Riding in Malaga

Images from New Generation

Day 0 - Arrival and a Sunset Spin

Travelling always starts early, but the prize of a warm ride, makes it worth it. Touching down in Malaga to 20°C temperatures felt like an immediate upgrade from the UK’s November chill.

This trip gave me the chance to test two products I hadn’t ridden before: our HUNT 30 Carbon Disc wheels and the Mason Aspect Integrale. After assembling bikes and checking in, we rolled out, joining the coastal cycle path and cruised past the port. A quick ice-cream stop (mandatory!) and a golden hour ride back through the old town capped off the day.

Note to self: bring a European plug next time. Thanks to the hotel for saving me.

Day 1 - Climbing & Fine-Tuning

Our first full group ride and a route that looked manageable at 90km, until you notice the 1,800m of climbing.

Once inland, Malaga’s roads are smooth, quiet and rolling, with merciful flat spots between climbs. This was my first real test of the HUNT Carbon Disc 30 Wheelset and they impressed immediately; stable in the wind, confident on descents and light on rolling terrain.

One of the best parts of riding with a group is the conversations, understanding how riders actually use their bikes, what they like, what frustrates them and what they expect from their wheels. Several riders will be testing the Carbon Disc and the Aerodynamicists this week, helping riders transform already good bikes with carefully chosen wheel upgrades is exactly what we’re here for.

Note to self: my Spanish definitely needs work, ordering a cheese toasty shouldn’t result in a plate of cheese and walnuts.

Day 2 - Warm Weather & Big Climbs

Today delivered 2,119m of climbing in proper heat. The ride up to Comares (700 m) made for an excellent lunch stop, but only after tackling an early set of steep north south ridge lines.

With gradients mostly between 7 and 11% (with the odd 15% thrown in) and smooth road surfaces, it was the perfect terrain for 32 mm Vittoria Corsa tyres. The ridge line sections rewarded the effort and the descent back into Malaga was my favourite of the trip.

Note to self: good nutrition and hydration planning matters, thanks to Duncan for the reminders.

Day 3 - Coastal Road & Test Riding

Our “active rest day” was a 105km out and back along the coast to Nerja. Today marked the first customer test, ridden by Iris, who usually rides the flat, windy roads of Cambridgeshire.

With Iris on the 30s, I switched to the 44_46 Aerodynamicist Carbon wheels for the first time. The coastal headwind made it the perfect terrain and they delivered: fast, stable and incredibly efficient riding when rotating through the group.

Lunch and coffee stops offered more valuable conversations with riders, hearing real experiences and perspectives helps us refine our thinking, stay innovative and remain deeply connected to riders’ needs.

Day 4 - Into the Mountains on the Aerodynamicists

Despite calling yesterday a ‘rest day’ my legs disagreed. Today’s route climbed towards Villanueva de la Concepción, with an extra out-and-back to El Torcal, adding another 1,200 ft of climbing.

With gradients hitting 20% in places, it was a challenging day, but the 44_46 Aerodynamicists handled the mix of steep climbs, ridge-line cruising, and fast descents beautifully. Fresh tarmac and big views made it memorable.

Tomorrow I’ll switch back to the Carbon 30s as Tamsin takes the Aerodynamicists for her own comparison.

Day 5 - A Big Climb & Big Clouds

Today was all about the Monte de Malaga climb, 17km straight out of the city. Rain threatened, so reaching the top dry felt like a win.

We decided to descend cautiously to 1,000m, grabbed a coffee and reassess. The group voted unanimously: get down to sea level before the rain, find lunch, and enjoy the rest of the day together. Only 50 km ridden, but with a big climb and great conversation with riders and HUNT customers, it was time well spent.

An early finish meant a visit to Eat Sleep Cycle, Malaga’s well known local bike shop.

Day 6 - More Rain & Goodbyes

Heavy overnight rain sealed our fate: with 450km already in the legs, we packed the bikes, grabbed coffee and held a debrief.

Hearing feedback from the group, both on the riding and on our wheelsets, is so valuable. Riders are eager to learn and invest where they see real benefit and it’s clear that matching the right wheel to the right rider is what makes the biggest difference.

Tom, Duncan and the New Generation team were incredibly welcoming, thank you for such a great week!

Tomorrow is a travel day, so this is where the riding ends, but it’s been a productive, energising and enjoyable week.

Note to self: you can’t control the weather. Be grateful for the roads you did ride and leave something to look forward to next time.