June 4th, 2011 — wheels-
MDT Disc wheel. Cost £500. Quite light. Good Value
Buying a disc wheel is one of the best ways to improve the aerodynamic performance of your time trial bike. They are expensive – you can easily pay £500 (and much more). But, they do make a difference. Also, the faster you go, the more aerodynamic drag they save. Disc wheels work by smoothing the passage of side wind. Less wind turbulence means less drag and faster times.
A flat carbon disc wheel has an aero drag of 97grams. This compares to an aero drag of 154grams for a standard 18 spoke wheel (source: bsn)
The weight of a disc wheel is not as important as the aerodynamic aid. Even on the hilliest of time trial courses, you will go quicker on a solid disc wheel. Chris Boardman used a disc wheel for winning the national hill climb championship. I don’t advise this, but aerodynamics are much more important than weight. Also if you are going to be doing a lot of hilly time trials, look to buy a light weight carbon disc – some of them are surprisingly light.
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June 4th, 2011 — food-
When I do hard interval sessions or before a race, I like to use liquid energy gel bars. They can be a bit messy in your back pocket, but, they provide the necessary energy quickly and in an easily digestible form. On slower steady rides I will tend to stick to cheaper muesli bars for energy because you don’t need to worry about digesting food so much. The advantage of energy gel bars is that they are more easily digestable because in liquid form.
I advise testing any energy gels in training, don’t wait for an 8 hour cyclo sportive to find your stomach feels sick after eating five power bar energy gels.
For long rides, I recommend taking balance of energy gels and more savoury foods to help protect the stomach. Also people will react differently to different sources of energy so make sure you test. (I know many cyclists who have felt sick after eating many gel bars)
High 5 Energy Gel Bars
One of my favourite energy gel bars is high 5 Gel Bars. They are relatively cheap and have a good concentration of energy. 38grams pure carbohydrate. Not overly sweet.
They are also quite cheap. At Probike Kit you can buy them for £0.80 each, which is good value for energy foods.
High 5 Energy Gel Bars 4 different flavours.
Taste is a personal thing, but, I prefer the Citrus flavour
If you prefer you can choose the energy bars with caffeine.
I would not advise using caffeine during training.
Zip Vit Energy Chews
Different to a gel bar, these energy chews are a little more difficult to eat on the move but they have an interesting ‘wine gum’ style consistency. A bit expensive at £2.20 a pack but a nice way to take on energy during a ride.
Power Bar Gels
These power bar gels have a stronger, thicker consistency. It almost feels like you’re taking on some magic gluey substance. They are easy to carry around in your back pocket, and can give a real shot of energy. Because they are quite concentrated, you need to take with water. Power bar have a huge range of flavours which should appeal to some. I usually end up with chocolate or apple flavour. However, I don’t really eat these because of the taste, but because of the energy source. Useful for during a race as you can put up your time trial suit and eat when needed. They come either caffeinated or non-caffeinated.
Isotonic Gel Satchets
For hot days, I like to also use Isotonic gels. These are gel bars which don’t need to be taken with water because they already have correct isotonic balance. The advantage is that they help rehydrate as well as give energy. Because they have higher water content they tend to be easier to digest and less sweet. The only disadvantage is that they are more bulky for calorie content.
I have tested both High 5 Isotonic gels and Science in Sport both of which I enjoyed.
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June 1st, 2011 — bikes-
I have had two trek 1000 (the first one was stolen) and overall I am quite happy with it.
Trek 1.2
At a RRP of £549, it is just above the target of £500. But, I will include it because it is pretty close; and if you search you might be able to pick up a new model with 10% discount. Some people have complained about the wheels going out of true quite easily, but, I have not experienced this since owning one for a couple of year years. The trek 1.2 comes with an aluminium frame and carbon fork. A carbon fork is a very nice upgrade helping to reduce the weight and increase comfort when riding. The Trek 1.2, makes an excellent choice for a good commuting bike (I have fitted both panniers and mudguards) or an entry level racing bike. For just over £500 it offers good value if unexceptional performance.
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May 28th, 2011 — bikes-
The Focus Cayo offers excellent value to both the new cyclist and the keen club cyclist. The Focus Cayo 105, offers a really excellent groupset on a carbon fibre frame. Making it very light weight and high performance for the price. It has specifications that could easily be on a bike twice its price.
