cycle commuter issue 3

Your guide to... Helmets Locks Lights Reflective kit

Beat the Winter bulge • 2-minute safety check • Mix up your commute • Winter essentials

64top cycling products

Featuring

Issue #3 Winter 2009£1.95 where sold

• 4 models tested • How to choose • Get the right fit

get thePerfect bike

Cycling essentials

Our top 5 traffic safety tips

Stay safe

* Mixer Galvanised RRP: £919.99

*

Due to the nature of the galvanising process used to coat this frame, it is perfectly normal for there to be visual imperfections in the finish,making each frame unique.

www.cyclescheme.co.uk

34Trek 7.3 Whether you’re commuting or on a longer fitness ride, this versatile hybrid can handle it

44Giant Defy 2 It’s fast, it’s comfortable, and this road bike offers a whole lot of value for money

18Specialized Globe Vienna 2 A stealthy urban mountain bike that’s quick, agile and very, very tough

44

18

contentsIssue #3 Winter 2009

28Dawes Kingpin This folder handles well out on the streets and packs down small in seconds

Top products & essential kit12 Stuff

The best cycling gear for your commute and beyond

22 Helmets Stylish headgear to keep you safe and sound

24 Lights We’ve got the right option for you whatever your budget

26 Locks Essential security for protecting the bike

27 Reflectives Get yourself seen with our selection of safety kit

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

14Choose the perfect bike The simple way to decide on the right option for you

31 Beat the winter bulge! How to use the bike to lose weight and stay in shape this winter

38 Top 5 traffic safety tips Unmissable advice for staying out of trouble on the streets

42 Your 2-minute bike check Give the bike a quick once-over to keep it smooth and safe

48 Mix it up If you’ve got a long commute, you don’t have to ride the whole way…

Features

28

34

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 2009

Bikes tested

3


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 that

buys the bike. You hire the bike and equipment from them, and you pay

them 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 1,400 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 a 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 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 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 over 18 years of age 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 1,400 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

Winter 2009

FAQ...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. Employers who are able to offer VAT savings to their employees further contribute to the 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 purchased under 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 employers will choose to sell the bike back to you for a fair 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. In our experience the market shows values of these types of bikes and equipment to be around 5% of the original retail value after 12 months. Please note that such practices and expectations are merely indications based on historical factors and cannot be guaranteed. This fair market value payment is essential if the you are to legitimately own the bike after receiving tax benefits throughout the hire period. The fair 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 Can my employer pass on VAT savings?

A For employers who are VAT registered it may be possible for savings to be

passed on to employees. Organisations such as financial institutions, charities and NHS trusts are usually unable to take advantage of VAT savings.

Q Does my employer require a Standard Consumer

Credit Licence?

A The Government has issued a blanket consumer credit licence to

all participating employers buying bike

packages up to £1000 including VAT. When you sign the Hire Agreement, the resulting relationship is defined under the terms and conditions of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

If your employer wishes to supply bikes over £1000 then they will need to buy an individual consumer credit licence from the OFT, which takes around six weeks to come through and lasts for five years.

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

happens if it gets stolen?

A You’re responsible for maintaining the bike while you’re using it; it’s a

condition of the hire agreement that you’ll sign. It’s definitely worth investing in a Sold Secure lock and insurance because 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.

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

Pedalling facts29-year-old Canadian cycle courier Matt Magura

was astonished to find an envelope containing

more than $20,000 in bank deposits on one of his

rounds. The honest cyclist promptly returned the

cash. His reward from the grateful bank? A $50

pizza voucher...

6

Worldwide www.2x2worldwide.com

[email protected] +44 (0) 1827 331099

With many of the world’s

best bike brands

exhibiting, all the latest

kit on display and a

commuter bike test track to ride, the Cycle

Show will be the UK’s top destination this

autumn for anyone with an interest in

cycling to work. The show, which takes

place in London from 9–11 October, will

cover all other areas of cycling too, giving

you the opportunity to see some of the

sport’s biggest names, watch BMX aerial

displays, and even try out a whole range

of mountain bikes on the specially built

off-road course.

“The Cycle Show will offer the latest

bikes, kit and expert advice as well as

catering for the growing number of

female cyclists with a brand new ‘Woman’s

Hour’ featuring talks on cycling fashion,

tips and advice,” said Cycle Show Director

Andrew Brabazon.

A huge number of exhibitors are

already confirmed including big names

like Condor, Ridgeback, Scott, Cannondale

and Specialized. If you’re after new kit,

you can check out and buy the latest bike

clothing in the show’s Cycle Store. This

area will cater for every type of cyclist and

leading brands will be showcased on the

fashion stage every day.

You’ll also get a first look at London’s

Cycle Hire Scheme and Cycle

Superhighways – major new cycling

projects that will be coming to the

capital in summer 2010. And this year’s

Cycle Show will cater to the new wave

of women cyclists by launching a host

Gear up for the Cycle Show

Look after your bikeLearn how to look after your bike on a home mechanic course approved by Cytech, the training and accreditation scheme recognized by the cycle industry. A two-day course will give you the ability to carry out repairs and servicing, saving you time and money in the long run. Go to www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk for details.

News

A huge number of exhibitors are already confirmed including big names like Condor, Ridgeback, Scott, Cannondale and Specialized

of in-show female-friendly

features. For example,

there will be a panel of

experts offering advice

on choosing the right bike,

customising your bike with

female-specific components

and buying the best technical

gear as well as women-only

maintenance sessions.

If you want to unleash your

competitive streak, you can

take part in the 500m indoor

sprint challenge, or if you’d

rather just watch the action,

you can sit and watch the UK’s

top BMX riders doing their stuff

on the indoor street course.

Cycle 2009 takes place at

Earls Court 1, London, and is

open to the public from Friday

9 October until Sunday 11

October. There is secure bike

parking on site. Tickets are

£11.50 in advance or £14.50

on the door. For further details

and booking go to:

www.cycleshow.co.uk

Winter 2009

8


Land Rover. Maybe not a name you'd associate with bikes, but Land Rover do

make them, and to prove it here is a shiny new commuting bike from their

2010 range, the 6.9. It's a pre-production model but basically the bike you'll

be able to get for £749 in a couple of months' time. We’ve had a few rides on

one and it does everything you would expect a good commuting bike to do

for this sort of money: it’s a good solid ride for work and fun.

Samuel Farmer from West Sussex has become, at the age of 15, the youngest person to unicycle the length of Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

“It took me 89 hours, 37 minutes and 39 seconds to cover 938.64 miles,” said Samuel. “And that’s 535,025 rotations of the wheel.”

Samuel was raising money for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Southampton Hospital and The Peanut Ward at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, and also raising awareness of the importance of wearing a cycle helmet.

“My daily routine has involved early starts to avoid the heat and rush hour traffic, and late afternoon/early evenings for the same reasons. I was aiming to ride 70-75 miles and complete five one-and-a-half hour sessions a day. The average speed on the flat is 12-13 mph but if I really go for it I can reach over 20mph.”

If you want to boost your endurance you need to drink – wait for it – beetroot juice. That's the finding of a group of researchers at Exeter University who have been studying the effects of organic nitrate compounds in beetroot on oxygen in the blood. In tests they found that the oxygen uptake of cyclists who drank beetroot juice was increased, making exercise less tiring and delaying exhaustion.

The researchers, who published their findings in the Journal of Applied Physiology, reported that beetroot juice enabled cyclists to cycle for longer at moderate to severe intensity. The results would translate into a 2% reduction in time over a set distance. That's pretty significant; over a 40km time trial, for example, it equates to the best part of a minute.

“Our study is the first to show that nitrate-rich food can increase exercise endurance,” said Professor Andy Jones of the University of Exeter’s School of Sport and Health Sciences. “We were amazed by the effects of beetroot juice on oxygen uptake because these effects cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training.

“I am sure professional and amateur athletes will be interested in the results of this research. I am also keen to explore the relevance of the findings to those people who suffer from poor fitness and may be able to use dietary supplements to help them go about their daily lives.”

