February 3rd, 2012 — bikes-
Turbo trainers and rollers allow you to train whatever the weather. They are also great for warming up for a race. A few quick advantages of turbo trainers
- Safe – protected from cars
- Allow you to do interval sessions uninterrupted by traffic lights e.t.c.
- Make it easier to measure performance (you can isolate more factors like wind)
What to Look for in a Turbo Trainer
- Matches your existing road bike set up and feel
- Relatively quiet
- Easy to assemble, carry to race and put bike in.
- Reliable
- Variable resistance settings so you can train for high cadence / low cadence.
Some of the Best Turbo Trainers
Lemond Revolution Turbo Trainer
- This is most innovative turbo trainer since it was invented. Rather than putting wheel on a roller, you simply remove your back wheel and put your chain onto a cassette which is hooked up to a turbo resistance and lock in rear dropouts. This enables you to replicate the feel of riding a road bike exactly. Continue reading →
January 15th, 2012 — bikes, lightweight-
- My Current saddle is a Bontrager saddle weighing 185 grams. For the hill climb season, I’m seeking to aim for the lightest possible road bike. A saddle is an easy way to save 100grams. Because hill climbs are quite short, comfort isn’t an issue. There is enough pain in the legs to worry about a rock hard saddle. These are some of the lightweight saddles I researched. I will be buying the AX lightness saddle.
Selle Italia CX Zero
- Selle Italia CX Zero I bought this a while back because it was advertised at 81grams. However, when I put on my electronic scales it came in at 111 grams (advertised weight 81 grams) – £325. I sent it back because I wanted to get something lighter.
Tune Speed Needle Alcantara
- Tune Speed Needle Alcantara (87grams claimed) Tune Speed Euro 199
Selle Italia SLR C64
(88grams claimed) at
Wiggle – though discontinued.
- It is one of few sub 100 gram saddles that doesn’t come with a rider weight limit. It has a thin layer of padding (weighing a mere 5 grams)
- It is quite long at 270mm from saddle tip to back, this gives a greater range of comfortable positions.
- It is fine for 1 hour criteriums and 1 hour time trials. For races longer than the hour, you either need a tolerance to pain or hard posterior!
AX Lightness Saddle
- AX Lightness – Sprint 69 grams (link)
The Phoenix saddle at 47 grams is lightest I can find
- Road use only
- Weight: From 47 grams depending on rider weight etc.
- Length: 260 mm
- Width: 125 mm
- Height: 61 mm
- Seat: 100% Carbon and Kevlar Pre-preg Rowings
- Rails: 100% Carbon composite
- Adjustment range: 75mm
- Special features: 1 piece composite monocoque.
Price: £300.00
Expensive and definitely has a rider weight limit. But, the lightest custom saddle. at only 47 grams!
Saddle and Seatpost combination
Lightest Comfortable Saddle
It is one thing to get the lightest saddle (good for short hill climbs). But, if you’re going to be spending all day on the saddle, 100 grams becomes less important than keeping comfortable and not wanting to crawl off the bike because of extreme discomfort. I can recommend the Selle Italia SLR at 150 grams. It is actually more comfortable than the Bontrager saddle at 180grams.
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January 1st, 2012 — wheels-
An evaluation of the lightest wheels available for a road bike. As a hill climb specialist saving weight is crucial, for several years I’ve been using my Zipp 404′s which are excellent all round wheels, they are also quite light, yet aerodynamic. However, they are not best choice for some of steepest hills. See: Zipp 404 review
Zipp 404 weight pair Tubular front 568g – rear 696g 1266 grams
Why Do People Say Weight of Your Wheels Counts Double?
It is to do with acceleration and the fact the top of your wheel travels twice as fast as your bicycle. Thus to accelerate, the energy taken to push the wheel is greater than for the bike. Once you have maintained a constant speed, then the weight of your bike and wheels count for the same. But, if you slow down and then accelerate, the energy to move the mass of your wheels is greater than for the bike.
Therefore, a secret of climbing is to try and maintain constant speed and effort. Keep the action smooth (an advantage to maintaining a high cadence and smooth pedalling power). If you have a twisting climb of varying gradients then the effort to move your wheels will be proportionately greater.
Zipp 202
Was actually used in Paris Roubaix for 4th place finisher. Used also by Carlos Sastre in high mountains during his Tour win.