The Carbon fibre frame is made of Unidirectional Mitsubishi carbon. It has between 4 and 7 layers to give a good combination of low weight and strength. As you would expect with a carbon fibre frame and fork, it gives a good smooth, neutral ride; absorbing shocks giving a feeling of rider control.
It looks pretty good thanks to a nice carbon weave finish on the frame; the only drawback is perhaps the rather invasive logos which are perhaps bigger than necessary, especially on the top tube.
The wheelset is Fulcrum Racing 7 and the tyres are Continental Ultra Sport. These are absolutely fine, but, if you wanted to upgrade the bike later, this might be a good place to start. Continue reading →
May 22nd, 2011 — bikes-
3 Bikes
For £500, you can get a pretty decent commuting bike. Personally, I wouldn’t be keen to spend much more than £500 for a commuting bike. If you lock the bike up in town, there is an increased chance of theft, so with just a £500 you get more peace of mind than you would if you had spent over a £1,000
There is a great choice of commuting bikes for under £500.
Classic Commuting Bikes
If you are looking for a classic, stylish bike, try this Dawes Diploma It looks like an old fashioned classic bike. It may not be fastest bike from A to B, but, it does the business and looks pretty cool too. One limitation is the 3 speed Sturmey archer, but, unless you live on a hilly route 3 speed should be sufficient.
For real style, why not have a look at the classic Dutch Gazelle. It has a real continental flavour and stands out with distinctive design and colour. But, difficult to source in the UK, more likely to find on ebay second hand.
- Pros of Classic Bikes – look good, fits in with ‘cycle chic’ appearance. Steady to ride
- Cons of classic bikes – are slower to ride, not great for long distances or up steep hills. More attractive to thieves than your common MTB.
Hybrid Bike
If you are more practically minded, you might like to buy a hybrid bike. This is a cross between a road bike and mountain bike. It comes with road size wheels, but a thicker tread than ordinary racing bike wheels. In a sense hybrid bikes are simpler, cheaper versions of mountain bikes. They are fine for commuting, offering good stability and practicality. They can be easily adapted for panniers and mudguards. There is a great choice of hybrid bikes under £500. If you are willing to spend £300 you can bikes such as the Dawes Discovery. Hybrid bikes from under £150 will be made of cheap steel and will typically be quite heavy with more unreliable components. Also, Focus hybrid bikes offer good value such as the Focus Marakas for £300 built around a 6061 Aluminium alloy.
Pinnacle Neon Two
At £450, the Pinnacle Neon Two offers excellent features for a sub £500 bike. It is made by Evans cycles and so helps to offer low price. Not too flashy but gets you round town with a nice compromise of 24 gears, disc brakes and aluminium frame. See: Review of Pinnacle Neon Two
More hybrid bike recommendations
Cannondale Bad Boy
The Cannondale Bad Boy is a pretty sturdy hybrid bike – closer to the MTB spectrum than the road bike. It comes in a distinctive matt blank finish and has pretty sturdy Schwalbe Kojak Bad Boy Edition 559 x 50 tyres.
Hybrid bikes are mass produced and so give very good value. It depends how far you have to commute. The longer the commute, the more sporty you will want to buy. If you are commuting a couple of miles, a classic Dutch style bike will be great because speed isn’t so important.
Fold Up
In the foldup category, have a look at these foldup bikes. Foldup bikes are great for anyone who has to commute part of the way on the train. Look for bikes which are not too heavy and easy to dismantle and put up. Brompton are the best known type of foldups and they have options for under £500.Dahon are also a very good brand and the Dahon Vitesse is sold for £350 and is said to have a folding time of 15 seconds.
Hybrid Bikes at Evans
Mountain Bikes
Another option is a mountain bike. Under £500 the mountain bikes are more geared towards road use anyway. The Specialised hardrock Disc gives you disc brakes on an MTB for under £400. It is good value commuting bike; the wide wheels will slow you down, but great for snow or difficult conditions.