The secret of endurance is…

Ride to work on a Land Rover

Land’s End to John O’Groats … on a unicycle

News

9

Several of the UK’s major cities

have recently announced big

plans to support cycling as part

of on-going moves that are set

to revolutionise urban transport over the

coming years.

Liverpool city centre will get new cycle

routes and improved cycling facilities in a

bid to encourage more people to travel

by bike, thanks to a £640,000 investment

from the Northwest European Regional

Development Fund (ERDF).

The Liverpool Cycling Strategy project,

led by the city council, aims to overcome

barriers preventing people from riding by,

for example, the construction of seven new

cycle routes to complete the city’s network

and the completion of missing links within

existing cycle routes.

“This investment will help to promote

British cities support cycling

cycling as an affordable, convenient

and environmentally friendly way of

getting around through improving

Liverpool’s cycling infrastructure,” said

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of

the Northwest Regional Development

Agency. “It will also make it easier and safer

for people to travel by bike and encourage

more people to consider cycling as a viable

alternative to car use for local journeys.”

Meanwhile, neighbouring Manchester

has bid for £29 million of funding to

become the country's first 'sustainable

travel city' which, if successful, will be good

news for local cyclists.

The bid includes proposals

for an innovative network

of five flagship cycle centres

offering bike parking, showers

and changing facilities, short-

term bike hire, information

and a workshop, plus training

facilities. The cycle centres

would also function as centres

for sustainable travel and

smarter driving advice.

Eight other highly congested

urban areas across England,

including Bristol, Nottingham

and Leicester, have also

been invited to bid for this

Department for Transport

project.

With plans for 6,000 bikes

to be made available for

short-term hire in London from

2010 and numerous cycle-

promoting projects in England’s

18 cycling towns and cities,

the future for urban cycling is

looking brighter than ever.

Liverpool city centre will get new cycle routes and improved cycling facilities in a bid to encourage more people to travel by bike thanks to a £640,000 investment

Howies offerSave money by doing your shopping with Howies. The active clothing and accessories company will give you a 15% discount if you quote CYSCH9 when you place your order. Our favourite Howies products lately have been their super-soft merino wool base layers which keep you comfortable whatever the weather.

15% off at Howies

Check them out at www.howies.co.uk

Winter 2009

10


Instant know-how

Instant know-howIf you want to take the fast route to becoming a cycling expert, check out the best sources of information

The Highway CodeYes, you probably studied it before you did your driving test but if you’re a bit rusty on the details – and let’s be honest, you are – check out the Highway Code. The official road safety manual for Great Britain explains the rules clearly and the section for cyclists is essential reading for those new to two-wheeled transport. It’ll set you back just £2.50, or you can take a look online: www.direct.gov.uk

www.cyclescheme.co.ukThe website of the number one provider of tax-free

bikes for the Government's Cycle to Work initiative

– that’s us – this is the one-stop shop for both

employers and employees interested in taking part.

www.ctc.org.ukCTC – the Cyclists’ Touring Club – has about 60,000 members covering all kinds of

cycling, not just touring. Their website covers everything from learning to ride on the

road safely to lists of cycle-friendly establishments such as pubs and guest houses,

and there’s a section devoted solely to commuting.

www.britishcycling.org.ukYour first port of call if you’re interested in cycling competitively, the website of the

governing body of cycle sport in Britain also covers recreational riding and travel too.

There’s some good commuting advice to be gleaned from this site too, including some

kit-buying information.

www.road.ccThe best website in cyberspace for road cycling information, UK-based road.cc

provides constantly-updated news plus reviews of the latest bikes, accessories

and cycle clothing. You also get features, blogs and an active forum. There’s always

plenty on here for the commuter.

www.lcc.org.ukThe London Cycling Campaign aims to promote cycling in the capital and their website

contains a lot of useful info, including advice on getting started, cycle route maps and

details of rides and events. Lots of the material is relevant outside of London too.

twitter.comYou can keep up with loads of professional riders via micro-blogging service Twitter.

Cycling legend Lance Armstong is a prolific tweeter and has nearly 2million followers

while Bradley Wiggins, Britain’s fourth-place Tour de France finisher, provides regular

updates too.

www.bike-events.comFancy a challenge? Bike Events organise loads of fund-raising and recreational rides of

all levels of difficulty. Something like the 29-mile London to Windsor ride is suitable for

families while the Wessex 100 will test the more experienced. Go online to check out

their calendar.

11

Tifosi Stelvio glasses £49.99Even when it’s not sunny, eyewear is important when you’re cycling for keeping wind, rain and stones out and these specs do the job really well. The rubber temples and adjustable nosepiece stop them slipping even when damp and you get three polycarbonate lenses – clear, smoke and red – to suit the conditions. www.tifosioptics.com

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

Knog Dry Dog 13in £84.10 The smart Dry Dog is a tough bag that keeps rain and road spray out superbly. You get a big main compartment, a soft sleeve for your laptop, and lots of reflective material to get you seen. It’s available either with or without hardware on the back for attaching to a bike rack. www.knog.com.au

Altura Night Vision Evo waterproof jacket £89.99This soft-touch jacket is specifically designed for commuting, incorporating plenty of reflective trim and even a Night Vision LED rear light (replacements are available for £12.99). It’s fully waterproof and very breathable with adjustable vents adding climate control. Available in both men’s and women’s versions and in several colours including hi-vis options. www.zyro.co.uk

Respro HiViz Urban Survival sticker kit £10.99Slap ’em on your bike, helmet, bag or whatever else you can think of and these 3M Scotchlite stickers will help you stand out in car headlights at night. They come in a variety of diffrent sizes and the adhesive is very strong so they’ll stay put. Other designs are available too. www.respro.com

Endura Tech-Pant overtrousers £69.99Cheap waterproof trousers will often leave you feeling clammy but invest in a breathable pair like these and life suddenly becomes a whole lot more pleasant. The Enduras are seam-sealed, have extended ankle zips so they’re easy to get on and off over shoes, and come with stretch panels in the knees and low back for comfortable pedalling. www.endura.co.uk

Winter 2009

12


Altura Speed seatpack from £12.99 The Speed seatpack sits securely underneath your saddle and is the perfect place to store ride essentials like your spare inner tube, multi tool and emergency fiver. It comes with a rubber mount for fitting a rear LED and a load of reflective trim, and it’s available in three different sizes. Choose between red, blue and grey colour options. www.zyro.co.uk

Madison Tempest soft shell £114.99This thick, fleecy jacket is warm, breathable and completely waterproof with fully taped seams to stop the rain sneaking through. The high collar and long sleeves are perfect for keeping you well-covered during winter commutes and the relaxed cut means the Tempest doesn’t look out of place when you get off the bike. Available in men’s and women’s versions. www.madison.co.uk

Lezyne SV10 multi tool £29.99 This classy little thing contains all the tools you’re likely to need to get you out of trouble on a ride, including a chain splitter, and it weighs next to nothing – well, 101g if you really want to know. The build quality is excellent and, in use, it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Lovely! www.lezyne.com

Specialized Radiant gloves £39.99 Unlike a lot of gloves that claim to be waterproof, these actually are, and the Thinsulate low-bulk insulation means they’ll keep your fingers warm in really cold winter weather too. They extend well above your wrists to keep draughts at bay and the high-grip palm carries on working even when soaking wet. www.specialized.com

Lezyne Micro Drive HP pump £28.99This is clever. Although tiny, this pump comes with a little foot peg that you flip out, allowing you to rest it on the floor and use your full bodyweight to do the work. It’s beautifully made from aluminium, fits both Presta and Schrader valves, and gives enough pressure for road bike tyres. www.lezyne.com

Bontrager Air Pack £29.99 This little pack contains everything you need to fix a flat and get back on the road as quickly as possible. You get two tyre levers, some glueless patches, a CO2 inflator and two threaded CO2 cartridges – you can buy replacements at your local bike store when they run out. There’s enough space in there for money and keys too. www.bontrager.com

Stuff

13

Folders come into their own when you’re travelling partway by some other mode of transport. They pack down in seconds without

any tools and fit into the boot of your car or onto public transport far more easily

than a standard bike. And if there’s no cycle storage space at work, no problem – you can tuck a folder away under your desk. These days there are a whole load of different folding options available so you can pick one that fits your needs exactly.

