cycle commuter issue 05

Gloves Lights Helmets Locks

4 bikes tested l Handle wet roads l Essential winter kit l Technique tips

85top cycling products

Featuring

Autumn/Winter 2010Issue #5 £1.95 where sold

Skillsand thrills!

Enjoy the

Everything you need for

How to stay safeall year round

the perfect commute:Bike testsGear guidesRiding tips

Inside this issue...

www.cyclescheme.co.uk

42Specialized Allez 16 A road bike that tackles the big weekend rides as well as your daily commute

52Kansi 3twenty If you’re after a bike that folds small and rides well, take a look at this new kid on the block

18Kona Dr Fine A flat-barred urban flyer that is packed with high-quality components

52

18

contentsIssue #5 Autumn/Winter 2010

30Trek Allant A dependable, multi-geared hybrid that is ideal for your daily commute

Top products & essential kit16 Stuff

Bringing you the very best cycling gear for your daily commute and beyond…

22Locks Eight great locks to suit every budget

34 Helmets Protecting your head in style

46 Gloves Keeping your hands toasty this winter

All about... 5 Welcome to Cyclescheme

How Cyclescheme works, who’s eligible to take part, and how you go about getting the bike

6 Cyclescheme FAQs We answer the most frequently asked questions so you know everything you need to know

24Winter skills and thrills You don’t need to stop riding your bike just because summer has come to an end

36 Choose the right lights There are countless different bike lights out there – we help you decide which are best for you

48Gearing up for Welless Cycling to work will do wonders for your health and fitness but now it’s time to take things up to another level…

56My life on bikes: Kate Silverton Journalist and BBC news presenter Kate Silverton reveals her long-held love of cycling…

Features

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42

Produced, designed and published for Cyclescheme by Farrelly Atkinson www.f-at.co.uk

Prices correct at time of going to press. E&OE. All content © Cyclescheme 2010

Bikes tested

3

8th – 10th October. Earls Court, London.

TO BOOK VISIT CYCLESHOW.CO.UK/CSH Enter code CSH when prompted

Exclusive reader TICKET OFFERPay just £10.50* in advance (normally £15 on the door)

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*Discount valid only on tickets bought in advance and calculated off the ‘on the door’ ticket price of £15 (advance ticket price £12). All tickets are subject to a £1 booking fee per transaction. The price quoted above does not include the booking fee.

Mountain Bike Experience

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Welcome

The Cycle to Work Initiative is a salary sacrifice scheme which

gives you the chance to save on the cost of a new bike as well as

security and safety equipment to go with it. The way salary sacrifice

schemes work is that you give up part of your salary and receive an

equivalent benefit that is exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance.

What does this mean in practice? Well, technically it’s your employer who

buys the bike. You hire the bike and equipment from your employer, and

you pay back the cost of the bike from your gross salary. You save on Tax

and NI payments, saving you money over the hire period. VAT can also be

claimed back, and this saving is usually passed on by employers, unless they

are not able to – for example in the case of universities and NHS trusts.

Cyclescheme has partnered with over 1,600+ independent bike shops

throughout the UK giving you access to a massive amount of choice and

expert advice on equipment selection. To locate your local store go to

www.cyclescheme.co.uk and use the postcode store locator.

You are not limited to any brand of bike or equipment and so you can

choose the best for quality and value for money. This results in the best

package of bike and safety equipment for you.

Cyclescheme runs schemes with the Department of Transport, Office of Fair

Trading and Department of Health, as well as scores of police forces, councils,

universities and blue chip companies. Hire agreements are written entirely in

accordance with government guidelines and this service is free to employers,

including an online tool to generate promotional literature and roadshows.

Who’s it for?Want to take part? Great! If you’ve received this mag from your employer then they’re probably already running a scheme, so things should be straightforward. There are some limits as to who can take advantage of the tax breaks, though. The most important ones are:

• The scheme is open to all full, part-time and contract staff whose term of employment is more than the period of the hire (12 months)

• You need to be a UK taxpayer via the PAYE system

• You need to be 18 years of age or over to comply with Consumer Credit Act legislation

• You need to be earning more than the National Minimum Wage after your wages have been reduced to comply with UK tax law

The Cycle to Work Initiative is a salary sacrificescheme which gives you the chance to save on thecost of a new bike as well as security and safetyequipment to go with it.

About Cyclescheme...

Cyclescheme is the UK’s number one provider of tax-free bikes for the Government’s Cycle to Work initiative

We offer big savings on the best bikes and

safety equipment. Dealing with Cyclescheme’s

network of over 1,600+ local bike shops also

gives you the best experience, with the expert

personal service, convenience and choice that

larger multiple retailers just can’t match.

5

Autumn/Winter 2010

Q How do I save money through the scheme?

A The savings are made because salary sacrifice reduces your gross salary -

before any tax or NI has been deducted - so the amount of tax and NI paid is less than usual. Furthermore, most employers are able to offer VAT savings to their employees, resulting in total savings of up to 50%.

Q How often does the bike have to be used for work?

A There is no requirement for you to cycle to work for a specified number

of days throughout the year and there is no special requirement for you to record your trips. You can also use the bike for leisure at weekends and on holiday, although a bike obtained through Cyclescheme should be ridden for at least 50% of time during trips to work. The Inland Revenue does not expect you or your employer to keep a record of mileage.

Q What happens at the end of the hire period? Why can’t my

employer just give me the bike at the end of the scheme?

A It’s your employer’s choice at the end of the hire period whether they

opt to sell you the bike. Typically your employer will give you the option to buy the bike at market value: this is the amount that a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller, in this case to transfer the ownership of the bike to the employee. This market value payment is essential if you are to legitimately own the bike after receiving tax benefits throughout the hire period. The market value amount cannot be stated before or during the hire period as this could be considered a benefit in kind, which does not warrant any tax-relief.

Q Where can I go to get a bike and safety equipment?

A Cyclescheme is partnered with over 1600 Independent Bicycle Dealers

throughout the UK. Visit our website at www.cyclescheme.co.uk to find your nearest Cyclescheme Partner Stores

Q Who’s responsible for the bike during the hire period? What

happens if it gets stolen?

A You are responsible for maintaining the bike while it is in your possession;

it’s a condition of the hire agreement that you’ll sign. It’s definitely worth investing in a Sold Secure lock and insurance; if the bike gets stolen you’ll have to repay your employer from your net pay, without any tax savings.

Q Can I get a sale bike through the scheme?

A Bike shops pay a small commission to Cyclescheme when they supply

a bike. If a bike shop has marked a bike down in the sale then they may wish to add a small surcharge if they supply it through the scheme. This is only permitted if made clear to the customer before a quotation form is completed.

Q I’m paid close to or on National Minimum Wage (NMW), can I

participate in the scheme?

A Yes, you can. Cyclescheme has a process in place whereby you can

make a saving on the hire of a bicycle via a net salary deduction. This arrangement has no effect on your gross salary. Please speak to your employer for further details

FAQ...Common questions about the scheme answered by our Cyclescheme experts...

Pedalling factsSouth-West based cyclist Vin Cox has broken the

Guinness World Record for cycling around the

World. Cox, 34, competed his 18,000 mile ride at

the start of August after 163 days in the saddle,

and came home comfortably in front of previous

record holder Mark Beaumont, whose record of

195 days had stood since 2008.

Pedalling factsThe London Sky Ride in September 2010 was

officially the UK’s largest ever cycling event,

attracting over 85,000 cyclists. Mayor Boris

Johnson was there along with a host of celebrities.

Four-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy said:

“Seeing the Capital’s streets traffic-free with so

many people enjoying a day out cycling together

is a great experience for everybody “

6

Design, Lifestyle, Transportationwww.merida.com for full range details and dealer locator

NewsAutumn/Winter 2010

If the bike facilities provided by your employer leave something to be desired, you might want to point them in the direction of Cyclepods cycle storage designs. There are several innovative products on offer, each of them providing compact bike parking and good security.The flagship Cyclepod, for example, will shelter eight bikes in a space just 2m in diameter, with two separate locking points for each bike, while the Spacepod uses a broadly similar racking arrangement and can be sited either outside or indoors.

Save space with Cyclepods

CTC, the national cyclists’

organisation, has welcomed

government research that it

says shows that bicycle use has

grown to the highest level in decades.

According to the Department for

Transport’s annual National Travel Survey,

in 2009, distance travelled per person by

bicycle was 46 miles, compared to 42 miles

the previous year, with the average trip

distance rising from 2.4 miles to 2.8 miles.

The number of trips per person remained

unchanged at 16.

Chris Peck, Policy Coordinator at CTC,

said: “We expected that the recession,

along with high fuel prices, would lead to an

increase in cycling. What is surprising is that

the growth is particularly associated with

those in the highest income bracket, which

may be as a result of the boom in leisure

cycling and commuting by bike. The upward

trend has been most marked in the south of

England, with 8% of inner London residents

and one in 25 workers in the South East and

South West now saying they cycle to work.”

“At the same time as cycling is

increasing, car use is steadily falling.

Expenditure on new cars is down by 13% in

three years, while sales of bikes have soared

by 25% over the same period.”

For more info go to www.cyclepods.co.uk

8


New lights from Exposure...

Drivers face workplace car park charges?

Altura Urban Dryline 17 briefcase pannier

News

Commuting by bike could become

more popular than ever with the

news that people in some parts

of Britain might soon face having

to pay to park their cars at their workplace.

Two of the local authorities that are

reported to be considering introducing a

levy on employers providing more than 11

car parking spaces are York

and Bristol, both of which

enjoy Cycling City status.

