Bikes & Frames
Value
If you've seen my other bike reviews you'll know I'm quite partial to a hybrid for my commute to work. And if it's equipped with disc-brakes, it's all the better. And that's why I'm testing the disc-braked version of Merida's T3 Speeder bike from the company's 'fitness' range. Now, Merida aren't a well-known brand, but have been around for a while,...
Value
To many younger cyclists, Vitus may simply appear as a new brand associated with Chain Reaction Cycles (CRC). In fact, the story started a long time ago, and only recently has it been injected with renewed vigour and energy thanks to CRC and Vitus' brand ambassador: Sean Kelly. Inspired by his record eight Paris-Nice wins, 1988 Vuelta win and...
Value
The first thing you notice about this bike, before you even start riding, is the brilliant value for money. With high quality components, wheels and a carbon frame for only £1399, you are hard pushed to find a bike that compares without seeing the price hike up to £500 for a Scott Contessa CR1 Team (£1900) or a Specialized Amira Elite (£1800)....
Clothing, Protection & Bags
Value
Once a Scout, always a Scout. I'm sure that's probably been said a million times, but the 'Be Prepared' philosophy does tend to stay with you. Take heading out for a simple bike ride; what could go wrong? But rather than throw caution to the wind, jump onto my bike and pedalling for the hills, I have to get my kit together first - and I need some...
Value
With mile upon mile of low-lying agricultural land that is incredibly flat and mostly featureless, the Fenlands are arguably one of the least inspiring places to cycle in the UK. Although to some this unremarkable terrain might sound like a cyclist's worst nightmare, it does however make for one of the best testing grounds in the country for Rapha's...
Value
Riding in cold, wintery weather is not always a pleasure, no matter how us die hard cyclists try to pretend it is. For me, having the right kit to make it as easy and comfortable as possible can offer as much motivation to get me outside as promising myself a hot chocolate and a biccie when I get back. So when the opportunity to try some new...
Components & Accessories
Value
A few years ago now, Garmin opened up a new market within cycle computers: GPS functionality. It didn't take too long for them to gain a foothold in the industry, converting even some cynics adamant that a paper map and compass are far more reliable. Admittedly, early versions of the Edge did have some poor reliability reports, but the ability to...
Value
A while ago I tested the Starley JKSR1 SRAM Red road bike and totally fell in love with it. From the whole bespoke fitting and build process at their Altrincham showroom to the sublime riding experiences it delivered, it's very high in my pantheon of all time favourite bikes. As well as their bikes, Starley also offer a full range of race ready...
Value
The great thing about cycling is it can be as refreshingly analogue as you want it to be. No batteries, no wires, just mechanical components meshing together in perfect harmony. Want to know where you are? Carry a map and learn how to read it. Want to know how fast you're riding, fit a mechanical speedometer (there are always quite a few...
Tools, Maintenance & Cleaning
Value
I'll be the first to admit I am always dubious about anti-fog products. They sound like self-cleaning glass or self-cutting lawns. But fortunately, Microclair have produced an effective product that does exactly what it says on the bottle. The application is simple: smear a drop of the product on both sides of the lens using your finger, allow...
Value
Cyclists fall into two groups: those who use their bikes for leisure and those who use them as a practical means of transport. Of the two, the group most likely to keep their bikes clean and in good working order are those who ride for leisure; the daily rides tend to be ignored until dirt and grime builds up to the extent that gears stop shifting...
Value
Every cyclist with an eye on maintenance needs a good set of hex wrenches. Of course, you can use a multi-tool for workshop tweaks and nipping-up tasks, but tools designed to be used on the trail or roadside are built to be small, light and multi-purpose, and for frequent use, aren’t as comfortable as something more dedicated. Here’s...
Books & DVD's
I'm one of those people who can't help but glance into people's living rooms as I walk down a street. If the curtains are open I'll always have a nose and see what what they're watching on the telly or having for tea. Don't get me wrong, I don't stand and stare, simply cherish the half a second stocktake of peoples lives I gleen. An open...
This pocket-sized mountain bike guidebook is organised in a very clear, logical way that makes it very enjoyable to use and inspiring to flick through. The author, Ian Boydon, has drawn on his 17 years of mountain biking experience in the Lake District to hand pick 24 trails, from short, medium, long and full day loops for varying levels of technical...
As the Tour de France approaches, book shelves will once again groan under the weight of earnest celebrations of this most punishing of sporting events. Heroes will be celebrated, villains villified, killer climbs investigated until the lactic acid flows from the page to your retinas, and the history of the world's most famous bike race will once again...