Single Speed
Increasingly popular is the single speed commuting bike. Single speed offer great simplicity and ease of maintenance. Even on hilly routes, some people just like riding single speed or fixed. The increased simplicity doesn’t mean cheaper. They are not mass produced so there are not the same economies of scale. The Charge Plug range offers cheapest introduction single speed. The Specialized Langster comes in at around £500. The Steel version comes in track frame and track handlebars which I didn’t particularly enjoy for commuting it was too aggressive riding position. However, the aluminium version is based on a more classic road bike.
My Commuting Bike
My commuting bike is a trek road bike. I bought second hand for £300. Brand new it would have cost £450. It is quite a practical commuting bike as it is relatively fast and has pannier rack, mudguards, lights. It’s only limitation is when we get a dusting of snow, the thin wheels are pretty thin for the the weather conditions.
Bikes Just Over £500
If you’re looking for a commuting bike with real style and elegance, check out this review of the Viva Urban de Luxe. It’s rrp was £699, but if you’re lucky you may catch it on offer for £499. 7 speed hub geared bike (easy to change, but a little heavier). This is a commuting bike for someone wanting a little style and good looks
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May 15th, 2011 — bikes-
Touring bikes need to be versatile, comfortable and at the same time offering a good performance on the road. Most touring bikes are suitable for the odd off-road / badly made road. However, if you want to do a lot of offroad riding, you may be better off looking to a converted mountain bike with panniers.
At first glance a touring bike looks similar to a road bike. The frame is similar, dropped handlebars offering a range of positions. A touring bike will have extras to a road bike. A good touring bike will also be very versatile useful for commuting.
- Third chain ring – for greater gear choice (often referred to as having a granny ring – useful for lugging luggage up steep hills)
- Wider tyres (perhaps 28′ on 700c wheels) These tyres offer greater stability and comfort than thinner road tyres.
- Mudguards
- Panniers front / back
Frames for Touring Bikes
Many touring bikes are based on Steel frames.Note these are often referred to as Cro-Moly Frames. This means a mix of predominantly steel with other metals to make a stronger and lighter frame.
For example, the Reynolds 853, 531 frames (see: Reynolds frames) or Columbus SLX. These are high quality steel frames. Despite a reputation for being heavy. These top end steel alloys can actually be surprisingly light. The main advantages of steel are:
- Inherent springiness and ability to absorb. This makes a more comfortable ride which is important for when you are spending long hours on a tour. With steel frames, you don’t need any shock absorbers.
- Steel is also quite versatile, if you have a crash it can be more easily welded back. If a Carbon frame springs a crack, that is probably it – end of frame.
- ‘Steel is real’ – a popular saying amongst cyclists. I enjoy riding steel frames as it gives a good responsive feel.
- Most custom frame builders work with steel. For example, with Robert Penn developed his dream bike, he got a custom 953 Reynolds frame built by a local frame builder (Brian Rourke).
- A good steel frame can last for a lifetime.
Disadvantages of Steel
- Can be heavier than many Aluminium alloys.
- Can easily rust if exposed to the rain.
See more: best bike frame material
Touring Bike Models
Unfortunately, touring bikes don’t tend to be cheap. It’s a little bit like single speed bikes, because they are not mass-marketed they tend to be a little expensive for what you get.
Dawes Galaxy
The Dawes Galaxy is one of the best selling touring bikes on the market. Within this brand of bikes there is actually a range of different options based around the same principles. For example, at the top of the range Galaxy model we have the £3,000 Titanium Framed and Shimano Ultegra groupset edition. Dawes Galaxy 2009 Ti
If you don’t fancy spending so much money, you could look at the Dawes Galaxy Plus 2009. It is based on a Reynolds 653 Steel frame and Chromoloy Fork. With mudguards, Cargo carrier and panniers it comes to 13.5Kg. Slightly heavier than the Titanium version but will be in more people’s budget. For £1,200 you do get good value. The Reynolds frame offers a comfortable ride whilst being responsive to the power generated. Dawes Galaxy Plus
Another alternative touring bike is something like the Cannondale Trekking conquest. Built around an SI Trekking lite frame and Shimano Deore. It provides a good touring bike for under £700. There are different versions of the Cannondale Trekking model. For £1,200 you can buy a lightweight version based on SI Trekking Superlite frame and Shimano LX, it also comes with hydraulic disc brakes a superiod braking system.