For example Dahon Curve D3 £459.99 www.dahon.co.uk

FolderTourers come in lots of different guises, some flat-handlebarred and some drop-handlebarred, but the one thing they all have in common is the ability to carry loads; that’s what they’re built for. Fit a rack or even two, sling your panniers on board and you’re away. And they’re equally at home whether you’re taking your laptop and a change of clothes to work or spending a week exploring France. Unlike a lot of road and mountain bikes, tourers will take mudguards without any trouble, making them a practical all-weather option.For example Dawes Horizon £749.99 www.dawescycles.com

Tourer

As every handyman knows,

you’ve got to choose the

right tool for the job. You

might be able to wire a plug

with a chisel, but it’s going to work out

a whole lot better all round if you pick a

screwdriver out of the toolbox.

It’s the same when it comes to

choosing a bike: you’ve got to choose the

right tool for the job. That way you get the

features you need and don’t waste money

on things that aren’t important. So how

do you know what’s right for you? Well,

you can start by answering a few very

simple questions…

Choosing the perfect bike

There are hundreds of different bikes to choose from – we explain how to decide which type is right for you...

Do you want to ride exclusively

on the road?

START

Yes

YesYes

No

No

Do you need to pack your bike down small in a hurry?

Do you need to carry a lot of weight on your bike?

Winter 2009

14


Road bikes are all about speed. They’re race-inspired machines designed to eat up the road miles as quickly as possible so you get narrow tyres and drop handlebars and the weight is kept low. Although some road bikes have higher front ends than others, you’ll generally be in a fairly low and stretched out riding position in order to keep out of the wind. If you’ve got a long commute and not much to carry, a road bike is the quickest option.For example Specialized Allez Sport £599.99 www.specialized.com

Road bike

An urban mountain bike gives you all the strength of an off-road set-up but with road-friendly features thrown into the mix, making it an ideal commuting option. You don’t need suspension on the road so the forks are usually rigid, saving a lot of weight up front, and the slick, narrow tyres are much quicker on the streets than off-road knobblies. Without the need to get you up steep, rock-strewn trails, the gears tend to be a little higher than you’ll find on a standard mountain bike too. For example Cannondale Bad Boy Disc £639.99 www.cannondale.com

Urban MTB

A hybrid is a jack-of-all-trades that splits the difference between a road bike and a mountain bike. A flat handlebar puts you into a fairly upright, traffic-friendly ride position while a wide range of gears means you’ll be fine whether you’re commuting through town or heading for the hills. The 700C wheels and mid-width tyres are lightweight enough to zip along all day on tarmac but they can cope with the towpath as well and, along with the mountain bike brakes, they’ll even handle a bit of light trail use too if you fancy it. For example Ridgeback Flight 03 £699.99 www.ridgeback.co.uk

Hybrid

Mountain bikes are designed to be ridden off-road so they’re built super-strong. You get a wide range of gears to get you up and

down the hills, powerful brakes to keep you safe, and chunky tyres to provide grip

in the mud. These days most come with suspension at the front and you might get rear suspension too. Commuting on the road aboard a mountain bike will be

a whole lot easier if you fit lighter wheels and tyres For example Trek 6300 Disc £674.99

www.trek.com

Mountain bike

No

Do you want to ride rocky/stony off-road trails?

No

Yes

Yes

No

Do you need a bike that can handle more than average

amount of abuse?

Choosing the perfect bike

15

Get the right fitBuying the right sized bike and setting it up correctly is vital if you’re going to be

comfortable, cycle efficiently and avoid injury. Here’s how to make your choice

Stems come in various different lengths and this can have a big effect on the way you feel on your bike. Changing you stem is usually a 5-minute job.

A very rough guide to setting your reach on a road bike is to put your elbow on the nose of your saddle with your forearm horizontal: the tip of your middle finger should be 2-3cm from your handlebar. Some people prefer a less-stretched, more upright position, particularly on a flat-handlebarred bike.

1 Stem length

Many brake levers come with a reach adjustment screw to bring them closer into the handlebars for smaller hands. Setting it is an easy job with an Allen key.

2 Brake lever reach

Winter 2009

16


Like shoe sizes, bike sizes vary greatly between manufacturers – plus there’s the complication that some are given in inches, some in centimetres, and some are described as small, medium, large and so on. The best advice is to check out each manufacturer’s website – they’ll usually give their own sizing guidance.

When choosing your frame size, first make sure you can get the saddle height you need, and the reach that you’re after. Then make sure there’s clearance between your crotch and the top tube when you stand astride the bike with your feet flat on the ground. Ideally, you want 5cm of clearance or more to give you a bit of leeway if you have to get your feet down in a hurry.

6 Frame size

A good rule of thumb is to adjust the saddle height so that your knee is straight when you your heel is on the pedal and the crank is in the 6 o’clock position. That way, when you cycle normally with the ball of your foot on the pedal there will be a slight bend in your knee. If you’re riding a mountain bike on off-road trails, you’ll probably want to reduce your saddle height a little – about 1cm.

3 Saddle heightWhen your crank is in the 3 o’clock position, the front of your kneecap should be directly above the end of the crank arm. Loosen the seatpost bolts and shift the saddle backwards or forwards on its rails to achieve this.

4 Saddle setback

7 Toeclip overlapOn some bikes, especially smaller ones with large wheels, it’s possible for your toe to hit the front wheel or mudguard when you turn. You have to be turning pretty sharply, though, and that only happens when you’re going very slowly and it’s rarely dangerous. If it bothers you, though, check for it before you buy or remove the toeclips. You’re less likely to get toeclip overlap on a bike with smaller wheels.

This is a tricky one that varies hugely between different people. A low handlebar height gives a flatter, more aerodynamic body position for sports riders, but higher handlebars put less strain on your back, provide easier control and give you a better view of the road ahead. In the end, it comes down to comfort and personal preference.

The easiest ways to adjust your handlebar position are by swapping your stem for one with a different rise (measured in degrees), or by altering the height of your headset spacers.

5 Handlebar height

Get the right fit

17

Low rider mounts mean you can fit front panniers too for big loads

in detail...

Other rated rides...

You can brand up your globe how you like, just slot in your badge!

Bike testWinter 2009

Claud Butler Urban 300 £369.99The mudguard-capable Urban 300 gets easy-action Rapidfire Plus shifting on its 24-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain and a suspension seat post to take the edge off rough road conditions. The 40mm wide tyres provide more comfort. www.falconcycles.co.uk

Ridgeback Tempest £399.99Built around a gusset-reinforced alloy frame, the Tempest is strong and lightweight and excellent stopping power comes courtesy of Shimano’s hydraulic disc brakes. The 24-speed transmission gives quick and accurate shifting. www.ridgeback.co.uk

18


On test...

Specialized Globe Vienna 2 £349.99Simple, reliable and very economical, the Vienna could be exactly what you need for trouble-free commuting all year round…

Practical – that’s the word that best sums up the Vienna. No racer-wannabe looks, no flashy gadgets, no nonsense whatsoever, this is a reliable workhorse that gets on with the job of

getting you from A to B with the minimum of fuss… and does it very well.

Globe is a stand-alone brand from Specialized, one of the most respected bike companies out there. But whereas most Specialized bikes have a sporty bias, at least to some degree, with Globe it’s all about being functional. With that in mind, the Vienna is built around a strong aluminium frame that comes with mudguard and rack braze-ons

and even an integrated mount for fitting a kickstand. The curved, sharply sloping top tube means there’s no danger of whacking your undercarriage on the frame when you stop in a hurry – which is reassuring – and features like puncture resistant tyres add to the rider-friendly appeal. There’s a skirt friendly step through version of the bike and most women will easily be able to ride the diamond-framed version too, it’s available in four sizes.