Proposals for the

implementation of the

levy, which would see employers charged

£250 for each parking space provided, with

STOP PRESS

the option of absorbing that

cost themselves or passing

it onto their employees, were

thought to have receded once

the coalition government

came to power and promised

an end to the so-called “war

on motorists.” But faced

with massive budget cuts,

many councils are now

reported to be considering

implementing the measure,

including Bournemouth, Devon,

Hampshire, Leeds, South

Somerset and Wiltshire.

Naturist cyclist goes to court! Exposure have just launched a new rear bike light that’s ideal for keeping you

safe on your commute. The waterproof Flare has been specially designed to

get you noticed in highly lit urban areas and is even powerful enough to show

up brightly in daylight. It mounts to your bike in seconds, offers good side

illumination and costs £40. For more info go to www.exposurelights.com.

A naturist nicknamed the Cambridge Nude Cyclist has found locals less tolerant since moving to Bournemouth and now faces trial on charges of causing “harassment, alarm or distress.” Richard Collins, 53, said, “I’m disappointed Dorset police aren’t as enlightened as officers in Cambridge, London, and other parts of the country. Police in Cambridge, in the main, didn’t have a problem with it.”

If you’re after a smart, practical commuter bag, check out this option from Altura. It’s made from a hardwearing waterproof polyester, attaches firmly to a rack, and comfortably swallows a 17in laptop in a well-padded inner sleeve. Priced at £69.99, it comes with a host of reflectives to improve visibility while the shoulder strap is handy when you’re off the bike. For more info go to www.zyro.co.uk

Pedalling factsMore than 100,000 journeys were made on London’s Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme in the

first fortnight after it was launched in July. During that time, 44,000 people signed up to join

the scheme. Users take a bike, ride it, then return it to one of hundreds of docking

points spread throughout the capital.

Photo by C. G. P. Grey, www.flickr.com

P

9

KHS offer biking bargains

National Cycle Network is...15Happy birthday!

Autumn/Winter 2010

If you’re looking for a biking bargain – and, let’s be honest, you are – take a good look at the KHS range. Unlike most brands, KHS sell direct to the consumer in the UK via their website and that allows them to offer some pretty darn tempting prices. And when you factor in the savings you make getting your bike through Cyclescheme too, you really are onto a winner.

The Flite 300 road bike, for example, is killer value at £499.99 – it’s a great option for both quick commuting and for sports rides at

6. Per mile an average motorway costs a staggering £29.9 million (Hansard, 30 October 06), whereas the National Cycle Network costs around £45,000 per mile to build – not only more sustainable but cheaper too.7. Urban traffic routes account for 26% of the Network but carry an astonishing three quarters of all trips – showing that the Network is a key resource for people making everyday local journeys.8. There are around 2,000 bridges, 10,000 seats and 50,000 signs along the Network.9. The first route to be created for the Network was the

Bristol to Bath Railway Path – a 17-mile traffic-free trail along a disused railway.

10. The highest point of the Network is Black Hill on the famous Sea to Sea (C2C) route - 1,998ft above sea level.11. The newest complete route is the ‘Way of the Roses’ – a 170 mile coast to coast ride from Morecambe in Lancashire to the seaside resort of Bridlington in Yorkshire, passing through magnificent landscapes including the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the Forest of Bowland and Nidderdale Areas of

Created by Sustrans in 1995, the National Cycling Network has just celebrated its 15th birthday and the sustainable transport charity has highlighted some of the key facts and figures behind the Network, which was originally planned to cover 2,500 miles but now extends to more than five times that distance.1. The National Cycle Network was officially launched on 11th Sept 1995 when it received £43.5million from the National Lottery Millennium Commission – with rock legend Meatloaf handing over the cheque on national television.2. The Network now extends over 12,600 miles .3. It carries 1 million walking and cycling journeys every single day.4. There are more miles of National Cycle Network routes in the UK than there are of motorways and the Network is the most widespread construction project since the building of the motorways.5. The Network passes within 1 mile of over 57% of the population.

Outstanding Natural Beauty.12. The three most challenging routes are Lon Las route which runs the length of Wales, the Pennine Cycle Way from Derby to Berwick upon Tweed and the Sea 2 Sea route which is a whopping 234 mile challenge.13. Almost 3,000 volunteers help Sustrans maintain and promote the Network.14. The Network hosts the largest collection of outdoor art and sculpture in the UK - over 2,000 pieces from over 300 artists over the last 20 years.15. The Network even goes international – Route 1 is part of the North Sea Cycle Route, which travels down through Norway, Sweden, Denmark (through Odense - the Danish “cycling capital”), Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, across to England and up to Shetland. A staggering 6,000km through eight different countries and the longest signed cycle route in the world.

Photo by Tim Green, www.flickr.com

the weekend. You get a double-butted 6061 alloy frame with eyelets for fitting a rear rack or mudguard, a carbon fork and seatpost that dampen road vibration and a back-friendly shallow-drop bar.

Or, if you’re looking for a fuss-free budget bike purely for getting around the city, the Urban Soul could be it. Priced at £299.99, you’ll have to go a long way to find a machine as good for the price.

For more info on the Urban Soul and the entire KHS range, go to www.khsbikes.co.uk.

10

Tange Prestige double butted cro-mo frame | Eccentric BB | Charge Whisk disc Prestige cro-mo fork | Shimano Alfine 8 speed hub gear

Shimano Alfine Hollow Tech II crankset Shimano hydraulic disc brakes | Continental City contact tyres

*Galvanised Mixer RRP: £919.99 ( Black Mixer £899.99)

*Mixer

Tirol Mountain Bike Experience The Tirol Mountain Bike Experience gives you the opportunity to try the latest mountain bike brands before they hit the shops and to gain expert riding tips and techniques.

What’s more, Austria’s very own national team coach, Kurt Exenberger, will be on hand to provide specially designed coaching sessions. Get ready to show off those skills on the test track after receiving his expert training and advice.

The Cycle Store Purchase new season’s cycling clothing from leading brands including Vitesse, Endura, Polaris, 2xu, Dakine, Cyclodelic and many more. Plus, you will be able to buy lighting, sunglasses, bags, shoes and helmets. The Cycle Store is the best place to get kitted out with all the latest high performance gear!

Secure Bike ParkRide to the show and use the free secure bike park. The bike park will be manned throughout the show, is totally secure and a ticketing system is used to sign your bike in and out.

The Cycle Arena The Cycle Arena hosts a series of talks and interviews by industry experts and top stars of the cycling industry. The sessions cater for all types and levels of cyclist and covers topics from the latest bike innovations to the best British trails and equipment.

Street Course DemonstrationsThe Cycle Arena also has a spectacular BMX aerial display course and will host some of the world’s top riders.

Commuter Test Track The Commuter Test Track is designed specifically with the commuter in mind and gives you the opportunity to try the latest commuter bikes including folding and electric bikes. If you are thinking of taking up commuting by bike to work for the first time or looking to upgrade your bike, you can get valuable advice and get a taster of different types of bikes available.

Kid’s Test Track This track is a fun, educational and safe way for kids 5 years and under, to try out the latest range of pavement bikes, with fully qualified instructors and professionals on hand to give out advice. If you are a parent this is your opportunity to get your kids inspired to become the future of cycling.

Autumn/Winter 2010

Cycling for Disabled People of all Ages

This feature will open your eyes to a

whole new world of cycling – one

which everyone can enjoy. If you’ve

thought you can’t cycle, or you have

friends who are not cycling because

they think they can’t, do visit this stand.

There will be a range of cycles available

and lots of advice on hand. There’s a

handcycle competition in which you

can participate and you can also try

some of the cycles on the Commuter

Test Track.

GO-RIDE 6 – 12 Year Olds Test Track

This test track is specially designed

for kids aged of 6-12 with Go-Ride

sessions run by fully qualified coaches

from British Cycling. Go-Ride coaching

activities have been designed to

introduce young people to a range of

cycling disciplines, such as BMX, cycle

speedway, cyclo-cross, mountain

biking, road and track riding.

Triathlon supported by Horizon Fitness

The Triathlon will be open to all visitors

and will include rowing, cycling

and running. This is your chance

to participate and challenge your

friends to a fitness test. There will be

competitions taking place throughout

the show and prizes for the winning

male and female competitor.

Book tickets at: www.cycleshow.co.uk/csh Ticket offer code: CSH

Ticket price: £10.50* (on the door price: £15)*Discount only valid on tickets bought in advance and based upon

‘on the door’ ticket price of £15.00. All tickets are subject to a £1 transaction fee per booking only, not shown here.

NEW FOR 2011…

VISIT THE UK’S BIGGEST & BEST CYCLE SHOW!

Get your Cycle Show tickets!

Everyone’s going bike mad

12

Highlights not to be missed at the Cycle Show

Featuring an all-new AluxX alloy frameset, Seek is the future of the city bike. Practical, but fun. Brainy, but ready for adventure. Powerful disc brakes, fast-rolling tyres, durable frame guards and refl ective styling for visibility set it apart from the crowd. Learn more about Giant’s wide range of city bikes at giant-bicycles.com or visit us today at giant-stores.co.uk.

