Leo Tanaka
Gear editor, PureTriathlon. Age-group triathlete. Former bike mechanic. Multi-distance racer.
11 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
SIDI Shot 3 2026 first look: a £444 statement of intent
SIDI's flagship Shot 3 lands for spring/summer 2026 at £443.90 with a new R1FC carbon sole, the NUUN 001C aero dials, and the Millennium Fit last. After a quiet stretch, the Italian brand looks serious again — but is it serious enough to take on Shimano and Specialized at the top of the price ladder?
Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 review — the budget trainer grows up
Wahoo's £499.99 KICKR CORE 2 is the most interesting indoor trainer of the 2026 season — same flywheel and accuracy as the original, but a built-in Wi-Fi module, Race Mode for ten-times-faster power broadcasting, the new KICKR Bridge for cleaner sensor connections, and redesigned legs that take five minutes off the setup. This first look unpacks who it is for, what the catches are, and how it stacks up against the Zwift Ride and Tacx Flux S at UK retail.
Endurance gel head-to-head 2026 — Torq vs SiS vs Veloforte
Three UK-made endurance gels dominate the British triathlete's nutrition shortlist in 2026 — Torq Energy, SiS Beta Fuel, and Veloforte Tempo. Different carb loads, different ratios, different price brackets. We compare them on the numbers that actually matter for race-day fuelling.
Bike computer head-to-head 2026 — Karoo vs Edge 1050 vs ROAM 3
Three bike computers now sit at the top of the UK triathlete's shortlist for 2026 — Hammerhead's Karoo, Garmin's Edge 1050, and the new Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3. We compare them on the numbers that matter — weight, battery, screen, navigation and price — and tell you which one suits which kind of rider.
Specialized S-Works Evade 4 (2026) review
Specialized’s S-Works Evade 4 is the 2026 refresh of its flagship aero road helmet: still shaped to cut the air, but reworked to run cooler and sit more comfortably on real heads. Here is what the spec sheet tells us, what we would look for in testing, and who should spend £279 on a lid that targets free speed without cooking your scalp.
Wahoo TRACKR RADAR (2026) review: specs, modes, verdict
Wahoo's TRACKR RADAR is a rear light plus radar unit designed to alert you to approaching vehicles while keeping you visible in mixed UK traffic. Headline numbers are 150m detection range, IPX7 water resistance, and up to 20 hours in low-flash mode. The 99g weight and £179.99 UK price mean it best suits riders who will genuinely use radar data, not just set and forget a tail light.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 (2026) first look review
Saucony’s Endorphin Elite 2 is a pure race-day shoe: very light, very tall, and built around a slotted carbon plate and the brand’s new IncrediRUN superfoam. Based on the published specs, it looks like a high-energy-return option for triathletes who want a snappy transition and a stable late-race platform, but the premium price and 8mm drop will not suit everyone.
Shimano RX600 gravel shoes (2026) review: SPD comfort, race stiffness
Shimano’s RX600 (SH-RX6) sits in the pragmatic middle of the gravel-shoe market: a carbon-reinforced nylon sole rated 8 on Shimano’s 12-point stiffness scale, BOA L6K dial plus a velcro strap, and TPU lugs you can actually walk on. This 2026 buyer-focused review unpacks the spec, the fit calls, and who should choose RX600 over pricier gravel options.
HUUB Aerious III wetsuit (2026) first look: faster, freer shoulders
HUUB’s Aerious III lands as a mid-range, race-ready wetsuit for athletes who want shoulder freedom without giving up body position control. Based on HUUB’s published specs and its M.A.D System testing claims, Aerious III looks like a meaningful refinement rather than a rebrand — but at £599.99 it must deliver real fit and durability to justify the price.
Cervelo P5 2026 first look: still the bike to beat?
The Cervelo P5 carries through to 2026 with its 2024 aero platform intact and refreshed Force AXS, Ultegra Di2, Dura-Ace Di2 and Red AXS builds. We unpack the spec, the cockpit, the storage and the price against the 2026 Specialized Shiv and the new Cadex Tri to answer the only question that matters: is it still the TT bike to beat for a long-course Brit in 2026?
Garmin Forerunner 970 review: the 2026 multisport pick
The Forerunner 970 launched in May 2025, but it is the autumn 2025 firmware drop and the HRM 600 pairing that finally make it the watch Garmin promised. For 2026 triathletes choosing a flagship multisport GPS, this is now the most complete option in the line, and the one we recommend most often over the Fenix 8 and the new Forerunner 570.