Specialized are known for making comfort a big priority and the Vienna has clearly been built with this in mind. The relaxed frame geometry and riser handlebar give you a good view of the road ahead and avoid any strain on your back, while the Body Geometry saddle has been specifically

engineered to take pressure off your most sensitive areas. You also get chunky Body Geometry grips to spread the load as widely as possible and prevent tingly fingers as you lean forward, and the big air chamber of the 35mm wide tyres helps take the edge off rough road surfaces or even bumpy bike tracks if you fancy exploring at the weekends.

The 24 Shimano gears cover a broad enough range to get you up pretty much anything and provide plenty of straight-line speed on the flat, and the fingertip controls couldn’t be easier to operate. The chainguard is a welcome touch too, ensuring that your everyday trousers don’t get mangled up as you pedal – it’s the little things that make all the difference. Linear pull brakes provide progressive stopping power and they’re strong enough to haul you to a halt in double-quick time if someone pulls out unexpectedly or you misjudge the lights.

Taken as a whole, the Vienna is a dependable bike that provides everything you need for an enjoyable urban commute and nothing that you don’t. Like we said, it’s practical, and it has the added advantage of being highly affordable, which has to be a winning combination.www.specialized.com

Scott SUB 30 £499.99The entry-level model in Scott’s SUB range features an elaborately-sculpted aluminium frame and a straight alloy fork. Shimano’s 24-speed drivetrain provides ultra-dependable shifting, and the Tektro V-brakes offer decent stopping power and they’re easy to maintain.scottusa.com

Cannondale Bad Boy 8 £999Cannondale have a whole range of urban Bad Boys so there’s a model to suit every budget. This one has a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub gear for maximum reliability and minimal maintenance and Avid Juicy hydraulic disc brakes. gb.cannondale.com

Specialized are known for making comfort a big priority and the Vienna has clearly been built with this in mind

Tech SpecsPrice: £349.99Weight: 27.4lb / 12.4kgFrame: Globe A1 Premium AluminiumFork: Globe straight-blade steel forkDrivetrain: Shimano 24-speed, Acera rear mechWheels: Forged alloy double-sealed hubs, Specialized Nimbus 700x35c tyresOther: Alloy linear pull brakes

Jargon BusterBraze-ons These are small fittings

that are attached to your bike’s

frame and/or forks. Threaded braze-

ons allow you to attach accessories

like mudguards, racks, cages for

your water bottles and so on.

19

£349.99Specialized Globe

Vienna 2

Example savings

Example

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

Example† Cyclescheme savings for basic and higher rate tax payers

Basic rate 20% Tax, 11% NI, 15% VAT

Bike package retail price £514.96

Income tax, VAT & NI saved £203.28

Gross monthly repayments £42.91

Net monthly payments £25.97

Total cost of bike package £311.68

Higher rate 40% Tax, 1% NI, 15% VAT






†At the end of the hire period, under a separate agreement, the ownership may be transferred to the hirer for a fair 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

£514.96Price† after savings for

basic rate tax payer


higher rate tax payer

£266.51

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

£79.99Kryptonite New York 3000

www.kryptonitelock.com

£29.99Specialized Chamonix

www.specialized.com

Winter 2009

£54.99

Smart Lunar 25 light set

www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

20

Come to The Cycle Show 2009 for a peek into the wonderful world of bikes and all the characters that ride them.WWW.CYCLESHOW.CO.UK

9 -11 October 2009Earls Court 1

WHERE TWO WHEELS MEET©

”May the wind be with you”

Are you guys wearing matching lycra?

Real men don’t shave their legs dude.

dude, Real men aren’t afraid to shave their legs.

Come to The Cycle Show 2009 for a peek into the wonderful world of bikes and all the characters that ride them.WWW.CYCLESHOW.CO.UK

9 -11 October 2009Earls Court 1

WHERE TWO WHEELS MEET©

”May the wind be with you”

Are you guys wearing matching lycra?

Real men don’t shave their legs dude.

dude, Real men aren’t afraid to shave their legs.

CYCLESHOW2009_CYCLECOMMUTER_3APRIL.indd 1 2/4/09 18:25:34

essentialsIt’s not all about the bike: choosing the right kit will make all the difference to your ride. Here’s the lowdown on a few things you’ll wonder how you lived without

Essential kit:

HelmetsA

ll the bike helmets

available out there have

reached the relevant

safety standards so

make your choice based on fit

– that’s crucial if it’s going to be

effective.

Ask to try on a few different

brands, models and sizes in the

shop. Once you find one that you

think is right, grab it and twist it

left and right. The skin on your

forehead will move if the helmet

fits. Some will just sit better on your

head than others. Go for the one

that feels most comfortable when

it’s securely in place.

Other helmets...

Giro Stylus £49.99The Stylus sits really comfortably thanks to Giro’s super-secure RocLoc 3 fit system, an easily adjusted plastic device that reaches down to cradle the back of your head snugly. You get plenty of air conditioning via the 26 vents while Coolmax internal pads wick sweat away effectively and it’s simple to take them out for washing. The overall build quality is excellent – this is a helmet that’ll last you an age.www.giro.com

Bell Metropolis with accessories £49.99The Metropolis provides an interesting alternative for those who aren’t after the racer look. It’s an understated, low-profile helmet and fine-tuning the fit couldn’t be easier thanks to a simple dial at the back. The peak features a tiny gutter to prevent rain dripping down into your eyes, and this version comes with a breathable raincover, a rear-view mirror, and a Blackburn Mars 3.0 rear light that attaches on the back. The helmet alone will set you back £39.99.www.bellbikehelmets.com

Bell Array £74.99It might be pretty expensive but the Array does pack in a high level of performance. The fit is superbly adjustable and, once set, Bell’s little Cam-Lock levers hold the straps firmly in place. The excellent ventilation is really welcome if you head out of town and hit the hills during longer rides at the weekend.www.bellbikehelmets.com

Met Diamante £54.99 This mid-price women’s lid from one of the most well-respected helmet manufacturers comes with an easy-to-use Safe-T Lite fitting device – you just slide the double adjusters into place and you’re ready to go. It boasts great ventilation and it’s lightweight too, hitting the scales at just 240g, so you barely feel like you’re wearing it.www.met-helmets.com

Winter 2009

22


essentials Jargon BusterRetention system The straps and

adjustable cradle that hold the helmet

securely and comfortably on your

head. Different manufacturers use

different designs – choose one that

works well with your head shape.

LAS Kripton helmet £68.99This high-class helmet is low profile and very well vented so it’ll appeal to sporty riders who like to get the miles in. It extends further down the back of your head than most but still manages to be lightweight, and it comes with both an anti-insect net and soft fabric over the chin strap to keep things comfy.www.lashelmets.com

Limar 575 £39.99The 575 comes with some huge vents at both the front and the rear so you get plenty of air flowing through to stop things getting sweaty in there, while a layer of mesh prevents any creepy crawlies coming in at the same time. The fit is micro-adjustable by means of a simple dial at the back – it really couldn’t be easier – while the pads are super-soft and the snap-on peak is a useful addition.www.limar.com

Specialized Air Force 3 (women’s) £25Specialized’s Air Force designs have won countless fans over the years thanks to their combination of comfort and value. The Form Fit retention system features a band that reaches right around your head so there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t get on well with this model. The strap adjusters are light and simple to use and you get a clip-on peak as part of the package which comes in handy for dealing with both rain and sunshine. www.specialized.com

Specialized Chamonix £29.99If you’re after great value, the Chamonix is hard to beat. It’s light, it’s well-ventilated, it’s strong and it fits securely on a variety of head shapes. You really can’t go wrong here, which is why this helmet has proved so massively popular over recent years. A clip-on peak is included. www.specialized.com

Essential kit

23

Essential kit:

Lights

Other lights...

If you’ve not owned a set of bike lights

since you were a kid, you’re in for a shock.

These days, they’re small, lightweight

and incredibly bright. Plus, batteries now

last for ages and many just need recharging

from the mains every few days like a mobile

phone.

The law says you must use a white light up

front and a red light at the rear when you’re

riding at night; treat that as the minimum. An

extra couple of flashing LEDs will really get

you noticed in traffic and they cost just a few

pounds each.