Autumn/Winter 2010

StuffBringing you the very best cycling gear for your daily commute and beyond…

Lezyne HP Drive mini pump £19.99This stylish mini pump is made from beautifully finished aluminium and it gets narrower tyres up to pressure well. Less than 13cm long, it takes up hardly any space on your bike or in a pocket. www.lezyne.com

Abus Urban Exclusive £99.99Unzip the back of this well-made office bag and you’ll find hooks for clipping it to your bike rack. It’s durable, comes with a rain cover and you get pockets and compartments all over the place, including a padded sleeve for your laptop. www.abus.de

Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice £10.99Keep your chain super slinky with this hi-tech ceramic oil from Juice Lubes. If it’s good enough for the pros, why not treat yourself? www.juicelubes.co.uk

Bicycle Maintenance £9.99Bikes break, like everything else. And when they do you can mend them yourself. It’s not rocket science but you need a good manual. This is one right here. www.dennis.co.uk

Altura Night Vision Evo Vest £34.99This new top is lightweight and breathable, and it comes with masses of reflectives to keep you safe at night. There’s even a Velcro strip around the back for attaching a lightstick LED. www.zyro.co.uk

16


Topeak Bar ’n’ Mirror £26.99If you use flat handlebars, these bar ends give you an extra hand position and a fully adjustable rearview mirror on each side. Just fold them in when you get out of town. www.topeak.com

Knog 20 function multi-tool £32.99You get an amazing amount of useful stuff in this little package including Allen keys, screwdrivers, spoke wrenches and even a chain tool. Don’t leave home without one. www.knog.com.au

Proviz Electroluminescent Rucksack £44.99The white strips down the back of this high visibility bag glow blue when you switch on the battery pack to guarantee you’re seen. At 28 litres, you’ll have no trouble getting everything you need for work inside. www.proviz.co.uk

Muxu Ride Stripe Polo Shirt £55.00Although it looks like a standard polo shirt, this slim-cut stripy number doesn’t get sweaty when you ride around town and comes with an antibacterial treatment to keep you smelling beautiful when you get to work. www.muxu.cc

The Buzz Bars £1.50If you’re arriving into the office with a knot in your stomach it’s tempting to lard out on doughnuts, but why not get a natural boost with one of these tasty bars from Buzz? www.getbuzzing.co.uk

Finish Line 1-Step £x.99Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to clean and lube your chain in one go? No faffing around with brushes and rags, just squirt and go! Well now you can with this clever spray from Finish Line. www.finishlineusa.com

Stuff

Topeak Rescue Box £3.99This tiny aluminium box (35 x 60 x 11mm) holds six glueless puncture repair patches and a sheet for scuffing your inner tube. There’s space for a chain link and a couple of pins too. Mmm, shiny! www.topeak.com

Brooks Trouser Strap £14.99This is the classy way to stop your right trouser leg getting tangled up in your chain. It’s made from real leather and snaps comfortably into place. Lovely quality! www.brooksengland.com

17

The Shimano Alfine hub is a great choice for an urban commute

in detail...

Other rated rides...

Continental Contact tyres shrug off road debris better than most

Bike test

Jargon BusterButted tubes The walls of butted

tubes are thicker at the ends than

they are in the middle. This keeps the

ends strong, where the stresses are

higher, and saves weight elsewhere.

Kona Africabike Three £350.00This sturdy all-rounder is functional and fun, and for every two sold, Kona donate one to someone in need in Africa. It comes with a rear rack that’s integrated into the butted aluminium frame, a Shimano 3-speed internal rear hub and plenty of extras including mudguards and a kickstand. www.konaworld.uk.com

Cannondale Tesoro 700 £999.99 The Tesoro is one versatile beast. It’s a commuter, it’s a weekend adventurer, it’s a tourer… it can handle pretty much whatever you care to throw its way. The frame is built for comfort while a rear rack, chainguard, lock and lights add to the functionality. www.cannondale.com.

Autumn/Winter 2010

18


Globe Haul 1 £549.99 As the name suggests, the Haul is designed for carrying loads, hence its integrated rear rack with an elm deck that’ll hold up to 40kg. LED lights, aluminium mudguards and a kickstand come as standard while smaller than usual gearing will get you and your cargo up the climbs. www.globebikes.com

Ridgeback Avenida 8 £699.99 The Avenida 8 is built around a lightweight aluminium frame with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub gear providing smooth shifting. Hydraulic disc brakes – also Shimano – provide all-weather stopping power while a rack and mudguards come as part of the package. Also available as an open frame. www.ridgeback.co.uk

On test...

Kona might be best known as a mountain

bike brand but they do a whole range

of road-going rigs too, including their

Asphalt Commuter lineup that contains

the Dr Fine. This cool-looking urban steed has some

high-quality features that’ll take you there in style

and make your commute a whole lot of fun.

Rather than the usual derailleur system, the Dr

Fine comes fitted with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed

hub gear. Eh? That means that all the mechanisms

are contained inside the shell of the rear hub. The

working parts are protected from the elements

which is particularly useful if you’re going to be

commuting in all kinds of weather.

The other key benefit, particularly for commuting,

is that you can change gear even when you’re at

a standstill. So if you have to brake suddenly at a

junction and don’t have time to shift down before

you stop, you can simply change gear before pulling

away again, rather than jumping on the pedals with

all your might to get moving. In a stop-start urban

environment, that makes life a lot easier.

The Dr Fine’s disc brakes

are excellent too. It’s great

to know that you can stop

without any drama if someone

cuts you up or brakes hard in

front of you. It does wonders

for your confidence. A Kevlar

belt means the Continental

Contact tyres offer heavy-duty

protection from punctures, so

you won’t often find yourself

on the roadside grappling with

a spare inner tube.

The heart of the bike,

though, is the frame and the

Dr Fine is built around a light,

durable and attractive-looking

aluminium design. It’s butted

to cut the weight while maintaining strength, and

the steeply sloping top tube means there’s tons of

clearance when you’re standing with your feet on

the ground at a red light. You can fit mudguards and

there’s rear rack eyelets if you want to use panniers for

carrying essentials to and from the office.

You can certainly buy cheaper bikes than the Dr

Fine, but you’re getting yourself a reliable commuting

option here with some first-rate equipment that

really enhances the ride. If you can run to it, you won’t

be disappointed. www.konaworld.com

Kona Dr Fine £975This flat-barred urban flyer is packed with high-quality components that make for an excellent ride

Tech SpecsPrice: £449.99 Weight: 25.8lb (11.7kg) Frame: Kona 7005 aluminum butted Fork: Kona Carbon Race Disc Drivetrain: FSA Vero chainset, Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub gears Brakes: Shimano M445 hydraulic disc/Alfine disc with Shimano M445 hydraulic levers Wheels: Shimano disc front, Alfine rear hub, Freedom Ryder 21 rims, Continental Contact 700 x 32C tyres Other: VP-198 pedals, WTB Valcon saddle Sizes 46, 49, 53, 59, 61cm

If you have to brake suddenly at ajunction and don’t have time to shiftdown before you stop, you cansimply change gear before pullingaway again

19

Example savings

Example

Example† Cyclescheme savings for basic and higher rate tax payers

Basic rate 20% Tax, 11% NI, 20% VAT††

Bike package retail price £999.97

Income tax, VAT & NI saved £448.00

Gross monthly repayments £83.33

Net monthly payments £46.00

Total cost of bike package £551.97

Higher rate 40% Tax, 1% NI, 20% VAT††






Package

++ +Total retail price

£999.97Price† after savings for

basic rate tax payer


higher rate tax payer

£471.97

£975.00Kona Dr Fine

Add (a little!) safety equipment for the full bike-to-work experience!

£9.99Altura Gravity mitt

www.zyro.co.uk£9.99

Abus 1950 cable lock

www.abus.de

This is an example† of how savings are made for basic and higher rate tax payers on this bike package hired over a 12 month period.†At the end of the hire period, under a separate agreement, the ownership may be transferred to the hirer for a market value payment. Savings will be affected by your personal level of taxation. Not all employers can pass on VAT savings. Some employers use finance to purchase the bikes, which will affect savings.††VAT is calculated at the current rate which will change to 20% on Jan 1st 2011. The 20% rate is used in these examples.

Changes to National Insurance contributions from 2011. The government has announced that the employee, employer and self-employed rates of National Insurance contributions (NICs) will increase by 1 per cent from April 2011 thus increasing savings further.

Autumn/Winter 2010

£4.99Rema TT02 Puncture Kit

www.madison.co.uk

20

Frame: Lightweight alloy with Dynamism custom tubingForks: Carbon bladesSizes: 18” 20” 22”Tech: 27 speed Shimano Deore gears, Alex Ace19 double wall rims, Schwalbe City Plus tyres, Dawes custom saddle, Shimano V-brakes and alloy pedals.

essentialsWe give you the lowdown on the bike kit you just can’t do without…

Jargon buster Shackle The shackle is the U shaped

piece of metal on a D-lock (sometimes

called a U-lock) that fits into the

barrel. Fill the shackle as much as

possible when you lock your bike to

stop thieves forcing a lever inside and

prising it open.

If you want to keep your new bike safe, you need to protect it with a decent lock. Here are eight good options to suit every budget

Locks

When it comes to

bike locks,

you get what

you pay for. Spend a

few hundred pounds on a bike and then

lock it up in the street with something

that cost a tenner down the market and

you could end up taking the bus home.

Do yourself a favour and invest in some

proper security.

When you’re choosing what’s best

for you, look out for Sold Secure ratings.

These are independently assessed

awards given to security products and

they come in bronze, silver and gold

flavours reflecting the level of protection

on offer.