Ridgeback Voyage
- Frame: Reynolds 520 Cro Mo
- Fork: Cro Moly
- Gearset: mix of Shimano sora and Shimano Deore – 27 gears. 48/38/28 chainrings
- Brakes: Tektro 992AG
- Handlebars and Stem: 6061 Aluminium Ergo Tour
- Tyres: Continental Contact 700 x 32c
- Saddle: Tour leather
The Ridgeback Voyage is good value for a touring bike. It costs under £800 and comes equipped ready to tour. It is dissappointing to pay £800 and still only get Sora and Deore gears, but this is common for touring bikes. It is a very solid built bike with potential for great long distance rides. A good no-nonense introduction to touring bikes
Santos Touring Bikes
A range of custom built touring bikes. These range from £1,000 to under £3,000 for a top of the range touring bikes. The Santos Travel Master 2.6 was used by James Bowthorpe in a successful around the world cycle challenge (18,000 miles in 178 days) so comes very well tested. It makes innovative use of Santos chain drive and Rolhoff gears – for ease of use and maintenance. See: Review of Santos Touring Bikes
Touring Bikes Under £1000
- Ridgeback Platinum – comes in at £999. Giving Shimano 105, Carbon Fork and Triple butted aluminium. Use of aluminium frame helps keep price down. The Carbon fork gives more cushioning on the front end of the bike to compensate for the loss of steel cushioning.
- Dawes Galaxy. – use of Reynolds 653 tubing
- Kona Sutra 201
- Claud Butler Regent 2011
What to Look for in A Good Touring Bicycle
- Strength.
- Durability
- Low Maintenance
- Room for Panniers
- Range of Gears
- Reasonable weight. A touring bike will never win a weight weenies competition, but choosing low weight components will help on those hills.
Touring Bikes
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April 23rd, 2011 — food-
Cycling energy drinks help to replace lost carbohydrate in easily digestible form. When racing, it can be difficult to eat sufficient food, therefore energy drinks can be vital for providing sufficient energy sources and also helping rehydration of lost minerals.
The best energy drinks are composed of simple carbohydrates (glucose polymer) and electrolytes to replace lost minerals during intensive exercise. It is important to get the intensity right. Some people can feel sickly if the drink is too concentrated, especially on hot days.
I am keen on the High5 Energy Source. I usually buy a 2.2Kg tub and it lasts me for quite a while. It has a good neutral flavour though unfortunately they seem to have discontinued the neutral flavour.
High 5 4:1
A new development in energy drinks is mixing protein in with carbohydrates. 4 parts Carbohydrate – 1 part protein (whey protein).
A study by the University of Glasgow suggested the use of 4:1 over a conventional carbohydrate only energy drink during the grueling Trans Alp MTB event, helped competitors finish average 12% quicker than those using the carbohydrate only drink.
The theory is that taking on protein causes the body to release insulin. This release of insulin actually results in a higher uptake of carbohydrate by the muscles which need it.
Science in Sport
Science in Sport energy drinks are based on malto-dextrin. Malto-dextrin is one of the easiest absorbable carbohydrate sources and can be taken in heavier concentrations. Though, you still want to find a level you are comfortable with. SIS have put a lot of attention into designing plans for best combinations of liquid and food. With the custom SIS bottles it is quite easy to mix and prepare. Tastes fine, not too sweet but is as relatively pleasant as these things can be. Contains electrolytes for rehydration.
Free Energy Cycling Drinks
Suppose you wanted to mix your own energy drink.
One Option
- 200ml ordinary fruit squash
- 800ml water
- A pinch of salt
Mix them all together in a jug and cool down in fridge.
Glucose Mix
- 50-70g sugar
- One litre of warm water
- one pinch of table salt, one pinch of potassium chloride (salt substitute)
- 200ml of sugar free squash
Mix, cool. Be careful about getting right quantities. Also be careful if you start to add caffeine or other ingredients.
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April 23rd, 2011 — computers-
I tend to find when using cycle computers I don’t make use of all the extravagant features. I am basically interested in distance, time elapsed, average speed and occasionally max speed. My main criteria for buying a computer is therefore simplicity and ease of use. Often the easiest to use are also the cheapest. So don’t feel bad about choosing the cheapest cycle computer. Sometimes spending more doesn’t give better value.
