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Split Tyre

10 Tips for Avoiding Punctures

This Continental 4000- split and punctured on a ride- I had to put new inner tube and ride home like this! If I had been clever, I would have founded strong leaf to improvise some protection between tyre and inner tube. But, I only thought of that after I luckily got home. If I listed [...]

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time trial

How to Improve Aerodynamics Cycling

These are a few simple ways to increase the aerodynamics of your riding position. They are primarily intended for time trials, although, some may also be appropriate for road racing as well. Improving aerodynamics can make huge improvements to your times, as I found out after visiting wind tunnel. Oversocks – Oversocks are a lycra [...]

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Best Mini Pumps

A mini pump is an essential thing to carry on any ride. I have a sign by my front door – ‘Don’t forget pump’. So often I have started a cycle ride only to realise I forgot pump and rather than risk being stranded in the middle of Oxfordshire have returned to pick up a [...]

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Profile Sonic CSX Carbon Aero Bars

Profile Sonic CSX Carbon Aero Bars

Review of Profile Sonic CSX Carbon Aero Bars. Very lightweight, highly adjustable, sleak and looks great.

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How To Fit a Bike Helmet

The great debate about cycling helmets is not likely to disappear. But, when cycling around Oxford, I am often surprised to see a lot of people who wear a helmet, fail to wear it properly. If you do make the effort to wear a helmet you might as well wear it properly. Incorrect Fitting of [...]

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Best GPS Cycle Computers

A GPS can give a cyclist much more information about his ride and also suggest routes. For those long distance touring it can be much easier than carrying innumerable maps around. If you’ve ever tried reading a map, whilst cycling at same time, you will know benefit of a GPS. As well as providing directions, [...]

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How Often to Change the Chain on a bike?

I have several bikes and cycle about 10,000 miles a year. Knowing when to change the chain is sometimes a difficult question. A simple test  is to use your finger and try to lift the chain off the chainring. If the chain can be pushed quite a bit away from the chainring, this is a [...]

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Best Mudguards for Road Bike

Best Mudguards for Road Bike

I got my first mudguards when I joined a cycling club (Otley CC). I soon learnt that on winter training rides, mudguards were an absolute essential for club riding. 1 or 2 times riding at the back of the pack and you soon get the idea. The first mudguards I got were the traditional mudguard [...]

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Tips for Better Pedalling Technique

Tips for Better Pedalling Technique

Because pedalling is such an intrinsic part of cycling, it is important to optimise and perfect our pedalling action. Especially for beginners it is important to work on our pedal action. These are some tips to Improving Our Pedalling Action 1. Make Sure the Saddle height is correct. See: Correct saddle height and bike frame [...]

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Tips for Fitting a Tyre

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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