I bought a Zipp 202 rear for £750 in January. when on special offer at Wiggle. If you can be patient, keep an eye on price and wait for a sale to get wheels at discount. It is worth the wait!
Lightweight Wheels
Lightweight Ventoux – 999grams (link) $3,000 – $5,000 a pair
Campag Bora
Campagnolo
Shimano Dura Ace
Lightweight Clinchers
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January 1st, 2012 — bikes-
Focus Cayo
Focus Cayo Bike Review
The Ford Focus Cayo was awarded best bike under £1,000 by Cycling Weekly and offers an excellent choice for the keen tourer, and racer. The bike offers excellent features; to get a lightweight carbon frame, fork and ultegra groupset could cost upto £2,000 on other bikes. If you wish to get started in road racing, this offers a very good value buy as it offers a high spec for your money.
The Focus Cayo has a light Carbon 12k frame which gives the bike a total weight of just over 8 kilos. This is a pretty good weight for the price. The Groupset is a mix of Shimano Ultegra SL 10 speed. It also comes with an option of triple chain-ring offering 30 gears for the cyclo sportive.
- Focus 12K Light carbon frame
- Improved stiffness to weight factor
- Shimano Ultegra SL 20-speed or 30-Speed
- New Truvativ Elita crankset in compact or triple options
- New Light Mavic Aksium
- Schwalbe Stelvio tyres
- Weight: 8.05kg (size 56 without pedals)
November 4th, 2011 — bikes, tyres-
These are some of the best quality tubulars for road racing and time trialling. I recommend getting best possible tubulars you can afford. There’s no point in getting cheap tubulars more likely to puncture. For most time trials on UK roads, I want a reliably puncture resistant tyre. I usually go for Continental competition and Corsa EVO CS. These offer good combination of light weight, low rolling resistance and good puncture resistance.
For the hill climbs, I researched some super-light track tubs. You are much more likely to puncture with track tubs, but for hill climbs, the short distance and altitude gain make it worthwhile. For hill climbs, I like a Vittoria Chrono Time trial (165 grams) I also like the look of the Veloflex Record.
Continental Competition 22 – 280 grams – £61 wiggle – 5 layers of puncture protection, grippy tyre. Handmade in Germany. Won three Paris Roubaix. Very tough tyre. Long lasting excellent grip. I’ve used these for two seasons. Offer very good performance. Very good puncture resistance and hard wearing. Seem to be quite resistant to cuts and nicks. Slightly on heavy side compared to some rivals, but 280 grams is still lightweight and good for tough terrains.
Continental Competition 19 – 239 grams
Bontrager XXX lite only 255 grams for 700*23 | £69.99 Evans Cycles
Schwalbe Ultraremo – 240grams 700*22 Fast rolling triple compound | £64.99 | Evans Cycles
Vittoria Corsa EVO CX (2008) – 240 grams list price £62 | £44. wiggle Similar to Continental Competition. One of best selling tubulars. I had a few punctures using this, but that might have been bad luck. Overall was quite happy with performance. Can’t tell difference for rolling resistance between these and Continental competition.
Vittoria Pista Evo CS (Track) Tubular Tyre £61 | wiggle – Weight: 700×19- 140 grams, 700×22 – 160grams. Light weight for track. Great tub, but no real puncture resistance.
Vittoria Crono Time Trial – 700*22 165 grams £76 retail price | Wiggle (video about putting on tub) Similar weight to the Track tubular; this claims to have one layer of puncture protection which is improved on previous version. I will be using this in hill climbs to get lowest possible weight. However, for ordinary time trials you are risking greater chance of punctures. Nevertheless very supply and fast. Uses latex inner tube for improved comfort when racing. Best for front tyre and is rear wheel is more prone to punctures. Also not long lasting on roughish roads (i.e. British roads)
Veloflex Record Tubular RRP £99.99 – 700*20 – 180 grams | Ribble | Wiggle £72 – 350 threads per inch core spun cotton casing construction. Puncture protection Belt: Calicot puncture resistant layer
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October 22nd, 2011 — bikes-
For my new Trek Madone 6.9 I wanted a pretty good lock. Obviously I’m not leaving it in the centre of town. Only inside the house. But, even inside the house, insurance requires it to be locked and prevent opportunist theft.
The Kryptonite New York Lock, offers exceptional strength without being too expensive (£74.99 is a lot but there are locks which can cost twice as much). I also like the new version of the key and key hole, it feels more solid and less fragile than older versions. It is made of double re-inforced steel and a double deadbolt locking mechanism. There is no weak spot in the lock. The best thing about the lock is that it will withstand the ordinary cutting tools a thief may be carried around.