Knog Gekko £17.99 (front), £15.99 (rear)These diddy lights each contain three bright LEDs and the mounting is stretchy silicon rubber so you can attach them to pretty much any bike frame or seat post without tools. They run constantly for 30 hours or much longer in flashing mode. Available in various different colours. www.knog.com.au

NiteRider MiNewt Mini USB £99.99A penny shy of 100 quid might be a lot to pay for a bike light but this is a fabulous little option that weighs just 175g. The battery unit is barely noticeable underneath your stem and the light itself is held in place securely by a simple-to-use O-ring. It belts out impressive road-illuminating power for three hours and when the battery level indicator tells you it’s time for a top up, you just plug it into your computer. www.niterider.com

Light and Motion Vega 120 £79.99This compact LED lights the way surprisingly brightly and it runs for two hours. The battery is contained within the lamp unit itself so there are no cables to contend with, and mounting it to your handlebars takes seconds. You will need to run the Vega 120 alongside a cheap, road-legal LED though, because it lacks side windows. www.lightandmotion.com

Cateye EL600RC £79.99This new light from Cateye sports a 1 Watt LED bulb and contains a rechargeable NiMH battery pack: no more rooting around in your desk for new batteries, just plug it in and you’ll get five hours of light. There’s a battery level indicator and side visibility is good thanks to cutaway lens sections at either side. There’s high and low beam settings, and a flashing mode too. www.cateye.com

Winter 2009

24


Jargon BusterLED A light-emitting diode uses

far less energy than a traditional

bike light meaning that run-

times can be vast. These days,

many LEDs are bright enough to

light the road ahead rather than

simply get you seen.

Essential Kit

Cateye HL-EL120 Sport Opticube £16.99The budget OptiCube is well-focused so you get a decent amount of light from a single LED. You wouldn’t want to use it to see the way on unlit roads but for urban use or as a backup option it’s ideal. You get a massive 80 hours of constant light, and that increases to 320 hours if you use it in flashing mode, and all from two AA batteries. The mounting bracket is neat too, allowing you to fit or remove the light in just a few seconds. www.cateye.com

Smart Lunar 25 front and rear light set £54.99This super-bright set-up is easily enough to light your way in the country as well as get you noticed around town, and you can remove and reattach both lights in seconds. The front unit lasts about 7hrs on constant mode and the rear one 30hrs on flashing. Batteries are included in the package.www.smart-bike.com

Electron Backupz£14.99 (Pair)These are neat. They’re tiny LEDs that you can keep in your pocket or bag just in case your main lights run out of juice. Strap them on your bars or seat post and they give out enough light to get you home safely. Backupz are waterproof and the batteries go on for ages.www.madison.co.uk

Blackburn Flea£44.99Four super-bright LEDS shine out from each of these mini lights, the front one lasting three hours in constant mode and the rear one six hours. When the batteries ar e drained, you recharge them via a standard AA battery. There’s also a USB charger available, and a solar one on the way www.blackburndesign.com

25

Abus Steel-O-Flex 1000/100 £69.99 We’d usually opt for a U-lock over a cable lock but, at 100cm long, the Steel-O-Flex offers you extra flexibility when securing your bike because it’ll reach around wider anchor points. You get a 15mm cable protected by an armoured sleeve of cylindrical steel links, and a high-level locking unit that stands up to attack well enough to win a Sold Secure Gold rating. The lock's finished with a vinyl sleeve and a plastic housing to keep your bike scuff-free.www.abus.de

Squire Urban Paramount£54.99This is another lock with a Sold Secure Gold rating thanks to a 13mm thick hardened boron alloy/steel shackle and a hardened steel crossbar. Any thief who wants to try a more subtle approach and pick the lock had better be ready to take on a six-pin tumbler mechanism – and we’ve got a shrewd idea they won’t get far. This version has a 230mm shackle; the 290mm version will set you back a fiver extra. www.squirelocks.co.uk

Essential kit:

LocksI

nvest in a good lock. Seriously, cheap

locks are rubbish and often won’t hold

up a thief for more than a few seconds.

We’re sorry to bring you the bad news,

but figured you’d prefer to know now

rather than wait until you find that pricey

new bike has been half-inched. You really

do get what you pay for.

When you’re buying a lock, look for

a Sold Secure rating. Sold Secure is an

independent test house for security

products and it gives Bronze, Silver and

Gold levels of approval. The higher the

grading, the higher the security you’re

getting.

Kryptonite New York 3000 £79.99This beefy U-lock comes with a Sold Secure Gold rating so you can be sure your bike is well-guarded. The extra thick 16mm case-hardened steel shackle is super-tough and there’s a hardened steel sleeve around the double crossbar. The New York 3000 won’t be picked easily either – any thief who comes up against this lock is soon likely to give up. It’s simple to carry on your bike frame with the bracket provided.www.kryptonitelock.com

Onguard Pitbull Std £36.99With a 13mm hardened steel shackle and sturdy crossbar, the Pitbull Std will stand its ground against any would-be thief who fancies his chances. The quality locking mechanism is highly resistant to picking, pulling and drilling, and a Silver Sold Secure rating is an excellent endorsement for a lock of this price. Five laser-cut keys will please the absent-minded and the multi-position mounting bracket is a useful extra feature. www.onguardlock.com

Winter 2009

26


Respro Hi-Viz Super Waistcoat £29.99Using fluorescent fabric and loads of 3M Scotchlite reflective trim, this lightweight vest is bound to get you noticed on the road whether it’s day or night. You get mesh pockets for storing essentials and two loops on the back for attaching LEDs.www.respro.com

Essential kit:

ReflectivesC

ycling safely on the roads at night is all about being

seen, and a few well-chosen reflectives will really boost

your visibility. There are loads of different options out

there – take our advice and use as many as possible.

When it comes to reflectives, more is better. There’s no such thing

as being too conspicuous.

Indicator Cliplet £2.99Cheap, simple and effective, the Cliplet is made up of a couple of high-powered magnets within a length of plastic. One side has a 3M Scotchlite reflective surface, the other side is fluorescent orange and you clip it to your clothes or bag for a little extra eye-catching visibility. www.theglowcompany.co.uk

Respro Hump rucksack cover From £17.99 A Hump fits over the top of your backpack or pannier to make you really standout on the road whether you’re riding in the day or at night. It takes just seconds to clip into place and the elasticated edges hold it there securely. Humps come in different colours and sizes, some with pockets and some without, but they all feature plenty of reflective material to make them shine out in car headlights, and they’re waterproof too. Pictured is the P15 which features electroluminescent strips for even better visibilty. www.respro.com

Cinelli Lumen Reflective handlebar tape £16.99This bar tape looks pretty normal in the daylight but the clever bit is that it glows in the dark. It comes with light reflecting end plugs too for extra visibility. Every little bit helps. www.cinelli.it

Essential kit

27

The main folding hinge is nice and positive with a lever lock for extra safety

in detail...


The rear rack will take a small pannier and has an integral luggage strap


Raleigh Boardwalk Lite £379.99Built around a reasonably lightweight aluminium frame, this Raleigh comes with a 7-speed drivetrain, strong V-brakes, mudguards and a rack, so it’s ready for all-weather commuting right from the off. It folds down in no time at all and, thanks to 20in wheels, takes up very little space.www.raleigh.co.uk

Brompton M3L £595.00The most popular option in the British brand’s range comes with 16in wheels so it can be folded down super-small for hassle-free travelling on the bus, train or tube. The upright ride position and Sturmey Archer’s ever-reliable 3-speed hub will suit those who are after a traditional feel.www.brompton.co.uk

28


Jargon BusterTwist shifter Most bike gears

are operated by pushing or

pulling a lever or trigger but a

twist shifter is incorporated in

the handlebar grip; you rotate

it to select a different gear.

It comes in just one size, although you get stacks of height adjustment to both the saddle and handlebars. We had riders from 5ft to 6ft 3in on board comfortably enough. Even smaller riders will find the ride position pretty upright, which makes a lot of sense. You want a good view of the road on a folder, not head-down aerodynamics.