Cateye Velo 5 Cycle Computer
This was one of my favourite cycle computers, it offers a clear easy to read display. There are only 5 functions, but these are the ones you will use most of the time. Having said that, I later regretted not having a time function to be able to measure length of ride or riding up hills, so I came to regret having spent the money on the velo. If you really don’t want the ability to time your rides and know average speed it is fine. But, otherwise don’t buy it. However, at £11.99 it is very cheap.
Cateye Velo 5 Only £11.99 at Wiggle
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April 5th, 2011 — commuting-bikes-
Viva Bellissimo bikes are a combination of European classic design with practical features to make an eye catching commuting bike. They are produced by a Danish firm who have 20+ years experience in creating beautiful bikes for discerning bike riders. I was inspired to write a review of Viva Bellissimo because they are genuinely eye catching and elegant.
Perhaps it is just the blue colour which particularly appeals. However, no matter how pleasing the design, there is much more to a bike. The set up is fairly solid. The frame is Cro-Mo Steel. This gives a forgiving and comfortable ride. Nice touches are the integrated mudguards and chain guard; there is a careful attention to detail. Very useful are the Schwalbe 28 inch tyres with extra puncture protection.
Viva Bellisimo 7 – Womens
The women’s version has a step through frame for ease of use.
For those who want gears, the Viva Bellissimo 7 offers 7 speed through a convenient hub gear system (think of it as an advanced form of Sturmey Archer)
Notes on the Hub System
- The hub system is heavier than standard derailluer system.This makes bike a little slower.
- The hub system is easier to maintain and looks cleaner.
- It is easier to change. For example, if you are stuck at lights, you can change gears and it changes straight away – you don’t need to worry about pedalling to put chain in new sprocket.
7 Speeds gives much greater range of flexibility. For hilly cities the one speed could be a bit cumbersome when you try to pedal the 12 Kg bike up a steep hill. The Viva is designed to be ridden with joy, 7 speed makes this easier to achieve. Also the 7 speed hub system avoids the need for dérailleurs and cassette rings, enabling the bike to retain the look of a single speed.
At prices starting from £600 upwards, Viva is not competing on price. But you do get the kind of bike you can become really attached to. It is enjoyable and easy to ride and has great aesthetics to boot. I’m sure this bike would be quite popular on cycle chic photo blogs. Also, Evans sometimes have sales, and if you buy at right time you may get for under £500. I think this is pretty good value for the chic end of the hybrid market.
The Viva Bellissimo comes in a variety of options. The first is the Single Speed Bellissimo. The one I tried was this 7 speed Viva Bellissimo. This was good fun to ride. Not quick, and a little heavier than what I’m used to. However, the Viva Bellissimo exudes class. It is well built and catches almost perfect aesthetics. If you’re looking for a classy commuting bike to really appreciate, you will be happy with the Viva Bellissimo either 1 spd or 7 spd. Just don’t expect it to be quickest off from lights…
Related Bicycles
April 3rd, 2011 — bikes-
Cyclo Sportives are increasingly popular offering cyclists a great one day challenge from anything from a 50 mile to 200 mile ride. Mostly cyclo sportives are held on roads, so you will want to choose a bike designed for speed on the road. Most sportives will provide feeding along the route so panniers will be unnecessary. I would recommend choosing a mid range road bike and adjusting according to your preferences. However, whatever price you are willing to pay, it needs to be relatively comfortable given the length of time spent on the bike.
Entry Level Sportif Bikes.
For £400 to £500 you can get a good solid road bike which will be fine for even the longest of cyclo sportive challenges. Typically for £500 you will get a lightweight aluminium frame with basic groupset such as Shimano Tiagra.
Sportif Bikes under £1,000
For £1,000, you will be able to save 1 or 2 Kg off the weight of the bike and get a carbon fibre fork and more efficient groupset. There is a reasonable improvement in performance which will be noted by a keen cyclist. For a £1,000 there is a really good selection of road bikes that will be ideal for cyclo-sportives.
See: best road bikes under £1,000
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at Amazon.co.uk
at Amazon.com