OnGuard Bulldog Mini £25.99 This lock is just 150mm long, 90mm wide and 862g so it’s ideal for slinging into your bag or leaving on the mounting bracket just in case you need it. The shackle is 13mm-wide hardened steel and its small size means it’s hard for a thief to get something in there to prise it open. The cylinder will put up stubborn resistance to both strong-arm tactics and picking while all the parts are rubber coated to prevent any damage to your bike. www.onguardlock.com

Abus Bordo Granit XPlus £99.99 This concertina-style lock is super-compact when folded up (190 x 65 x 35mm) so it’s convenient to carry, the rubber pouch attaching to your bike frame in seconds with Velcro straps. The 5.5mm-thick hardened steel links provide Abus’s top level of security while the lock mechanism is well shielded from attack. At 85cm long when opened out, it can fasten your bike to all kinds of solid objects, and one of the keys even has its own little LED to help you find the keyhole in the dark – neat touch! www.abus.de

Autumn/Winter 2010

22


Squire Urban Protector £44.99 With a Sold Secure Silver rating, the Urban Protector offers excellent protection for the cash. A hardened boron alloy steel shackle, a hardened steel body, and a double locking mechanism will fend off all but the best-equipped thieves with plenty of time on their hands. The shackle is a generous 29cm long so you get loads of space for locking your bike to street furniture, and the plastic carrying bracket holds it firmly on your frame while you’re riding. www.squirelocks.co.uk

Master Lock Street Cuff £69.99 These are handcuffs for your bike. You attach one cuff around your frame and the other around something immovable, like a bike rack. They’re made from laminated hardened steel, and because they’re just 7.5cm in diameter it’s difficulty for a crook to get a lever inside. The link between them is hardened too and it pivots, further thwarting any would-be tealeaf. The Street Cuffs fold in half for easy carrying, or you can buy an extra bracket (£9.99) for stowing them neatly on your bike. www.masterlock.com

Trelock FS 455 £69.99 This lock comes with a Sold Secure Silver rating and the 85cm length means you can protect your wheels as well as the frame. It folds down to a diddy 190 x 84 x 35mm, and it sits securely in a plastic mount on your frame when not in use. www.trelock.de

Abus Granit X-Plus 54 £74.99 A top-level Sold Secure Gold rating shows that this is a great choice if you need to leave your bike in a high-risk area – this is about as tough as a portable lock gets. It’s built with a strong, double-bolted shackle and a well-protected mechanism while a universal mount makes it easy to carry around. www.abus.de

Kryptonite Evolution Mini £44.99 Kryptonite make some fantastically strong locks and this little number (140 x 83 x 13mm) packs a big punch for a little un, earning a Sold Secure Silver rating. The hardened steel shackle bolts into a reinforced crossbar with impressive resistance to twisting and leverage. It’s also available in a longer (241mm) version. www.kryptonitelock.com

Master Lock Street Fortum £34.99 With a Sold Secure Gold rating, this D-lock offers superb value for money. It’s well constructed with a shackle that goes right through the locking bar to anchor everything firmly in place. You get four keys and a frame mount while the rubber finish prevents any damage to your bike frame. www.masterlock.com

Essential kit: Locks

23

Autumn/Winter 2010

Winter skills and thrills

You don’t need to stop riding your bike just because summer has come to an end

A wet road surface can be dicey, especially when you’re going round a corner and your centre of gravity isn’t right over your tyres. That’s when you’re most likely to slip. The best way to stay safe is to look ahead, decide whether you need to brake and, if you do, scrub off the speed before you reach the corner when you’re in your most stable riding position. Remember that most brakes are less effective in the wet so you’ll need to brake early. Rather than leaning your bike into the corner, go around it more upright than normal. It’s not a disaster if you do need to brake while cornering but don’t lock the wheels – there’s a good chance you’ll slide off.

Take on wet corners

Riding in the winter can be as enjoyable and rewarding as it is in the warmer weather if you have the right kit and learn these basic bike-handling skills...

Cycling through the winter isn’t as difficult as you might think. Yes, the temperature’s lower but you’re active when you’re on your bike so you’re constantly generating your own warmth. You need to layer up but you can still have a whole lot of fun out there.

Brake early

Pick your line

Stay upright

24


Winter skills

Winter skills The perfect way to deal with a pothole is to spot it early, check over your shoulder for traffic, and steer around it. Trouble is, they tend to sneak up unexpectedly and there’s no time for that. Resist the urge to swerve out into the road at the last second – that’s plain dangerous. Instead, keep your upper body relaxed with your arms slightly bent to absorb the shock, hold the bars with a firm but not white-knuckled grip and, if you have time, lift yourself out of the saddle slightly. If it’s a deep hole, pull up on the bars just before you reach the far lip to lift the front wheel and avoid getting a pinch-flat. Easy peasy!

Drains and manhole covers are slippery when they’re wet so you’re best off avoiding them whenever possible. Most drains are positioned right next to the kerb – ride further out in the carriageway and you won’t need to steer around them so often. Occasionally, though, you’ll have to deal with wet metalwork and then you want your weight right over the centre of the bike so the wheels don’t slip from underneath you. Stay seated and freewheel, keeping the bike upright and moving in a straight line. If your tyre does start to slide, don’t panic. Chances are that it’ll regain traction as soon as it reaches the Tarmac and you’ll be able to ride it out.

Ride through potholes

Deal with metalwork

We don’t advise doing this all the time but occasionally the best option to avoid a pothole, raised drain cover or other obstacle is to jump it. Whatever you do, practise bunnyhopping on a quiet road to begin with. All you need to do is get out of the saddle and crouch low over the bike with bent arms and legs. Then immediately spring upwards, taking the bike with you. It’s a whole lot easier if you’re attached to the pedals with either cleats or clips and straps. If you’re using flat pedals, lift the front wheel first, point your toes at the road, and push back and up on the pedals to scoop the rear end off the ground.

Bunnyhop hazards

Front wheel first

Stay straight

Point toes down

Avoid if you can!

Don’t swerve

25

Autumn/Winter 2010

Sometimes the rear tyre will spin on the road surface when you’re climbing a really steep, wet hill. This is most likely to happen if you’re using skinny tyres and you’re riding out of the saddle, particularly if there are overhanging trees that have left the road slimy. The way to tackle this is to stay seated so you’ve got more of your weight over the back wheel to improve traction. You also need to make sure you pedal as smoothly as possible, keeping the pressure even throughout your pedal stroke without any jerky movements. Try shifting to a slightly harder gear too. This will slow down your pedalling action and help keep everything smooth.

Climb damp hills

Stay seated

Smooth pedalling

1. Don’t overdress for winter rides. You can afford to be a little cold for the first mile because the exercise will soon warm you up.

2. Avoid puddles whenever possible. You never know which ones will turn out to be wheel-crunching potholes until it’s too late.

3. Your bike will need more attention in the winter. Give it a quick clean and re-lube after a wet ride. Remember that road grit can be corrosive.

4. Be especially careful if you’re riding in the first rain for a few days. Collected dust and vehicle emissions make the surface super-slippery until the rain has had a chance to wash it all away.

5. Road markings, like white lines at junctions, are often slippery when it rains. When you can’t avoid them, make sure you ride across them as upright as possible.

6. If you’re on a long, wet descent, feather the brakes lightly to clear the wheel rims of water so they’ll work better when you need them.

7. Wear a cycle cap or skullcap under your helmet to keep your head warm in really chilly temperatures.

8. Wear clear glasses in wet conditions to stop water splashing into your eyes

WinterTips

26

We ride bikes.We want to be healthy.We are trying to make a difference.We want to enjoy our world.We use planes, trains and buses.

This is why our bikes fold.

We are kansiwelcome2the fold

to �nd out more about the brand new kansi range check out

www.kansi.co.uk

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

CYCLE COMMUTER_KANSI.pdf 1 17/03/2010 16:43

Autumn/Winter 2010

Base layerIf you’re riding more than a couple of miles, you want a technical layer next to your skin to keep you dry and warm. Cotton will get damp and clammy. You need something like polyester or polypropylene that’ll shift sweat away or Merino wool which, although it won’t keep you dry, will keep you toasty anyway.

Winter tyresDon’t worry about the tread if you’re riding only on the road – you don’t need it. You might want wider tyres in the winter, though, for a larger contact area and less possibility of sliding. A puncture-resistant strip or compound under the tread will save you swapping inner tubes in the cold weather – Specialized’s Armadillo tyres, for example, hardly ever puncture.

OvershoesThey might not be pretty but when it comes to practicality, overshoes are hard to beat. Some are waterproof but most are made from permeable neoprene that acts like it does in a wetsuit, holding water inside where it warms up to keep your feet moist but comfy. Enclosed soles add a load more heat.

MudguardsBike tyres can pick up rainwater from the road and spray it all over you, making you wet and cold, but good, well-fitting mudguards will keep you dry and comfortable. You’ll be amazed at the difference they make. These days you can get lightweight, rattle-free mudguards that you’ll barely know are there.

Waterproof jacketYou need a jacket that’ll keep the wind and rain out and that’s breathable enough to keep you dry and comfortable when you work up a sweat. Look for a slim cut to prevent flapping, a high neck to avoid draughts, and adjustable openings (front zip, cuffs, hem and vents) so you can fine-tune the climate inside.

Waterproof overtrousersOvertrousers are often made from the same waterproof and breathable fabrics as jackets. Look for long leg-zippers so you can get them on and off easily over your shoes, and a means of cinching them so they don’t get tangled up as you pedal. Reflective print is a useful safety feature too.

Flick through the pages of this magazine and you’ll see plenty of bike kit that’ll make your winter commute safer and more comfortable. Here are some other essential accessories...