Spinning on 20in wheels, the Kingpin is stable and sure-footed enough for medium-length commutes and it’s pretty nippy with it. Gears come courtesy of Dahon’s short Neos 7-speed derailleur which is specifically designed to give extra ground clearance when used with small wheels and to take up as little room as possible when the bike is folded. Changing gear couldn’t be easier thanks to SRAM’s MRX twist shifter.

On test...

A folding bike opens up a whole host of commuting possibilities and the Dawes Kingpin proves that you don’t have to compromise on ride quality in order to enjoy that convenience.

The Kingpin is the second-top option in Dawes’ four bike folding line-up which ranges from the basic Diamond (£279.99) to the lightweight and light-equipped Ace (£699.99). At the heart of this bike you get a 7005 aluminium alloy frame with a strong, firmly-locking hinge at the centre; there’s a secondary lever lock to keep everything firm.

The Pro-Max V-brakes provide impressive stopping too. If you consider that V-brakes were standard kit for downhill mountain biking just a few years ago, you’ll realise that they’re plenty strong enough to keep you safe on the road. Mudguards and a rack add to the practical appeal and there’s even a pump hidden away inside the seatpost.

Of course, the way a folder packs down is vital and the Dawes could hardly be more user-friendly in this respect. The handlebars are telescopic, with the upper section slotting into the lower. At the turn of a quick-release clamp, the super-long seat post drops down through the frame in the same way and the frame itself pivots in the middle. The pedals turn up too, the whole process taking, ooh, all of 20 seconds, and it’s very, very simple. Unfolding the Kingpin is a breeze too, with the two main pivots snapping shut with a reassuring clunk.

The folded down bike is small enough to fit into the boot of almost any car, and you shouldn’t have any problems on public transport either. Hitting the scales at 12.6kg, it’s a manageable weight for carrying short distances. Sling it into a shoulder bag to make your life easier and keep the train conductor happy as well.

Dawes Kingpin £449.99The Kingpin packs down small enough to take on public transport and stash behind your desk at work, yet gives larger wheeled rivals a run for their money out on the streets…

Dahon Cadenza £743.83With 26in wheels, an 18-speed Shimano drivetrain and a hinged alloy frame, the Cadenza rides like a comfortable urban mountain bike, but you can fold it down to a portable size in a matter of seconds. A singlespeed version is available for £538.30.www.dahon.co.uk

Airnimal Joey Commute £975The Joey handles like a conventional bike out on the road and the weather-beating 8-speed Shimano hub gear keeps maintenance to a minimum. It folds down small enough to fit into its own shoulder bag in a couple of minutes and will go even smaller if you have a few more minutes to spare. www.airnimal.eu

Spinning on 20in wheels, the Kingpin is stable and sure-footed enough for medium-length commutes and it’s pretty nippy with it

Tech SpecsPrice: £449.99Weight: 27.8lb / 12.6kgFrame: Dawes 7005 alloy foldingFork: Hi-tensile steelDrivetrain: Dahon Neos 7-speed, SRAM MRX Comp twist shifterWheels: 20in, Dahon Roulez tyresOther: ProMax aluminium V-brakes and levers

29

Example savings

Example
















Package






£277.67

£449.99Dawes Kingpin


£24.99Dawes universal pannier

www.dawescycles.com

£19.99Altura Night Vision

Vest www.zyro.co.uk

think this on another exmaple package too?!

Winter 2009

£39.99Bell Citi helmet www.bellhelmets.co.uk

30


Winter bulge!Winter is a calorie-laden time of evenings in, comfort eating and, above all, Christmas. Here’s our take on how to use the bike to lose weight and stay in shape this winter

Beat the

Beat the Winter bulge!

31

Quality Street (5)Calories 200

Cycling needed to burn it off (miles)

4

Riding your bike is

the perfect way to

lose weight, look

younger and feel

fitter. Although your body’s

metabolism is complex, the

bottom line is that you need to

use up more calories than you

take in if you want to drop your

bodyweight – and cycling is

a fun way of adjusting that

equation.

The rate at which you burn

off calories on the bike varies

from person to person but

an average-weight man (12st

6lb/79kg) will use about 50

calories a mile at 14mph; a

typical woman (10st 3lb/65kg)

will use about 42 at the

same speed.

You can use that

information to help you get

most out of your time in the

saddle…

Ride the weight offIf you want to lose weight, start

by reducing your daily diet by

500 calories, doing an extra 500

calories’ worth of exercise a day

or, best of all, adjusting each by

250 calories.

Cutting 250 calories from

your diet really isn’t difficult.

Swap a blueberry muffin

(380 calories) for a banana

(85 calories) and you’re there

comfortably. And just 5-6

miles extra on your bike a day

will give you the additional

exercise you’re looking for.

Keep it consistentIt can be difficult to keep up

your riding when the weather’s

not so good, but missing out

on your daily commute by bike

is bad news for your health and

fitness…

Say you usually cycle

five miles to and from work

five days a week and your

bodyweight is stable. Missing

the odd day when it’s chucking

it down won’t make too much

difference, but miss seven days

of riding and, all other things

being equal, you’ll gain about a

pound on the scales.

If you want to stay slim, keep

the number of missed days to

an absolute minimum and, if

possible, substitute in some

other exercise instead. Or, if you

can’t avoid a few days off the

bike, adjust your diet, cutting

the relevant number of calories

for the miles you miss.

Watch the fatYou need a certain amount

of natural fat in your diet –

it’s essential to the smooth

functioning of your body. One

of the problems, though, is that

fats are so dense in calories.

Every gram of carbohydrate

or protein you eat contains 4

calories. A gram of fat gives

you more than double that – 9

calories. So if you eat a diet

that’s high in fat, it’s easy to

take on board more calories

than you need, resulting in

weight gain.

A Snickers bar and a chicken

salad sandwich weigh roughly

the same, but whereas you’ll

use up the calories from the

sandwich by riding less than 2

miles, you’ll need to cycle three

times as far to burn off the

calories from the Snickers bar

because of all the extra fat.

Burn it up occasionallyGetting time in the saddle

regularly is the most important

part of gaining fitness, but

cycling harder for a given

amount of time will burn

calories at a faster rate than

cycling slowly. Plus, if you

exercise intensely you’ll raise

your metabolism for longer

after you’ve finished riding too.

You don’t need to turn your

Every gram of carbohydrate or protein you eat contains 4 calories. A gram of fat gives you more than double that - 9 calories

Bailey’s Irish Cream (50ml)Calories 164


3.3

Winter 2009

32


Vol au ventCalories 94


1.9

Double Cream (1 tbsp)Calories 135


2.7

Lager (1 pint)Calories 165


3.3

Christmas pudding (100g)Calories 330


6.6

Mince PieCalories 250


5

Mulled Wine (120ml)Calories 227


4.5

Wine (120ml)Calories 85


1.7

commute into a race, but if

you’ve got a limited amount

of time, upping the pace

a couple of notches is an

effective way to boost your

fitness.

Eat, drink and be merry… in moderationMost of us like to eat, drink

and be merry around

Christmas time – it’s all part

of relaxing and no-one’s

going to suggest you live like

a puritan over the holiday

season. But all those extra

calories add up, often without

us really noticing.

Go to a party and have a

glass or two of mulled wine,

a couple of mince pies and a

few chocolates and suddenly

you’re looking at around

1,000 calories.

If you’re an average-weight

man riding at a typical speed,

you’ll need to cycle about 20

miles – taking nearly an hour

and a half – to burn that lot off.

Think of it like that and you

might be a little less tempted to

reach for another vol au vent.

Beat the Winter bulge!

33

Shimano’s integrated gear and brake levers make for simple control

in detail...


The triple chainset will see you up even the steepest of hills


Specialized Sirrus Elite £537.99The Sirrus Elite comes with carbon seatstays and fork legs, each containing supple Zertz inserts to eat up road vibration and provide a super-smooth ride. This is an excellent value package with a 24-speed Shimano transmission. www.specialized.com

Bianchi Camaleonte 3 £639.99This sporty hybrid from legendary road-bike brand Bianchi comes with a 27-speed Shimano LX transmission that will carry on performing in the face of all kinds of abuse. Other decent components from the likes of FSA and Vittoria add on more value. www.bianchi.com

34


derailleurs. You’ll rarely need to adjust them, and even if you’re a complete novice, you’ll get the hang of the system in no time at all.

