10 Tips for Fast Cornering on a Bike

10 Tips for Fast Cornering on a Bike

By on May 1, 2008 in cycling, training

When I first began cycling, I felt nervous about cornering on descents and so felt of myself as a ‘bad descender’. However, over time, you imperceptibly pick up on how to corner, learning to understand how you can corner faster without risking falling off. 1. Practise on Hills You know well. On hills that you […]

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What To Think About During A Race?

By on April 30, 2008 in cycling, timetrials

In a race, we are faced with physical pain and a long time to ourselves. There is little to distract the mind apart from the race at hand. Our mental attitude to the race can have a big bearing on how we perform and whether we are able to reach our maximum potential. I am […]

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Shot At Whilst Cycling

By on April 28, 2008 in cycling

Whilst cycling, I have had crazy drivers do many things, but, being shot at with plastic bullets was a new experience. On Saturday afternoon I was finishing a 60 mile ride when I felt a stream of ‘bullets’ from a passing car. There were about 3 young men leaning firing plastic caps from toy guns […]

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What Size Chain Ring To Use?

By on April 28, 2008 in cycling

Now, that’s what I call a decent size chain ring.   In road races, riders will typically use a 53 outer chain ring. With an 11 sprocket this can enable speeds of up to 45-50mph, as long as  you can pedal at a very high cadence. For Time trialls, some riders prefer a much bigger […]

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Using Cycle Computers for Time Trials

By on April 26, 2008 in timetrials

Readers Question from Andy – Where do you stand on the use of the computer in a TT? I only show my HR and my speed, but I’m not sure how much use it is – might even have the effect of depressing me and taking my mind of my pedalling, breathing etc. I’d welcome […]

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The Aesthetics of Cycling

The Aesthetics of Cycling

By on April 24, 2008 in cycling

One of the greatest ever runners was Emil Zatopek; I admire his running achievements but, his running style was notoriously ‘undignified’; He was aesthetically unappealing to say the least. Cycling has a strong tradition of giving importance to aesthetics. A well polished bike has a certain aesthetic appeal which is hard to ignore. I know […]

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How To Find Maximum Heart Rate

By on April 23, 2008 in training

Maximum Heart rate is not an indicator of fitness. Maximum heart rate’s can vary by 10% between similar ability cyclists of the same age. A very rough guide to maximum heart rate’s is given by the formula 220-age. But, this is likely to be inaccurate by upto 15%. If you are serious about using heart […]

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Training Without any Racing.

By on April 21, 2008 in cycling

I am currently trying to improve my cycling fitness and speed without racing. At the weekends I am too busy to race, but, I do have a bit of time to train in the week. The problem is that it is harder to push yourself in training as much as it is in a race. […]

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Tips for Fitting Tight a Tyre

By on April 1, 2008 in equipment

Recently I bought some of the new Continental Grand Prix 4000 Tyres. They are pretty good and claim to have lower rolling resistance, improved puncture resistance and also have a gauge to recommend when you should replace them. However, they were a bit difficult to fit and I have a blister on my thumb to […]

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Chris Hoy Video

By on April 1, 2008 in cyclists, video

There are not many athletes who can say they have won 10 Gold medals (at World Championships or the Olympics) in the last nine years. With 3 Gold medals at the 2008 World Championships Chris has cemented himself as one of Britain’s leading contenders for Gold in the forthcoming Beijing Olympics. Short Biography and Profile […]

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I Say, That’s Not Very British

By on March 31, 2008 in cycling

What happened to the plucky, but gallant loser, that British sport was so well known for? There was a time when Britain hardly ever won any medals at World Championships. This year’s World track Cycling Championship in Manchester was one of the most dominant performances by any country.   World Cycling Track Championship 2008 Medal […]

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