Must-have winter kit

28

SAFE LIGHTDAY NIGHT

Solid or flashing modeFully waterproofSide illuminationCable free designNo tools easy2use bracketSmall & LightweightLong burn timesDisposable or rechargable batteriesLength 60mm

Exposure Lights are designed and manufactured in the UK by USE (01798 344 477)

e.mail: [email protected] Trade Enquiries Welcome. For an exclusive first look at our

new 2011 range come see us today: www.exposurel ights.com

THE NEW FLARE REAR LIGHT IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO STAND OUT IN HIGHLY LIT URBAN AREAS AND IS SO POWERFUL THAT YOU WILL EVEN BE SEEN IN BROAD DAYLIGHT!

Match up a FLARE with the FLASH front light for the complete, ef ficient road / commuting system

OR

ACTUAL SIZE

SRP £40

A sturdy rear rack means that you can fit panniers to lug your stuff

in detail...


The ergonomic grips give a comfortable and stable hand position

Bike testAutumn/Winter 2010

Giant Chixie £499.99The Chixie is a female-specific singlespeed/fixed gear bike (you flip the rear wheel to swap between the two) for women who want a low maintenance, fun and attractive steed. It’s best on flat terrain while the brushed aluminium chassis and light blue finishing kit is guaranteed to turn headswww.giant-bicycles.com

Genesis Day One Flat Barred £549.99The Day One is made from steel – slim-tubed Reynolds 520 double-butted cromoly, to be precise – and has a cool retro look to it. You get just the one gear – you can run it fixed or with a freewheel – and choose between flat and dropped bars. Simple and a whole lot of fun. www.genesisbikes.co.uk

30


Jargon BusterLowrider rack This is a front

rack that attaches to your fork

and carries the panniers low

down below the top of the

wheel. This makes for better

stability when you’re shifting

heavier loads.

On test...

Trek make some of the fastest bikes out there – Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France on Treks for years – but they know a thing or two about building reliable everyday bikes for the rest of

us too. The Allant is one of these, combining strength and durability with a healthy dose of comfort. The Allant – which is available in a WSD (women’s specific design) step-through frame as well as this standard men’s version with a horizontal top tube – is ready for commuting right out of the box. The frame is made from Trek’s Alpha White Aluminium which is plain gauge 6000 series alloy that’ll stand up to daily use and abuse without a word of complaint, while a rack at the back allows you to carry whatever you need for the office. If that’s not enough, you get eyelets for attaching a lowrider rack up front as well.

The ride position is traffic-friendly too. Rather than being low and stretched as you are on a sports bike, you sit up on the Allant, your lofty head position giving you a good view of what’s going on around you. It’s confidence inspiring in town

and allows you to watch the world go by when you’re out enjoying the countryside.

The bars are high and they angle back towards you, taking the pressure off your back, while Bontrager’s Boulevard saddle is sofa-soft. With dual-compound padding in there and nine springs underneath, you’re guaranteed a plush ride even over the most juddery cobbles. The wide (35mm) tyres

help there too, smoothing over bumpy roads and even loosely surfaced tracks, and protecting the wheels if you hit unseen potholes.

When it comes to gears, the Allant is well equipped. The triple chainset matched up to a 7-speed cassette allows you to choose from a wide range of ratios including some ultra low ones. If you live in a hilly area, these will get you up just about anything short of vertical even if you’re weighed down with a hefty cargo. Flicking between them couldn’t be easier thanks to Shimano’s EasyFire shifters which give you effortless fingertip control, and their durability is impressive too.

The Tektro linear-pull brakes pack a decent performance too, whether you’re just scrubbing off a bit of speed for a tight corner or hauling yourself to a standstill at the lights. They’ve got more power than standard calliper brakes and they won’t let you down in an emergency.

Trek haven’t skimped on the details either. The Allant is fitted with full mudguards to keep you dry when the roads are wet, and they’re colour matched to the frame, which is a neat touch. You get a mini chainguard too, meaning that there’s a little shield ouside the biggest chainring to prevent your clothing getting oily or caught up, and the alloy kickstand comes in handy without adding much weight.

Taken as a whole, this is a relaxed bike that’ll get you to and from work in comfort, and much more besides. The price is good too – it’s a great buy. www.trek.co.uk

Trek Allant £449.99 This dependable, multi-geared hybrid is ideal for your daily commute, and for much more besides….

Tech Specs

Price £449.99Weight 32lb (14.5kg)Frame: Alpha White AluminumFork: High tensile steelDrivetrain: Shimano EF51 7-speed trigger shifters, Shimano M191 and Acera mechs, Shimano M131 triple chainsetBrakes: Tektro linear pull brakes with Shimano EF51 leversWheels: Alloy front hub, Shimano RM30 rear hub, 36-hole double-wall alloy rimsOther: Nylon pedals with Kraton inserts, Bontrager Boulevard saddleSizes: 15, 17.5, 20in (+ 22.5in men’s)

You sit up on the Allant,your lofty head positiongiving you a good viewof what’s going onaround you

GT Traffic 1.0 £735.00GT’s aluminium Traffic bikes come with a host of commuter-friendly features including protective rubber strips, rear LEDs integrated into the saddles, and eyelets for fitting racks and guards. The top-of-the-range 1.0 gets tough Shimano Deore mountain bike components and powerful hydraulic disc brakes. www.gtbicycles.com

Marin San Anselmo Alfine£849.99This is a strong, well-equipped and versatile piece of commuter fun. The Shimano internal hub gearing, reassuring tyres and suspension seatpost come together with a quality frame and fork package to provide a great pick-me-up on those morning rides to work. www.marin.co.uk

31

Example savings

Example

This is an example† of how savings are made for basic and higher rate tax payers on this bike package hired over a 12 month period.














†At the end of the hire period, under a separate agreement, the ownership may be transferred to the hirer for a market value payment. Savings will be affected by your personal level of taxation. Not all employers can pass on VAT savings. Some employers use finance to purchase the bikes, which will affect savings.

Package

Total retail price





£278.45

£449.99Trek Allant

Add safety equipment for the full bike-to-work experience!

£69.99Trelock FS 455 lock

www.trelock.de

£34.99Endura Deluge Glove

www.endura.com

††VAT is calculated at the current rate which will change to 20% on Jan 1st 2011. The 20% rate is used in these examples.


Autumn/Winter 2010

£34.99Altura Night Vision Evo vest

www.zyro.co.uk

32


Jargon buster Vents All helmets have vents to let

cool air in and moist air out but some

have more than others. If you have

a long commute or do sports-type

riding, the more air-conditioning the

better in the warmer weather. If you

have a short, steady commute through

town, less ventilation is fine.

Protection for your head comes in all sorts of different styles. Take your pick from these top choices…

Helmets

You don’t have to wear a bike

helmet if you don’t want, but

why wouldn’t you? They’re so

lightweight and well ventilated

that you barely feel you’ve got one on. For

the level of protection you get plus the

peace of mind, a helmet has to be a sound

investment.

All the lids on the market meet the

relevant safety standards so you just

need to decide what features you’d like.

These days there are even some designed

specifically for commuting with integrated

lights to make sure you’re seen in traffic.

Proviz Saturn £55.99 If being seen is top of your list of priorities, this is the helmet for you. The new Saturn is designed specifically for commuters, coming in a hard-to-ignore fluorescent yellow with lightweight LED lights at both the front and rear. These really do boost your visibility in nighttime traffic. As well as coming in handy in sunshine, the peak stops rain getting into your eyes while good fit adjustment, effective padding and plenty of vents keep things comfortable. www.proviz.co.uk

Scott Watu £39.99 The Watu is a really good helmet for the money. Scott’s Rotary Adjustment System allows you to alter the fit one-handed with the simple turn of a dial at the back, so it’s easy to fine-tune as you’re riding along. Lightweight mesh stops insects getting into the vents while the peak is easily removable, so you can choose to ride with or without. The padding is well sited for plenty of comfort and the overall build quality is excellent. www.scott-sports.com

Autumn/Winter 2010

34


Bell Muni £59.99 This new urban helmet has several clever little tricks tucked away. The chinstrap, for example, is secured by an easily adjusted ratcheting buckle, and little flashing LEDs on the retention harness at the rear help get you seen by other road-users. And there’s more… You get a strap on the back for hanging a Blackburn Flea rear flasher – which you buy separately – while the peak is designed to accommodate both a Flea front light and a rearview mirror. Smart stuff! www.bellhelmets.com

Met Falco £44.99 The Falco is designed for mountain biking but we reckon that it’s just as suitable for riding on the road. With great

venting from all angles and Met’s Safe-T Lite sliding adjustment device, this helmet is one of the comfiest around. A reflective sticker at the rear alerts other

road users to your presence at night, the CoolMax pads are anti-allergic, and the peak comes

off if you prefer it that way. At 260g, this is a lightweight choice and it’s available in a whole range of different colours.

www.met-helmets.com

Giro Skyla £34.99 This women’s-specific helmet comes with a click-wheel on the harness for user-friendly fit adjustment. Large vents at the front and exhaust ports at the back keep the air flowing over your head even at low speeds so you stay cool and comfortable, and it’s available in a whole range of finishes. www.giro.com

Abus Urban I £49.99 With a built-in red LED and a reflective triangle at the rear, this is a helmet that’s specially designed to get you noticed on the city streets. A padded chinstrap adds to the comfort while other useful features include bug mesh inside the front vents and a detachable peak. www.abus.de

Specialized Echelon £49.99 The Echelon uses Specialized’s Headset SL system that allows you to adjust the tightness via a clicking dial and alter the height of the cradle on the back of your head too, so you can get a secure, comfortable fit. You get masses of ventilation, and cool looks come as standard. www.specialized.com

Las Settantuno £44.99 This one-size-fits-all lid comes with simple fit adjustment via a wheel at the rear and offers good value for money. Mesh protectors integrated in the front vents keep bees and wasps out. It comes with a detachable peak and, weighing under 250g, it’s lighter than most at this price too. www.lashelmets.com

Essential kit: Helmets

35

Choose the right

There are countless different bike lights out there – here’s how to decide which are best for you

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

These lights won’t just get you seen in town, they’re bright enough for you to ride quickly and safely on unlit roads too. Most have a battery pack that’s separate from the lamp unit which you attach to your frame or stem. You remove it for recharging overnight or while you’re at work. For example: Exposure Toro £275.00

You need some serious firepower if you’re thinking of heading off-road at night. These lights are expensive but they’re strong enough to show up all the irregularities in the trail so nothing will take you by surprise. You’ll sometimes get two lamps – a floodlight and a spotlight – and different beam settings so you can choose the level of light you need for the conditions. For example: Nuke Proof Reactor £199.99

Do you need to light the way rather than

just be seen?