The road bike wheels are nippy too and, built with 32 spokes each, they should prove durable. Bontrager’s 32mm tyres have enough volume to cope with unpaved surfaces without dulling your acceleration on the Tarmac, and they offer excellent puncture resistance too – always a huge plus.

In terms of handling, the 7.3 behaves well without throwing anything too unexpected into the mix. The steering is precise without much sideways flex in the fork even when you’re flying through downhill bends, and the overall ride feel is one of stability. Shimano levers and Avid SD-3 callipers provide confident, progressive braking that, when combined with the well-balanced ride position, give you a welcome feeling of control at all times.

Overall, the 7.3 is an appealing do-it-all bike that offers excellent value for money, and it’s available in a women’s specific geometry too. If you’re after a practical machine with plenty of comfort thrown in, it’s definitely well-worth considering.www.trekbikes.com

Tech SpecsPrice: £425Weight: 26.1lb / 11.8kgFrame: FX Alpha Black AluminumFork: FX alloyDrivetrain: Shimano 24 speedWheels: Shimano/unnamed hubs, Bontrager Nebula 27in rims, Bontrager Race Lite HardcaseOther: Avid SD-3 brakes, Shimano EF60 levers

Jargon BusterTriple chainset The Trek gives

you the choice of three different

chainwheels – the cogs that sit up

front by the pedals – so you get a

wider range of gears than you’ll find

on many other bikes.

bike’s, giving you plenty of control and a good view of the road ahead as well as taking the strain off your back.

Bontrager’s Nebula saddle is yielding enough to dampen out road vibration and the Satellite Plus grips are excellent too. Rather than simply being round, they bulge outwards to sit within your palms, spreading the pressure to prevent achy hands. These little touches really add to your comfort, especially when you start racking up the miles.

The 24-gears provided by the triple chainset and 8-speed cassette will get you up the steepest climbs without too much hassle while also offering plenty of pace when you want to wind it up on the flat sections. Changing between them is effortless thanks to the fingertip control of Shimano’s trigger shifters and the accurate and reliable

On test...

Quick and comfortable, the Trek 7.3 FX is an impressive hybrid that’s a real jack-of-all-trades. It’ll eagerly handle your regular commute through town and it’s equally suitable for jaunts

along the towpath with the family, or fitness rides around the local lanes at the weekend.

The 7.3 is built around a lightweight aluminium frame and fork package that comes equipped with eyelets for mudguards and a rack. We’d definitely fit them for year-round trips to and from work, just to make life that bit easier. The ride position is fairly upright, similar to a mountain

Trek 7.3 FX £425If you’re looking for a versatile bike that can handle long rides at the weekend as well as the daily commute, this Trek might be exactly what you’re after

The 24-gears provided by the triple chainset and 8-speed cassette will get you up the steepestclimbs without too much hassle

Claud Butler Urban 600 £669.99Claud Butler offer something different by fitting their Urban 600 with hydraulic disc brakes for improved stoppability, especially in wet conditions. You also get a carbon fork, a suspension seatpost and a 27-speed SRAM transmission along with enough clearance for fitting mudguards. www.falconcycles.co.uk

Ridgeback Flight 04 £899.00The Flight 04 comes with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub gear meaning that the moving parts are held internally for minimal maintenance. The impressive spec also includes incredibly powerful Shimano SLX disc brakes which make it extra safe in urban traffic. www.madison.co.uk

35

Example savings

Example
















Package






£293.63

£425Trek 7.3 FX


£54.99Squire Urban Paramount

lock www.squirelocks.co.uk

£39.99Bell Citi helmet www.madison.co.uk

£24.99Giro Transfer Helmet www.giro.com

£64.99Polaris Vortex II Jacket

www.polaris-apparel.co.uk

Winter 2009

36

Top 5

In order to be safe on the roads, you need

to be assertive, and that often means

riding in the centre of your lane. You

might think that riding on the extreme

left of the road is the polite thing to do,

but it makes you less visible and reduces

your own vision, acts as an invitation for

motorists to pull alongside you when it’s

not safe to do so, and means you’re more

likely to have to ride over debris and

drain covers.

‘Assertive’ doesn’t mean ‘aggressive’.

And it doesn’t mean needlessly getting

in the way of other traffic either – by all

means pull closer to the left edge of the

road when it’s safe to do so. But don’t feel

that you have to ride in the gutter.

1 Take the lane

Riding on busy urban

roads can be daunting

to begin with but, like

anything else, the more

you do it, the more confident

you’ll become. Even if you’ve

never ridden in traffic before, you’ll

soon develop ‘bike sense’ – the

experience you need to read the

traffic conditions, anticipate what

other road users are likely to do

next, and react accordingly.

To give you a flying start, here

are our tips for staying safe while

riding in traffic.

Traffic safety tipsFollow our essential advice and stay out of trouble on the streets…

Top fiveWinter 2009

38


● Give parked cars a wide berth. Drivers are supposed to check the road is clear before opening a door. Sometimes they don’t.

● Make eye-contact with other road users at junctions and roundabouts, when you’re changing lane and so on. That way, you know they’ve clocked you. Plus, they’ll be more likely to treat you as a human being.

● Change into a lower gear if there’s any possibility that you might have to slow or stop – it’ll be quicker and easier to accelerate away.

● Assume the driver in front of you is an idiot. You might be right!

● You have to use lights at night – it’s the law. Extra lights and plenty of reflectives will increase your chances of being noticed.

2 Anticipate traffic turning left across you

Every urban cyclist has

experienced this one. You’re

riding in traffic and, rather than

overtaking you, another vehicle

pulls alongside. Then, forgetting

that you’re there, the driver

turns left across your path. It

can happen at junctions and

roundabouts too when you are

going straight ahead and another

vehicle is turning left.

What can you do? First, taking

the lane (see tip 1) makes this

less likely to happen in the first

place. Second, if someone does

just nose ahead, drop behind

and position yourself where

it’s less likely to happen. Finally,

if someone does start to turn

across you, don’t panic. Just make

the left turn too.

3 Don’t nip up the inside of a lorry or bus

Long vehicles need plenty of

room to go around corners and

often move over to the right

before turning left. It can be

tempting to nip through the

gap that leaves, particularly

in stationary or slow-moving

traffic. Resist that urge! Chances

are that the driver won’t be

checking for anyone in that

space and may not be able

to see you anyway. The gap

can shrink very fast as the rear

wheels close in, leaving you

with nowhere to go. It’s really

not worth the risk.

Quick tips...

Traffic safety tips

39

Where to go to improve your skills

CTCCTC (Cyclists’ Touring Club) provides a list of instructors for the government’s National Standard for Cycle Training which is aimed at both adults and children. Instructors will be able to help with everything from basic handling skills to coping with difficult traffic conditions and road layouts. Go to www.ctc.org.uk

Cyclecraft by John FranklinThis book explains how to cycle safely and confidently in all traffic conditions and is relevant to total beginners and more experienced riders looking to extend their skills. It also contains valuable advice on teaching your children how to cycle. Available at £12.50 from www.cyclecraft.co.uk

City Cycling by Richard BallantineRichard’s Bicycle Book sold gazillions of copies after being first published in the 1970s. This offering from the same writer provides a wealth of information on all aspects of urban riding from choosing a bike and looking after it to riding safely and with confidence in traffic. Available at £9.99

Right turns are more

complicated than left

turns, but follow the right

procedure and they’re

simple enough.

First, check the traffic on

your own side of the road by

looking over your shoulder.

When it’s safe, put out your

right arm to signal your

intention and move to the

centre of the road. If there’s a

gap in the oncoming traffic,

you can go straight on round.

If not, wait in the centre of the

road until there is a lull.

Some people prefer to

wait on the left until there is a

safe gap in both directions, or

to dismount and push across.

Drains and manhole covers can be

incredibly slippery when they’re wet,

and the same goes for many road

markings. If possible, look ahead and, as

long as it’s safe, steer around things like

this. If you do have to ride over them,

you want your bike to be as straight

and upright as possible so that your

wheels are less likely to slide out from

underneath you. Train lines and cattle

grids are even worse – it’s often better to

get off and walk in wet conditions.

