Leo Tanaka
Gear editor, PureTriathlon. Age-group triathlete. Former bike mechanic. Multi-distance racer.
20 articles published
About Leo
Leo Tanaka is PureTriathlon's gear editor. A 38-year-old age-grouper from Manchester, Leo spent a decade behind the workbench of an independent bike shop before going full-time on writing. He brings a mechanic's eye to every review — shoes, bikes, watches, wetsuits, helmets, computers, the lot. Leo races Ironman 70.3 and full distance, builds his own wheels, and refuses to recommend kit he hasn't actually trained or raced on. Expect honest verdicts, real-world testing miles, and a UK perspective on global product launches.
Articles by Leo
Giant Rev Pro Mips review (2026): £189.99 helmet guide
Giant's 2026 Rev Pro Mips is listed at £189.99 and weighs 280g according to the manufacturer. Its Mips Air Node Pro system, adjustable fit and eyewear holder make a practical road helmet, but the published weight has no size basis and the aero claims have no measured result. This buyer's guide compares it with two UK-priced alternatives.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 review (2026): £220 and the new rim
The 2026 adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 is listed at £220 in the UK and replaces the previous generation's rods with a carbon-infused rim. Its 177g sample weight and 9% energy-return claim are manufacturer figures, not independent race results. This spec-led buyer's guide compares it with current HOKA and Saucony alternatives.
ENVE SES 6.7 PRO review (2026): £3,980 and the details to check
ENVE’s new SES 6.7 PRO pairs 59 mm and 65 mm rims with a £3,980 UK listing. The aero brief is clear, but tire and pressure details need checking before purchase.
Orca Apex Dream Kona V2 review (2026): £379 for long-course racing
The 2026-listed Orca Apex Dream Kona V2 is a £379 long-course trisuit with ambitious aero and cooling claims. Here is what the product information supports, where the value sits and what to check before race day.
Lake CX178 review (2026): a £150 road shoe with a roomier toe shape
Lake’s 2026 CX178 combines a nylon-composite sole, one BOA dial and a Sport Comfort Last with a straighter toe shape. It launched at £179.99 and is currently listed at £150 in the UK; this is a specification-led review, not a fit test.
New Balance Ellipse review (2026): a £130 neutral daily trainer
New Balance’s Ellipse is a soft, neutral daily trainer listed at £130. Its 2026 release, Fresh Foam X cushioning and 8mm drop make it a straightforward option for everyday mileage, but this is a specification-led review, not a run test.
Sweet Protection Tucker III 2Vi Mips review (2026): a £309 breakaway aero helmet
Sweet Protection’s Tucker III 2Vi Mips is a 2026 aero road helmet listed at £309. Its 320g M/L weight, ventilation channels and Mips Air Node system give it an ambitious brief, while its 10-watt drag claim applies to a specific wind-tunnel comparison at 45 km/h. This is a specification-led review, not a fit or aero test.
FORM Smart Swim 2 LT review (2026): live swim data for £129
FORM’s Smart Swim 2 LT puts pace, distance and stroke data in a swimmer’s field of view for £129. It is a compelling training aid if you want prompts without stopping, but it omits heart-rate tracking and open-water GPS requires a paired watch. This is a specification-led review, not a hands-on test.
Garmin Enduro 4 review (2026): the long-haul tri watch
Garmin’s Enduro 4 is a 51mm, 66g multisport watch built around solar-assisted battery life, onboard maps and full triathlon profiles. At £799.99 RRP, its headline 320-hour activity figure is compelling only if you understand the extended-battery mode and bright-sun assumptions behind it. This is a specification-led review, not a hands-on or independent GPS test.
Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 5 review: £2,500, 40mm tyres
Trek’s new 2026 Domane SL 5 Gen 5 costs £2,500 and pairs a 500 Series OCLV frame with mechanical Shimano 105, alloy wheels and clearance for 40mm tyres. The case is practical endurance rather than low weight: its stock 35mm tyres, relaxed fit and frame-bag mounts make more sense than treating it as a race bike. This is a spec-led review, not a ride test.
Magene C606 Pro review (2026): £209 mapping value, with caveats
The Magene C606 Pro brings a 2.8-inch transflective screen, up to 25 hours of battery life and offline navigation to a £209 UK computer, but the maps need preparation.
Stages SB200 review (2026): £2,199.99 for a smarter indoor setup
The new Stages SB200 combines a 2,500W ceiling, ±1% stated accuracy and four crank-length options, but the £2,199.99 UK price and pre-order wait make it a considered purchase.
HOKA Mach 7 review (2026): £140 daily speed
HOKA's 2026 Mach 7 pairs a 5mm drop and supercritical EVA with a lighter-feeling upper and more grip-focused outsole. At £140.00 RRP (about $145.00 in the US), it is a plausible daily trainer for triathletes who want one shoe for steady mileage and faster sessions, but the price leaves little room for a poor fit.
Zone3 Thermal Advance review (2026): £349 for cold water
The 2026 Zone3 Thermal Advance adds a plush fleece lining and thicker core panels to the Advance platform. At £349.00 RRP (about $466.00 on Zone3's US page), it is a mid-priced cold-water option, but the snugger thermal fit and race-rule thickness limit mean it must be tried and checked before you commit.
Factor ONE SP review (2026): £11,299 TT speed
Factor's 2026 ONE SP adds a purpose-built TT cockpit to its ONE aero road platform. The Force build is £11,299.00 RRP (about $11,599.00 in the US before tax). Its adjustability is the real selling point, but fit comes first. This specification-led review weighs the new bike against two UK-priced rivals; it is not a ride test.
Shimano S-PHYRE RC910 review (2026): £389.99 race shoe
Shimano's new S-PHYRE RC910 is built around the SPD-SLR road-pedal system, with a lower-stack interface, dual BOA Li2 dials and a wraparound upper. At £389.99 RRP (about $525.00 in the US), it is a premium, specification-led option, not a proven comfort or speed upgrade. Check the cleat-and-pedal compatibility before buying.
Orca Athlex Aero Race Suit V2 review (2026): £149 for sleeve-led speed
Orca's 2026 Athlex Aero Race Suit V2 is a short-sleeve, aero-focused trisuit at £149.00 RRP (about $239.00 in the US). Its spec sheet and brand guidance make a credible case for a versatile race suit, but there is no product-specific performance data or PureTriathlon wear test. Fit should decide the purchase.
Zipp 404 S review (2026): £985 of mid-depth speed, with a hookless catch
The new 2026 Zipp 404 S pairs a 50 mm carbon rim with a 23 mm internal width and a claimed 1,585 g wheelset weight. At £985.00 RRP (about $1,300 in the US), the value looks compelling on paper, but its hookless tubeless-only design demands a tyre-compatibility check. This is a specification-led review, not a ride test.
Garmin fēnix 9 Pro inReach review (2026): the £1,169.99 safety watch
Garmin’s 51 mm fēnix 9 Pro inReach pairs a bright AMOLED display and long advertised training runtimes with satellite and LTE safety features. At £1,169.99 RRP (about $1,349.99 in the US), it is a serious investment. This specification-led review explains who gets enough from the extras to justify it.
Lazer Blade KinetiCore review (2026): an £89.99 road-and-gravel lid
The 2026 Lazer Blade KinetiCore is a 250 g road-and-gravel helmet with an adjustable TurnSys fit, eyewear docking and integrated rotational-impact technology. At £89.99 RRP (about $119.99 in the US), it sits between a budget MIPS lid and pricier race helmets. This is a specification-led review, not a ride test.