Do you intend to ride solely on the road or smooth cyclepaths?

Would you prefer lights you can recharge?Big beam road

rechargeable

Off-road rechargeable

lightsSTART

Autumn/Winter 2010

36


No

No

Yes

Yes

Are you looking for a main light for your bike?

These are usually more expensive than non-rechargeable equivalents, but use them regularly and you’ll end up paying less in the long run because

you won’t need to shell out on replacement batteries. Plus, rechargeable lights are so much more convenient – just top them up regularly from a wall socket and you’ll never find yourself plunged into darkness on your trip home from work. For example: Cateye HL-EL600 Single Shot £74.99

Mains rechargeable commuter

USB rechargeable commuter

Battery operated commuter

Supplementary light

If you’re not always going to have a free power socket close by, or you don’t want to carry a bulky charger around with you, you can refill the batteries of these lights via a USB port on your computer. Plug them in when you arrive at work in the morning and they’ll be ready to rock before it’s time to go home. For example: Light & Motion Vis360 £149.99

These come in all sorts of designs ranging from the cheap and cheerful to the highly technical. If you’re going to be riding in all weathers, check that yours is at least water resistant – some are completely waterproof. And if your commute is a long one, go for a decent runtime. Swapping batteries a lot can soon become a bit of a chore. For example: Smart Lunar 25 £54.99

Even if you’ve got a good bike light, it’s worth having a backup in your bag to keep you out of trouble if it packs up unexpectedly. You can also use a supplementary light alongside your main one to increase your presence on the road – have one on constant mode and one flashing for maximum visibility. Little LEDs are usually cheap and the batteries last for ages. For example: Electron Backupz £12.95

Will you always be able to recharge

from a power socket?

No

Essential kit: Lights

37


LightsWhether you have a short urban commute or a long, unlit ride to and from work, we’ve got the perfect bike lights for you

Cateye EL-020 Hybrid £49.99 This is clever. The Cateye runs off solar energy. Sit it on the windowsill at work all day and it charges up for the journey home, shining out for up to 2.5hrs in constant mode or 6hrs on the flashing setting. The one watt LED is surprisingly powerful – certainly bright enough to get you noticed on the road at night thanks to an excellent lens. If the solar-charged battery runs out you just flick a switch and use the standard AA battery instead. Like we said, clever. www.zyro.co.uk

Exposure Maxx-D £325 You don’t need anything like this amount of power for your commute on the road, but if you want to head onto the trails this super-bright light will turn night into day. It’s a rechargeable, cable-free design that’s weatherproof and very secure on your handlebars. Brilliant… in more ways than one. www.exposurelights.com

SuperNova E3 Pro £165 Compact, stylish and super-powerful, the E3 Pro is a world away from any dynamo system you have seen before, and the anti-glare lens makes it ideal for the road. The energy is provided by a dynamo hub (that you buy separately) so it’s available whenever you ride. Also available as a battery version. www.supernova-lights.com

Autumn/Winter 2010

38


NiteRider MiNewt Mini-USB Plus £129.99 This little unit – MiNewt in name, minute in size – is among our favourites. The stem-mounted battery, LED lamp and straps weigh in at just 175g yet you get enough light to see the way clearly even on unlit roads for up to three hours. When the charge indicator light says you’re running out of juice you can top it up from either a wall socket or, if there’s not one nearby, a USB port on your computer – handy! A helmet mount comes as part of the package – a version without it costs £99.99. www.2pure.co.uk

Knog Boomer £24.99 As well as a constant mode, this bright around-town LED has three intermittent settings including a random flash that’s impossible to miss. It weighs just 60g, lives in a soft silicone body and attaches to your bars in seconds. A rear version is available for £22.99 and a twin pack for £45.99. www.todayscyclist.co.uk

Smart LED Mini Front £10.29 This little LED is definitely one for getting you seen rather than lighting the way, but it’s lightweight and has a runtime of up to 120hrs so you won’t often have to mess about with batteries. It’s waterproof too and the curved window means you get good visibility from the sides. www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

Electron Terra 1 £74.99 This new, rechargeable commuter light is an absolute bargain. You can select from three different modes depending on where you’re riding, and on the highest setting it pumps out a beam that’s easily strong enough to show the way on roads without streetlamps. Unlike many high-power lights, the lamp unit has side windows that ensure you get spotted as you pass junctions and make it road-legal without the need to use a supplementary LED, while a low battery indicator ensures you’re never caught out in the dark. www.madison.co.uk

Blackburn Flea 2.0 £24.99 Hitting the scales at under 20g, the Flea is tiny yet the four LEDs kick out a surprising amount of light to get you seen. It attaches to your handlebar in seconds with a simple Velcro strap and runs for 6hrs – or 12hrs in flashing mode. When the battery level indicator says you’re low on power you just recharge from any computer’s USB port. A rear version of the Flea is available too at the same price. www.madison.co.uk

Essential kit: Lights

39


You need a good tail light – or even a couple – to keep you safe on night-time roads. Here’s our pick of the best…

Rear lights

Light and Motion Vis 180 £99.99 No two ways about it, this is pricey, but it’s 10 times brighter than most other rear lights and amber side beams get you seen by overtaking cars. The Vis 180 will recharge from a USB port on your computer and it’s built to last. A really high quality piece of kit. www.madison.co.uk

Cateye SL110 Loop £9.99 There’s plenty to like about this little safety light that’s available for front or rear. For a start, it weighs just 22g and attaches to your bike or bag in seconds thanks to a simple elastic strap. Better than that, though, it’s glows amazingly bright and the domed surface means that it’s visible over a wide range of angles to get you seen in traffic. The Loop light will run constantly for 30hrs or up to 50hrs in flashing mode and it’s highly water resistant. www.zyro.co.uk

NiteZone Redeye Micro LED £8.29 This tiny LED takes up no space in your pocket or bag and attaches to your bike in seconds with a stretchy strap. It’s waterproof and has a super-long battery life of up to 400hrs. We’d use it in flashing mode, alongside a larger rear light, for extra visibility in traffic. www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

NiteRider Cherry Bomb £21.99 You can buy cheaper rear LEDs but the Cherry Bomb is extremely bright and noticeable out on the streets. You get one intense central LED and two smaller ones in there and the lens fires out the light horizontally, where you want it, not vertically, where you don’t – other road users really aren’t going to ignore you with one of these on board. You can use the Cherry Bomb in either steady or flashing mode and it’ll clip to a mount on your seat post or to a loop on your bag. www.2pure.co.uk

Autumn/Winter 2010

40

Combined brake and shifter units mean all your controls are at hand

in detail...


A handy chain catcher stops you shipping your chain when changing gear

Bike test

Jargon BusterDouble chainset This is the

crankset (the arms the pedals are

attached to) and the chainrings

(the front cogs). A double chainset

is where you have two chainrings,

giving you two sets of gear ratios

Scott Contessa Speedster 25 £699.99 The Contessa range is designed especially for women, featuring female-specific components such as the saddle and handlebar. A triple chainset matched up to a 9-speed cassette gives a huge range of gears for getting up steep climbs and flying down the other side. www.scott-sports.com

Genesis Flyer £649.99 The too-cool-for-school Flyer is built around a retro-style Reynolds 520 steel frame with a smattering of good value Genesis finishing kit. You get just the one gear so maintenance is minimal, although you can run it with either a fixed gear or a freewheel. www.genesisbikes.co.uk

Autumn/Winter 2010

42


GT GTR Series 3 £799.99 The GTR Series 3 comes with a hydroformed aluminium frame and a carbon legged fork while the groupset components are from Shimano’s Tiagra range. A compact chainset will keep you spinning when the road heads upwards. www.gtbicycles.com

Cannondale CAAD 8 105 Compact £999.99 Nipping in just below the £1,000 mark, the CAAD 8 is built around a fabulous aluminium frame that’s stood the test of time while the Shimano 105 groupset components offer an excellent level of performance. This is a really high-quality bike for the cash. www.cannondale.com

On test...

There’s a good reason why the Specialized

Allez is one of the most popular bikes

bought through the Cyclescheme – it’s a

solid all-rounder without any real weakness.

At £500 for the entry-level model, you can’t go wrong.

Specialized have been making good, affordable

alloy bikes for years and they’ve got it down to a

fine art. The Allez is made from their A1 Premium

Aluminium and comes with the same design that

you’ll find on more expensive models. It drops down

steeply along its length to avoid any uncomfortable

encounters if you need to get your feet down to the

road in a hurry when you hit a red light.