It is called the New York lock for good reason. Locals in New York say you really need a lock with this kind of strength if you are going to be locking your bike in Manhatten. Magazine reviews by road cc said the lock withstood an attempt to break with big bolt clippers, hammer and chisel. That’s good enough for me.
Disadvantages of Kryptonite New York Lock
The main disadvantage of the Kryptonite New York lock is its weight. To carry around on the bike is to add an extra 2KG, not something you want to fit in your rucksack. Also the attachment to fit lock to frame is a little fiddly for those with a road bike
Would I buy It?
Yes, I have bought it to lock a bike I keep at home. I don’t use it on my commuting bike, as I prefer to ride a cheap bike into town. But, if I ever get a top of the range single speed, I would consider buying this for that, though I might prefer to get a slightly lighter one.
Value for Money?
For £80 it is hard to beat in terms of thief resistance. Bike shops often recommend spending 10% of the value of a bike in the lock so this is good for bikes upto £1,000. But, to be honest for bike costing more than £1,000 it’s hard to improve on this lock too much.
I won’t be carrying the Kryptonite lock around, but I am using it for inside garage.
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September 10th, 2011 — clothes-
A good base layer is essential for cycling. A thermal base layer should wick away sweat so that you can have a dry layer next to the skin. Note: if you wear a heavy goretex jacket it might be difficult to wick away the sweat as some waterproof’s keep the moisture in.
A good thermal base layer should also be close fitting, but not excessively tight.
One of the warmest thermal base layers is the Helly Hensen Freeze at £40.99. It combines modern fittings with a warm Merino wool combination. This is one of the best materials for offering warmth and wicking qualities. I really enjoy wearing this as it helps keep dry and is really quite warm. Merino wool is a lovely product to have next to skin. (has an added advantage of somehow not smelling too much)
Helly Hansen offer a good range of other base layers including this
Made out of Lifa, it is lightweight at 140grams and has some of the following features:
* Eyelet construction
* Longer back
* Close to the body fit
* Excellent moisture transportation
* Lightweight
* high-elasticity fabric allows unrestricted freedom of movement
* Odour resistant
* Rapid drying time
Craft Pro Zero Xtreme
I’ve tested this product and really like them. They are soft, comfortable and snug fit. Very light product. They are very well ergonomically designed and fit very ‘lightly’ on the body. They have excellent wicking properties which is essential for keeping skin dry and warm. You can use these from any time when the temperature drops. Even on a cold summer day, they help regulate body temperature quite well. Little bit more pricey than cheapest base layers, but here you get good quality and won’t regret the investment. Craft Pro Zero review | Craft base layers at Wiggle
Ladies Thermal Base Layers
Endura, based in Scotland claim to be specialists in providing warm thermal underdress.
This endura ladies support offers good value at £22.49. It is made out of Polytex Lycra with Mesh Lycra inner. Craft ladies Prowarm crewneck also recommended.
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July 1st, 2011 — helmet-
Aero helmets can make a significant difference to time trial speed. The Bell Meteor aero helmet is one of the lightest safety aero helmets, weighing only 365 grams. It has been used by many professional cyclists in the tour de France and Olympics. It has been worn by Fabian Cancellara – arguably greatest time triallist of generation. It has been extensively wind tunnel tested to improve aerodynamics.
The inner lining is EPS foam liner with Fusion In-mould construction to give optimal protection.
I’ve used this for over two seasons and am quite happy with its performance.
One major drawbacks is that it is very uncomfortable for anything longer than a 10 mile time trial. It really squashes my ears, as soon as the race is over, I want to take it off as soon as possible.
Also, because it is a tight fit, it has developed a slight crack where I have bent ear flaps over my ear. Maybe it is my fault for not getting bigger helmet, but I fear if it was bigger it would be too big and less aerodynamic.
The aerodynamics of aero helmet depend on
- your own posture
- how you wear your helmet.
This is true for any aero helmet, the real secret is to wear the helmet high on your forehead and try and get the tail touching your back. If your tail is pointing up in the air then the aero benefits will be neglible.
Testing aero helmet for best position. The tail here is close to back, but could still be a little closer.
If you go in for wind tunnel testing, you will find that the best helmet varies. You can’t say this bell meteor will be the best for all. However, it does look good and does a reasonable job in providing aero benefits. Just make sure you wear it properly.
