you those extra milliseconds over your rivals in the sprint to the line.
Price: From £7,600 for the Madone SLR 6 to £14,500 for Madone SLR 9 AXS, again the choice of the pros.
Trek Madone and Émonda, Smith Optics, Pirelli tyres and Bontrager Velocis are all available from Big Bear Bikes. Come and visit us in store to talk to our team and find out more.