Specialized are big on rider comfort – it’s a brand

obsession. The snaking chainstays provide a little give

over rough road surfaces while the carbon fork legs

help to dampen out vibration at the front end.

The Allez is built to a racy geometry but the reach

is reasonable, the head tube isn’t ridiculously low and

you get a good stack of spacers below the stem. In

other words, it’s a position you can sit and pedal in

comfortably… for hours if you want to do sportive

rides at the weekend.

Specialized have added several features that

should keep you rolling. The

tyres come with Flak Jacket

protection below the tread

to help prevent punctures.

The wheels are built strong to

spread the load, and a chain

catcher stops you overshifting

inwards, saving you struggling

to get an oily chain back on on

your way to work. Speaking of

work, if you want to fit a rack for

commuting duties, the Allez

comes with eyelets that make

it a simple job.

The Shimano drivetrain runs as smoothly and

reliably as far more costly setups, the double chainset

and 8-speed cassette providing a spread of gears

that’ll get you up most climbs without too much

trouble. At 9.8kg (21.6lb), the Allez is a decent weight

too which makes those hills just a touch more

manageable, and acceleration is snappy when you

want to get a shift on. Just as important, the dual

pivot brakes will stop you quickly and reliably.

All in all, the Allez is a very impressive road bike for

the money. It’ll handle urban commutes fine but it’s

at its best when you hit the open road. If you want

a sporty machine that’s fast, reliable and capable of

eating up the miles, take a good look.

www.specialized.com

Specialized Allez 16 £499.99 If you want a road bike for big weekend rides as well as commuting, this could be the model for you

Tech SpecsPrice: £499.99 Weight: 21.6lb (9.8kg)Frame: Specialized Allez A1 Premium aluminumFork: Specialized Allez carbonDrivetrain: Shimano 2300 levers, mechs and chainsetBrakes: Dual pivotWheels: Alex S500 rims, forged aluminium hubs, Specialized Mondo tyresOther: Specialized Body Geometry Rival saddleSizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cm

The Shimano drivetrain runssmoothly and reliably providing aspread of gears that’ll get you upmost climbs

43

Example savings

Example














Package

++ +Total retail price





£324.96

499.99Specialized Allez 16


£89.99Kask K-50 helmet

www.kask.it £45.99Knog Boomer F&R LED lights

www.knog.com.au



Autumn/Winter 2010

£29.99Master Lock Street Fortum pack

www.masterlock.com

44

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THE KONA JAKE THE ONLY BIKE YOUWILL EVER NEED. FAST AND LIGHT ON THE ROAD, STABLE AND FIRM OFF ROAD.COMMUTE ACROSS TOWN FASTER THAN A MOUNTAIN BIKE, STRONGER WITH MORE GRIP THAN A ROAD BIKE.

WWW.KONAWORLD.UK.COM

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Good cycle-specific gloves

make all the difference to

your commute when the

temperature falls. Simple

fleece gloves won’t cut it on the bike

because the cold air will blow right

through when you’re going fast,

robbing you of all your heat. You need

a windproof layer at least, and if you’re

hoping to ride to work whatever the

weather, waterproof gloves are a

must.

Look for palms that’ll provide

plenty of grip on wet handlebars

and, if you’ve got a long ride and

don’t want to wear summer mitts

underneath, padding to keep your

hands comfortable.


Jargon buster Waterproof breathable fabric

Some technical fabrics stop water

droplets getting in but allow water

vapour produced when you sweat to

escape outwards. This helps to keep

the atmosphere inside dry so you stay

warm and comfortable.

Winter riding is a whole lot more fun with warm hands, so you need to get yourself some high-quality cycling gloves

Gloves

Altura Shield £34.99 These waterproof gloves – which are available in a women’s and men’s version – come with low-bulk Thinsulate insulation that keeps your hands surprisingly toasty when the temperature drops. The fleecy liner is soft next to your skin, the textured palms don’t slip on wet handlebars, and good gel padding makes for a comfy ride even over rough, frost-damaged roads. Reflective logos add to the safety and the overall build quality is really high. www.zyro.co.uk

Gore Bikewear Countdown III GTX £49.99 The Countdowns might not be cheap but, using Gore-Tex waterproof fabric, they’ll keep the rain out – guaranteed. Polyurethane palms provide a ton of grip and there’s enough padding to stop your hands aching on long rides. A good amount of insulation keeps the frost at bay and these are breathable enough that the atmosphere inside stays fresh even when you start hotting up on the climbs. A Velcro cuff adjustment and reflective logos are neat finishing touches. www.gorebikewear.co.uk

Autumn/Winter 2010

46


Bspoke Boston £30.99 The mock-leather Bostons don’t look especially bikey so you can team them up with your everyday workwear and they don’t seem out of place. The backing is shower resistant, a generous amount of silicone rubber stops the perforated palms from slipping on your bars, and the Bemberg silk-substitute lining provides a degree of warmth. www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

Endura Deluge £34.99 These gloves aren’t the thickest ever but they come with super-high wrists and Velcro cuff adjusters so there’s no chance of any draughts creeping in when you’re stretched out towards your handlebars. A waterproof membrane keeps your hands perfectly dry while the stretchy outers mean you get a snug fit without any tightness. The gel palm padding works effectively, silicone printing adds grip and you get added safety courtesy of reflective print and knuckle panels. Great design. www.endura.co.uk

Giro Proof £59.99 If riding conditions turn nasty you can rely on the Proofs to keep your hands dry and warm. Each glove comes in two parts. The waterproof shell has Thinsulate XT insulation on the back and the extended cuff comes with a draw cord to seal out the cold air. A stretchy, fleece-lined inner glove offers plenty of warmth and comfort and comes with silicone palm detailing and reflective trim, so you can do away with the outers in better weather. www.madison.co.uk

Specialized Sub Zero £39.99 These are hardcore. You get a fleecy inner pair of gloves that you can wear on their own in milder conditions, and a windproof/waterproof pair to go over the top and keep your hands happy in the worst winter weather – even when it’s freezing out. They’re impressively breathable and provide superb grip on wet bars. www.specialized.com

Pro X-Pert WP £34.99 The Hipora liner built into these gloves is both waterproof and breathable and, though fairly low bulk and supple, they’re warm enough for the riding in right through the winter. Digital Carbon palms provide grip and durability, 3M reflective piping adds safety, and long, close-fitting cuffs stop cold air getting in around your wrists. www.madison.co.uk

Scott Airtech £32.99 Fleecy, windproof and highly breathable, these are no-nonsense gloves for everyday winter riding. They’re amazingly warm considering their low bulk, and although the Airtechs can’t cope with a full-on storm, the DryMax lining will hold off a shower. There’s enough palm padding to smooth out road vibration and a little bit of reflective piping comes in handy at night. www.scott-sports.com

Essential kit: Gloves

47

Cycling to work will do wonders for your health and fitness but now it’s time to take things up to another level…

We all know that cycling to work benefits our health, but what if we want

to take it a step further? Cycling helps us tone up, gives us more energy, plenty of fresh air and makes good use of what usually falls into the ‘dead time’ category – the journey to and from work. It’s good news all round, which is why businesses all over the UK are encouraging their employees to ride and, spurred on by the huge success of Cycle to Work schemes, are more than ready to take it up a notch or two.

So, what is that next step? Forward thinking companies are now devising

‘wellness’ policies and using specialist companies who provide wellness services to satisfy their employees’ newfound enthusiasm for health and fitness. And this has a knock-on effect for their businesses. Healthy, happy employees who know how to take care of themselves mean fewer days taken off sick and increased productivity. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

One such specialist provider is Wellness Works, a Bath-based company with links to Cyclescheme, which offers a host of wellness services designed specifically for businesses. Set up by doctor of chiropractic and veteran triathlete Graham Matthews, Wellness Works leads the way in providing relevant,

Forward thinking companies are now devising ‘wellness’ policies and using specialist companies who provide wellness services to satisfy their employees’ newfound enthusiasm for health and fitness

"Wellness is an active state of health and happiness. It involves the constant, conscious pursuit of living life at an optimum level of health and balance – physically, mentally and psychologically," says Dr Graham Matthews.

“Illness is a serious issue which can harm the body and even lead to death. What bothers most people though, are conditions of ‘unwellness’, for example, tummy problems, headaches, insomnia, eczema and asthma. If left untreated, these conditions can lead

to serious illnesses requiring more serious intervention. Our role is to teach and empower people to deal with conditions of unwellness before they develop into illness. This differs from most Western healthcare which is based on trying to make a person better once they become ill by treating their symptoms.

"Where possible, we recommend gentle, non-invasive natural solutions to common health problems to promote wellness. This means understanding why the body does what

it does and taking action to provide what it needs to function at its best. Wellness is the default setting for everyone once the body is allowed to function as nature intended.

“For example, people who attend our Stress & Fatigue workshop report better quality of sleep and marked improvement in energy levels after following our recommendations. This not only helps the individual, but because it means their productivity at work increases, then it benefits their employer too.”

What is wellness?

WellnessGearing up for

Autumn/Winter 2010

48


comprehensive and often life changing wellness consultation and education in the workplace.

Graham is well known to the founders of Cyclescheme, Richard Grigsby and Gary Cooper. The three have cycled together for more than 25 years and the Cyclescheme duo have both benefited from Graham’s expertise.