Wearing helmet in British Time Trial championships
Buy Online
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June 16th, 2011 — computers-
Wireless cycle computers have a distinct advantage of the wired variety.
- Wires can scrap away at the paint on the bike.
- Wires can make it awkward if you need to make adjustments to handlebars e.t.c
- They are more prone to breaking.
- Extra wires can add small aerodynamic drag to bike.
Earlier wireless models used to be really bulky and big, but in past few years, improved models have reduced size and improved performance. I use a Cateye Strada and new model is big improvement over earlier ones.
Models of Wireless Cycle Computer
Cateye Strada Wireless Cycle Computer
The 8 function cycle computer includes these functions
# Current speed
# Maximum speed
# Average speed
# Total distance (odometer)
# Trip distance
# Auto start/stop
# Trip time (elapsed time)
# 12/24 hour clock
Cateye Strada wireless at £44.99
The Wireless Cateye Strada has recently been increased in price quite a bit. However, the latest model is really quite a big improvement on previous model. Cateye have made a computer that is genuinely waterproof (they keep buttons underneath computer in a clever design). Also, the sleek and slender design of both computer and magnet detector make it more visually appealing and more aerodynamic. I have been very pleased with my Cateye Strada (especially as you can choose colours to fit your own road bike) It is very reliable and have not had any problems over past 18 months of using it.
Continue reading →
June 10th, 2011 — commuting-bikes-
Hybrid bikes seek to offer the best combination of the mountain bike and a road bike at an affordable price. Hybrid bikes are great for:
- Commuting relatively short distances and getting round town.
- Light touring e.g. for the non serious cycle tourer, but who wants to enjoy cycling for a small amount
- Cycling on canal paths
The main attraction of a hybrid bike is that they offer good comfort and all round performance for a low price. They tend to have thinner wheels than mountain bikes, meaning that they are quicker on roads – where hybrid bikes are mainly used. Hybrid bikes usually come with upto 27 gears offering a wide range of choice. In practise most people wouldn’t use such a wide range of gears, you would probably be fine with less. However, hybrid bikes try to offer the best compromise between fast road bikes and the greater comfort and stability of a MTB. The best hybrid bike depends on your specific purpose.
- Some off Road use – consider GT Transeo with suspension and Mountain bike style tyres
- Enjoyable Ride - Consider Dawes Diploma or Pashley Sovereign. Slow and heavy but great fun and stately to ride. Bit more expensive but more class and distinction.
- Simplicity – consider a single speed such as Charge Plug / Charge Sink
- Best value all Round – hard to beat the big brand names like Trek FX hybrids.
Best Hybrid Bikes
Viva Bellissimo 7
The Viva Bellissimo 7 is more geared towards the chic end of the hybrid market. It comes with a 7 speed hub gear. This is a little heavier than standard dereailleur and sprockets. However, it looks really classy and the classic steel frame is great fun to ride. If you prefer you can also get the Viva Bellissimo in single speed.
Viva Urban
The Viva Urban is a classy 7 speed hub geared bike. This will suit someone looking for a stylish bike which is aesthetically pleasing. It is also low maintenance and easy to ride. You pay more for the style factor. But, it is a good combination of style and practicality. If you’re willing to save up for your dream hybrid, this could be a good choice.
GT Transeo
GT Transeo is geared more towards the MTB spectrum of hybrid bikes. It comes with chunky 700*40c tyres and tough reinforced aluminium frame. All models have 24 gears and ability to switch suspension mech on and off. There are many different varieties of GT Transeo. At the top of the range a GT Transeo 1.0 costs £800 and comes with disc brakes. For half the price, you can get a GT Transeo 4.0 for £400 which comes with V Brakes and Shimano Acera. This is a great hybrid if you are looking for greater flexibility in going off road.
Pashley Sovereign
This is not the cheapest hybrid, also it is not the fastest hybrid. However, it is a wonderful bike. I would recommend for those looking for the real bike experience. It is a little on the heavy side, and you won’t be racing away from the traffic lights. But, it will last for years and it looks like a work of art.
