Varun Jyothykumar

Varun Jyothykumar

Contributor

Varun writes freelance for Cyclingnews and, in his free time, teaches Design and Technology in a secondary school, runs, hillwalks and more often than not can be found riding his bikes. He’s a self-described tinkerer who started off riding rickety steel town bikes growing up in India, then rebuilt a vintage Raleigh at university and has been tinkering, making, and riding ever since. He’s tried most things once (even road bikes and ultra racing) but these days, is much more at home on his steel Stayer UG gravel bike, his singlespeed MTB, and vintage Raleigh Record Ace fixie. He doesn’t own a car (and says he probably never will…) so is forever talking about durability, practicality, riding in all seasons, exposed gear cables. Oh, and full mudguards are a must. 

Latest articles by Varun Jyothykumar

Sportful Fiandre bib shorts review: Understated performance, but a fit that's a little too snug

By Varun Jyothykumar published

review Unfussy performance at a reasonable price, but undersized and would benefit from cargo pockets, given their endurance focus

review
Endura GV500 bib shorts

Endura GV500 Reiver cargo bib shorts review: Solid performer but not without a few annoying quirks

By Varun Jyothykumar published

Review While the Endura GV500 Reiver cargo bibs offer a lot for adventure riding, the sizing is a little off and the rear pockets not all that useful.

Review
Castelli Unlimited cargo bib shorts

Castelli Unlimited cargo bib shorts review: A great all-rounder for road and gravel duties

By Varun Jyothykumar published

Review Secure pockets, an excellent chamois, and decent grippers make the latest Castelli Unlimited cargo bibs a great choice.

Review
A pair of silver gravel bike pedals on a stone surface

Shimano M520 pedal review: Solid, dependable, and brilliant value

By Varun Jyothykumar published

review While the M520 lacks the flash of premium options it does basically the same thing for a small weight penalty in a package that'll take years of abuse.

review
A pair of black gravel bike pedals on tarmac

Crankbrothers Candy 7 pedal review: A more free pedalling feel, but with reduced durability

By Varun Jyothykumar published

review If you find SPD systems too rigid then the Crankbrothers Candy pedals may well be for you, but you'll have to look after them.

review
Shimano XTR pedals

Shimano XTR M9100 Race pedals review: High performance, durable, and decent value all in one

By Varun Jyothykumar published

review Without fuss the Shimano XTR M9100 is still the gold standard for race-oriented gravel bike pedals.

review