“Addressing employee wellness is the natural progression from Cycle to Work schemes,” says Richard. “Having known Graham for many years, I believe he is ideally placed to provide valuable health and wellness education to businesses. I would fully endorse Wellness Works as a complementary service provider to Cyclescheme.”

The services offered by Wellness Works fall into three categories –consultancy, education and

Wellness

49

coaching. From providing guidance on setting up a wellness programme to offering workshops, a telephone support line and comprehensive wellness care packages, the company takes a natural health perspective. Graham’s philosophy is proactive.

“We believe in empowering individuals and teams to manage their own health and stress issues,” he says. “Rather than providing a prescriptive approach, we explain how your body works and how to improve your own health and performance. This deeper understanding means that individuals are more likely to put what they’ve learnt into practice.”

The company is soon to launch a monthly Wellness Newsletter for businesses that covers a wide spectrum of topics. The newsletter is designed to introduce health and wellbeing issues to the uninitiated in a non-invasive way. For those already interested, it provides a frequent stream of relevant information that will help maintain the motivation to focus on wellness.

“If companies do nothing else about their employees’ wellness, subscribing to this newsletter is a cost-effective way to demonstrate that they care about their staff,” says Graham. “We know that it has a positive effect on so many levels.” For further information on Wellness Works and to sign up for a free taster Wellness Newsletter for your business, go to www.wellnessworks.org.uk.

www.khsbikes.co.uk

Buy direct & get more from your voucher Award winning bikes from KHS

EST. CALIFORNIA 1974

240x82.5.indd 1 19/3/10 15:27:51

l Absence due to sickness directly cost the UK economy over £13.2 billion in 2006

l 24.6 million working days were lost in Britain due to work-related ill health in 2008/9

l Of these, an estimated 11.4 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety

l And 9.3 million working days were lost through musculoskeletal disorders – such as low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries – caused or made worse by work

Why wellness matters

Autumn/Winter 2010

50

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13271 Care-4 Ad Cycle Commuter 08.10_V2:Layout 1 25/8/10 09:10 Page 1

Autumn/Winter 2010Autumn/Winter 2010

When it’s folded the Kansi will fit just about anywhere you need it to

in detail...


The hinges on the frame are robust and secure, with a safety lock

Bike test

Ridgeback Envoy £399.99The steel Envoy comes with a 7-speed drivetrain to keep you spinning up the climbs while mudguards and a rear rack mean it’s commuter-ready right from the off. The folding pedals are a valuable addition if space is at a premium. www.ridgeback.co.uk

Autumn/Winter 2010

Montague Boston £599.00The singlespeed Montague has an aluminium frame that folds in the middle – you just flip one QR lever and pivot the two ends together. Full size wheels mean it doesn’t pack down as small as some, but the advantage is that it rides like a standard non-folding bike. www.montaguefoldingbike.co.uk

52


On test...


Jargon BusterFoldable and removable pedals Foldable pedals stay

attached to the cranks but

you can flip the pedal body

up when you’re not riding so

your bike takes up less space.

MKS make ingenious EZY removable pedals that allow

you to take the pedal body off

via a quick release collar.

Tech SpecsPrice: £699.99 Weight: 23.4lb (10.6kg)Frame: Alu FoldingFork: AluDrivetrain: Truvativ Isoflow Chainset, SRAM 3 Speed internal hubBrakes: Avid linear pull brakes and leversWheels: Sram T3 rear hub, Alex rims, CST tyresOther: resin pedals, Kansi saddle Sizes: One size

you turn the pedals backwards to slow down. Pure simplicity. At the other end of the spectrum, the £849.99 9twenty is fitted with a SRAM X5 9-speed drivetrain to give you a wide range of gears that’ll make things easier on longer journeys, especially if you’re likely to tackle any hills.

Kansi is a new UK bike brand that launched its first models just last June. The mid-range 3twenty is ideal if you want to take the car or public transport partway to work and you’re after a smooth-riding,

easily-stowable folder for the rest of your journey.The Kansi is built around an arcing aluminium mainframe

and folding it takes hardly any time – we did it in 10secs without any trouble. You flick out the kickstand to hold it steady, drop the seat post through the frame, flip the bars down, unclip the hinge in the middle of the frame and push the two ends together.

That’s it – job done! No mess, no fuss, and it measures just 80 x 66 x 44cm. That’s easily small enough to fit into the boot of your car, take on the bus or train, or hide away behind your desk at work. If you find the sticking out pedals a hindrance, you can always swap them for foldable or removable options, but that’s only likely to be an issue if you need to carry the Kansi a long way.

There are three Kansis in the range, our 3twenty being the middle option. First up, there’s the £499.99 1twenty which comes with just one gear and a coaster brake – meaning that

Our 3twenty, though, gets three gears – the clue’s in the name, see – courtesy of an internal hub from SRAM. With a hub gear, the mechanisms and the lubricants are shielded away from the elements, cutting down on maintenance and adding durability. The other advantage of a hub gear on a folder is that there’s no derailleur to get bashed when you’re carrying it around, so you know that everything is still going to work properly every time you put the bike back together. The three gears you get here aren’t going to get you up any Pyrenean passes but they do make it a whole lot simpler to pull away from the traffic lights and hit decent speeds on the straights; shifting between them is just a matter of twisting the handlebar grip. Easy as you like.

The brakes do a good job too. They’re a linear pull design from Avid and they’re more than capable of bringing the 20in wheels to a halt quickly if someone unexpectedly steps onto the zebra crossing in front of you, while Kansi’s own saddle provides a comfortable, forgiving perch. As an added bonus, after you’ve bought your Kansi and registered the code you get, they’ll send you a box of colour-coded components and frame decals so you can customize your bike.

www.kansi.co.uk

Kansi 3twenty £699.99If you’re after a bike that folds small and rides well, take a look at this new kid on the block

The Kansi folds smallenough to fit into the bootof your car, take on the busor train, or hide awaybehind your desk at work

Dahon Cadenza P18 £849.99The Cadenza folds quickly and easily around two frame hinges and, unlike most folders, it comes with a wide range of gears thanks to a double chainset and 9-speed cassette. Avid disc brakes provide impressive stopping power and three frame sizes ensure most people get a decent fit. www.zyro.co.uk

Brompton S2L £849.99The Brompton design is a classic, folding down to a super-compact size (58.5cm x 54.5cm x 27cm) in seconds. You can choose your own build or opt for a key model like this nimble two-speed that comes with a flat handlebar, mudguards and battery lighting. www.brompton.co.uk

53

Example savings

Example














Package

Total retail price





£378.06

£699.99Kansi 3twenty


£49.99Giro Surface helmet

www.giro.com

£30.99bspoke Boston

www.bspoke.co.uk



Autumn/Winter 2010

£19.99Cateye Loop Light set

www.cateye.com

54

the website for pedal powered people www.road.cc

My life on bikes:

Journalist and BBC news presenter Kate Silverton reveals her long-held love of cycling…

Autumn/Winter 2010

Kate SilvertonLives: London

Occupation: Journalist and television presenter

About: Kate is a regular anchor for BBC News at One, BBC Breakfast and Radio Five Live, and often presents primetime TV programmes and documentaries. Earlier this year she embarked on the Three Peak Challenge for Sport Relief, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales.

Fact File

5656

www.cyclescheme.co.ukwww.cyclescheme.co.uk

I am an all-weather, all-kind of cyclist! I use my bike mostly for commuting, which is a 14-mile round trip. I get 40 minutes of thinking time to myself which really sets me up for the day. On the weekends, though, I love cycling with friends. Going to Richmond Park and taking a picnic, for example, is an ideal way to spend a Sunday! And I love riding across the South Downs and along the seafront in Brighton.

I love my waterproofed pannier bags. T hey really do the job – perfect size, waterproof and terribly practical. Lights, of course, are essential, and knowing a few good guys to help with punctures!

I have always ridden bikes – although much more so recently as I discovered that the commute to work would not be as painful as I thought it might be! I also trained for triathlons so have done a fair bit of road cycling, which I loved. I really enjoyed the triathlons – I use the past tense as a back operation put paid to any more running, but I would love to take part in a relay triathlon in the future. I could not choose between the swim and the cycle as I enjoy both disciplines now equally.

I am an all-weather, all-kind of cyclist! I use my bike mostly for commuting, which is a 14-mile round trip. I get 40 minutes of thinking time to myself which really sets me up for the day. On the weekends, though, I love cycling with friends. Going to Richmond Park and taking a picnic, for example, is an ideal way to spend a Sunday! And I love riding across the South Downs and along the seafront in Brighton.

What sort of cyclist are you?

Do you have any really good kit that you swear by?

When did you start cycling?I had an epic cycling trip through the Champagne region in France which was wonderful, and also in South Africa. The freedom cycling gives you when abroad is simply wonderful. You get to see a completely different side to a country.

Have you cycled abroad?

Do you ride throughout the year?

I don’t like cycling during the rush hour – it tests my survival instinct to the limit – but I don’t mind cycling at other times. I like having to be on the ball and anticipate what everyone – pedestrians as well as motorists – are going to do. .

How do you find riding in the London traffic?

57

Interview

57

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CYP241.schemes 1 11/8/10 10:14:34 am

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URBANTake control of your commute

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your perfect ride.

Trek Women’s Specifi c Design® (WSD®) pavement bikes arethe ultimate marriage of form and function. Why shouldn’tpractical be beautiful? For fi tness, transport, fun, or all of theabove, we’ve got your perfect ride.

Learn more about Trek Women at trekbikes.com/women

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cycle commuter issue 05

Documents

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