Specialised Sirius
Specialized Sirrus
£349. The specialised Sirius offers quite a lot for less than £350. The ride is good. I like the straight steel forks which give a more comfortable ride over bumpy/pothole roads. At 12Kg, it’s not the lightest machine on the road, but at this price you can’t expect everything. There are some good features such as the Specialised all condition tyres (excellent for commuting and puncture protection) The triple chainring on the front gives a wide range of 21 gears. This is a bike that will be able to do most things from simple commute to steady weekend ride. The straight handlebars give a comfortable ride. If you were wanting to race away, you might miss the drop handlebars but it is still reasonably fast for a commuting bike. It is not the most exciting looking bike. Basically black with upwardly sloping top tube. But, it’s also not so flash you have to worry about spending £100 on locks when you leave it in town.
Trek FX Hybrid Bike
Trek offer quite a wide range of hybrid bikes with a close range of models. The Trek 7.0 retails at just over £300. It includes the combination of FX Alpha white Aluminium frame and a straight steel fork. This is an excellent all rounder offering good value for money and gives everything most commuters would be looking for in a relatively short commute or a bit of leisure riding. Comes with upright riding position and 700cc wheels, so is quite speedy for a hybrid bike. Comes in a stylish metallic black finish. However, it does end up looking like the Specialised Sirius and many other Hybrid bikes on the market.
There are several upgrades available, for example, the Trek 7.1 at an extra £100 Trek 7.3 Disc retails at just over £500
For every version, there is a also a women’s version of bikes. The economies of scale Trek have enable them to offer one of most comprehensive range of hybrid bikes, and this makes it attractive. Remember it is much cheaper to get the best components on a bike when buying rather than upgrading at a later stage.
Dawes Diploma
Dawes Diploma
Similar price to the Dawes Harlem but more stylish evoking a classic appeal. In both men and female models. Dawes Diploma
The Dawes Diploma is a hybrid bike more towards the classic ‘retro’ style. This is a beautiful and stylish bike to ride around town. It is a built for a comfortable relaxed ride. The higher handlebars make it easy to handle. It feels considerably heavier than a lighter hybrid bike. It weighs at over 17kg. However, it comes with more extras such as mudguard and chain guard.
Note: the Dawes Diploma comes in either men or female version. The women’s version (featured above) has step through top tube for ease of using skirt. The men’s version has flat top tube. Dawes Diploma at Evans Cycles
Bootleg Hoy Hoy Rats
- Over £500. Based on Columbus tubing and Shimano bar sifters groupset. This is a more sporty hybrid bike, built for a quick commute. Bootleg Hoy Hoy Rats
Best Value Hybrid Bikes under £400
Giant Escape N7
The Giant Escape N7 is around £330. The Giant is a solid Aluminium frame, with 7 gears mounted on the handlebars. It’s tyres are chosen for the road, but handlebars are straight like a mountain bike. Giant Escape N7 -
Focus Marakas
- Under £250. The Focus Marakas is built around a 6061 Aluminium frame with front suspension forks for more comfortable ride. Only £220 at Wiggle This is very good value for a decent aluminium frame bike. At this price, there is really no excuse for not getting a bike. A few weeks and you will have saved petrol and parking money. It is interesting how they can get the bike so cheap given the quality of a 6061 aluminium frme.
Best Hybrid Bikes Under £200
For under £200, you will struggle to get much choice. Your best bet may be to look at the second hand market. Also, if you visit a discount cycle shop like Cycle King, you will find a couple of Ammaco bikes for under £150. They are reasonable, but as you can imagine the components are cheap. You are more likely to puncture and spend more time on maintenance, especially the brakes. They are big sellers, and I see many around Oxford. But, you get what you pay for.
Hybrid Bikes
Conclusion
Hybrid Bikes are the most popular form of bikes. They are adaptable and easy to ride. Their popularity also means they are relatively cheaper because firms can benefit from economies of scale. For example, if you went for a single speed bike, you would end up paying more for less. (though single speeds will suit some types of cyclists)
But, within Hybrid Bikes there are quite a few ranges. You will want to choose which is more important looks v comfort v speed. For example, the most utilitarian hybrid bike would be the Specialised Sirius or Trek FX series – these are closer to standard road bikes.
A Dawes Diploma, Viva Bellissimo and Pashley offer a more stylish and elegant bike that is slower to cycle.
Also your local bike shop will have its own selection of hybrid bikes, it is worth visiting and testing out the bikes in person. You will save a little buying on internet, and the bikes arrive very quickly from Evans. However, buying locally gives advantage of personal contact and a reference point to return bike for quick check-up.
Related Bicycles
at Amazon.co.uk
at Amazon.com