As a cycling enthusiast, I always keep an eye out for the latest and greatest technology innovations in the world of biking. That’s why I was thrilled to come across the latest episode of the “Tech of the Month” show on YouTube, which highlighted some truly innovative and exciting developments.

First up, let’s talk about the Ribble Ultra SL. This spaceship-like Aero race rig is making all sorts of fancy claims about drag reduction, and I couldn’t wait to learn more. The bike boasts an integrated handlebar design with wake-generating bulges on the tops, which are claimed to manipulate airflow over the rider and reduce aerodynamic drag compared to a standard Aero handlebar. The frame has deep truncated aerofoil tubes and a narrow head tube, along with dropped seat stays. And the lower section of the down tube flares out dramatically to manage airflow around a water bottle, assuming that the vast majority of riders will typically carry at least one water bottle when riding (I know I always do).

What really stood out to me about the Ribble Ultra SL, however, were the claims of significant savings. According to the manufacturer, a rider can save 11.6 watts at 22 miles an hour across the average of 5 and 10 degrees of yaw, which translates to making you 75.1 seconds quicker over 40 kilometers. Of course, I had to wonder whether this would be worth the investment for most riders. After all, the bike doesn’t come cheap. But for those who are serious about speed and aerodynamics, it’s definitely worth considering.

Next up, let’s talk about Poc’s new Propel Aero sunglasses. Now, I have to admit, I’ve never really thought about the aerodynamics of my sunglasses before. But apparently, Poc has, and they claim that their new Propel Aero sunglasses are the most aerodynamic cycling sunglasses they’ve ever produced. According to the Swedish brand, the sunglasses were developed using CFD modeling (which is essentially a virtual wind tunnel), and work by using a wraparound lens and side fairings to divert the airflow more smoothly around the rider’s ears and shoulders.

The gains from wearing these sunglasses are claimed to be in the low single figures at 40 kilometers per hour, although the exact gains would depend on the rider and their position on the bike. What’s interesting, however, is that Poc has only compared these sunglasses to other models in its own range, and not to any sunglasses from competitor brands. Additionally, the Aero claims are based solely on data collected from Poc’s CFD modeling, and have not been confirmed using any other form of aerodynamic testing, such as a wind tunnel or track testing.

Despite these caveats, I have to say I’m intrigued by the Propel Aero sunglasses. They certainly look sleek and stylish, and I’d love to see how much of a difference they could make in terms of my speed and performance on the bike.

Moving on, let’s talk about something a little more tangible: The relatively affordable carbon wheel set from Hunt. These wheels are billed as a “no-compromise” option for serious riders who want high-performance wheels without breaking the bank. According to the manufacturer, the wheels are designed for aero efficiency, stiffness, and durability, with a rim depth of 50mm, an internal width of 19mm, and a weight of just 1,540g for the pair.

One thing that really stood out to me about these wheels is their tubeless compatibility. As someone who has been experimenting with tubeless tires on my road bike, I know firsthand the benefits of this technology. With tubeless tires, you can run lower pressures for better traction and comfort, without sacrificing speed or performance. And if you do happen to get a puncture, the sealant