Entries Tagged 'top 10' ↓

1. Dérailleur gears.

We will never know how the interpid Tour de France pioneers climbed the col D’ Tormalet and L’Alpe d’Huez on single speed bikes (admittedly they could turn the wheel around for a second choice). Derailleur gears have made the life of modern cyclists so much easier and more enjoyable (especially if spend time cycling in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District)

2. Clipless Pedals.

Clipless pedals are safer, as the foot is instinctively removed when needed. Yet, no matter how hard you pull up on a pedal stroke you get great transmission. Just make sure the set up is right for the bike kinetics. Alternatively, get clipless pedals which allow room for manoeuvre.

3. STI Ergopower Levers.

Another invention which makes cycling effortless. Having the gears by the brakes means you can easily change gears without having to fumble around for your top tube. For a cycle tourist, this makes shifting gear easier. But, for a racing cyclist it save valuable energy.

4. Lycra

Don’t take this the wrong way. But, lycra is a great invention. Wool tops and shorts may look ‘retro’ and ‘cool’ but, when it rained they were no joke. Lycra is quick drying, comfortable, light and aerodynamic.

5. Tribars

There is a great thrill of cycling fast. When you can time trial at 30mph on the flat, you get a real buzz (well at least a sad time triallist like me does). At 30mph, I reckon tribars are adding an extra 1-2mph. They don’t change the position of the winners, but, they do make everyone go faster.

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1. Test Your Brakes.

Does applying pressure to your brakes effectively stop  both the front wheel and back wheel. If you have to squeeze very hard, tighten up the brake cables or if necessary replace.

2. Brake Blocks.

• Brake blogs should align with the rim and should never touch the tyre
• Make Sure there is sufficient brake block. If they are worn or getting close to being worn out replace them. There should be a gap of 1-2mm between the rim and brake blocks

3. Check Nothing is rubbing on Wheel.

Give both wheels a quick spin. Make sure they don’t rub on anything like mudguards brakes or even frame.

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Coffee a Love Hate Relationship

1. Doping.

Doping was so prevalent in the late 1990s that some professional riders say only 1-2% of riders were not taking drugs. The culture of drugs infiltrated the sport so much, that riders could justify it to themselves on the grounds that ‘everyone else was doing it’. Doping seriously affects both the physical and mental health of cyclists. There are numerous examples of professional cyclists dying early. Even more worryingly many top cyclists have struggled with mental health problems, quite likely as a result of prolonged drug use. Marco Pantani and the Spanish cylist Jimenez spring to mind.

2. The Doping denials

The only thing worse that dope taking is the painful spectacle of professional cyclists trying to deny their doping.  Who can forget, Rumsas, who claimed the 400 packets of EPO, steroids e.t.c. found in his car were for the use of his wife? Or who can remember a tearful Richard Virenque claim he had never taken any doping products in his life.

3. Innocent Cyclists getting tarred with the doping brush.

Despite the huge pressures to take doping products, there are and always have been cyclists who ride clean. Yet, unfortunately, they get tarred with the same brush. Cycling is so mired in doping scandals, that it is easy to assume ‘everyone is on dope’ But, I sincerely feel there are cyclists who sincerely try to ride clean: Chris Boardman, Graeme Obree are two who spring to mind. There are many others, but, with regard to cycling people take  a suspicious attitude. Even amateur cyclists have suspicions raised.

4. Dangerous Driving

In the UK, over 3,000 people die per year. It is the biggest cause of death amongst young adults. Yet, there are only piecemeal efforts to try and reduce dangerous driving. It is hard to prosecute bad driving. The law only gets involved, when someone has been killed, i.e. when it is too late.

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