If there’s anything really dangerous on

your local roads, let your local

council know.

4 Know your right-turn procedure

5 Avoid metalwork and white lines when they’re wet

Cycle training

Winter 2009

40

New catalogue out now.

Quote the offer code CYSCH9 to claim your discount. This

offer can not be used on sale items.

15% offfor all Cyclescheme

UK members

5 Handlebar and stem

1 BrakesPull the brake levers to make sure the blocks bite early enough to give you the stopping power you need. If not, fine-tune the cable adjuster on the brake calliper or lever to bring the blocks in closer to the wheel. Check that they hit the wheel rim in the middle of the braking surface and that the cables aren’t frayed.

4 HeadsetPull the front brake on hard and rock the bike back and forth, checking for any movement in the headset bearings. If there is any, undo the bolts on the side of stem, tighten the bolt on the fork’s top cap slightly, and retighten the stem bolts. Also. pick the front end of the bike off the floor and check that the handlebar turns smoothly.

Check that the stem bolts haven’t loosened off. Hold the bike steady and try to twist the handlebar forward in the stem clamp. Then hold the front wheel between your knees and try to twist the handlebar sideways, as if you were turning. If there’s any movement, tighten the Allen bolts.

3 TyresRemove any glass or stones that are embedded in the tyre tread to avoid punctures. Check the tread for excessive wear and the sidewalls for bulges – if you find any, it’s time for a new tyre. Make sure there’s enough air in the inner tubes and, if necessary, top them up.

Your 2-minute bike checkGive your bike a regular once-over to keep it running smoothly and make sure that everything is safe. Here’s how…

You need to look

after a bike to

keep it working

smoothly and

efficiently – and it’s really not

that difficult. Get into the habit

of quickly checking over the

key parts before each ride,

just to make sure everything

is as it should be; catch small

problems before they turn into

big problems and you’ll save

yourself a whole lot of time

and money in the long run.

If you don’t know how to

change the parts or make the

necessary adjustments we

suggest, your local bike shop

will be able to sort things out

for you.

2 WheelsSpin the wheels to check they’re both round and true – any more than a couple of millimetres of side-to-side wobble and the spoke tension needs adjusting. Check the hubs spin smoothly too – if not, they need adjusting – and that the quick releases are tight.

Winter 2009

42


6 Frame and forksIt’s very unlikely, but just check the frame and forks over for any cracks, especially if you’ve hit any big potholes. The danger areas are at the front of the bike (just behind the head tube) and around the bottom bracket.

8 GearsCheck the shifting between gears. If the chain doesn’t move up to a larger sprocket easily, you need to tighten the cable slightly by screwing the barrel adjuster on the rear mech anti-clockwise. If the chain doesn’t move to a smaller sprocket easily, loosen the cable by turning the adjuster clockwise.

10 Chain & RelubingClean the chain regularly with degreaser, a stiff brush and plenty of water, and then re-lube it. Run the chain backwards as you apply the lube, making sure that every individual link gets its fair share, and wipe off any excess with a rag.

Following a wet ride or after you’ve cleaned your bike, make sure that the moving parts are well lubricated. Lube the pivot points on the brakes and the derailleurs, and the cables where they meet the cable stops. Obviously, keep the lube well away from the braking surfaces.

7 Saddle and seat postGrab the saddle and try to twist it sideways and move it up and down. If there’s any movement, check the bolts that hold the seat post in the frame and the saddle on top of the seat post. It’s just a question of tightening them up.Your 2-minute bike check

Give your bike a regular once-over to keep it running smoothly and make sure that everything is safe. Here’s how…

9 Bottom bracketIf there’s any ticking or creaking as you pedal, it could be that your bottom bracket has worn. Drop your chain off the smallest chainring and turn the cranks by hand. If it doesn’t feel smooth, the bearings have worn and need replacing. Check your pedals spin freely on their axles too. If not, they need adjusting.

If you find that you're enjoying keeping your bike running like clockwork then you can take your skills to the next level with a Cytech Home Mechanic course. The two-day course is designed to give a good level of mechanical ability covering all the basic maintenance areas. All the tools you need are supplied, and you'll end up with an industry recognised qualification. Currently the courses run in Manchester and Milton Keynes; for more information, visit: www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk/cytech.

Got the fettling bug?

Your 2-minute bike check

43


Bike test

Mudguards aren’t fitted as standard but there’s just enough room for a pair

in detail...

The Aluminium frame is well built and finished

Winter 2009

Specialized Allez Double £499.99The entry-level model in Specialized’s Allez range is built around a manipulated aluminium frame and carbon-legged fork for lightweight efficiency and plenty of comfort. Shimano’s Sora and Tiagra drivetrain components deliver slick, reliable shifting through the 18 gears.www.specialized.com

Trek 1.2 Compact £599.99The 1.2 is built to the same geometry as much more expensive bikes in Trek’s range but the straight-gauge Alpha White aluminium frame keeps the price temptingly low. The Bontrager Approved carbon fork smooths bumpy road surfaces and Shimano’s Sora and Tiagra kit performs as dependably as ever.www.trekbikes.com

44


rolling wheels either. When it’s time to hit the hills, the

Defy 2 proves itself a ready, willing and able climber, the Shimano Tiagra compact crankset offering a range of low gears to hoist you skyward. A triple chainset option is also available, giving you an even wider range of gears if you want an extra helping hand.

Some efficient road bikes can be sketchy on the way back down and harsh on the flat, especially over bumpy road surfaces, but the Defy 2’s butted tubes, along with the carbon seatpost, soak up the vibrations effectively to leave you feeling comfortable and in control. It’s a very smooth ride. And when you haul on the anchors there’s barely a hint of unwanted flex, just assured deceleration via Shimano dual pivot callipers.

The Defy 2 isn’t the cheapest or most sensible option for a short urban commute, but you can fit a rack and there’s just enough clearance for mudguards so it’s easy to add a bit of rain protection and luggage capacity. If you hit the open road on your ride to and from work, or if you’re after a bike that can double-up for sports rides at the weekend, it’s a high-value investment.www.giant-bicycles.com

Tech SpecsPrice: £775Weight: 20.7lb / 9.4kgFrame: ALUXX SL-Grade alumiumFork: Composite with alloy steererDrivetrain: Shimano Tiagra/Sora 18 speedWheels: Formula sealed cartridge hubs, Mavic CXP22 rims, Kenda Kriterium 700x23c tyresOther: Tiagra dual pivot brakes, Shimano Sora levers

Jargon BusterCompact cranksetCompact cranksets typically use 50

and 34 tooth chainrings whereas a

more traditional setup might use 53

and 39. This gives you easier gears to

get up the climbs at the expense of

high end gears for coming down.

On test...

Giant Defy 2 £775This is a road bike that combines speed and comfort along with a whole lot of value for money

Bianchi Nirone 7 Xenon £739.99Unlike the vast majority of road bikes at this price, this fast Bianchi comes equipped with components from Campagnolo’s Xenon 10-speed groupset. The alloy frame is double butted to keep the weight down, FSA provide the crankset, and you even get clipless pedals courtesy of Look. www.bianchi.com

Cannondale Synapse Tiagra Triple £950.98The Synapse is designed for comfort with a relaxed geometry and excellent vibration-damping features. This aluminium model comes with a 27-speed Shimano Tiagra transmission and other high-quality components from the likes of Fizik and Vittoria.www.cannondale.com

Giant is the world’s biggest bike manufacturer, producing a vast number of models from kids’ tricycles to folders to the full-on race machines that Team Rabobank ride in the Tour de France.

The one thing they generally have in common is impressive value for money and that’s certainly the Aluminium Defy 2’s greatest strength.

It’s built around a light and strong compact frame, meaning that the seat tube is shorter than you’ll find on a traditional design and the top tube slopes downward from front to rear. This keeps the frame triangles small and stiff, and also means that the standover height is low which you might prefer for peace of mind when you need to get your feet down in a hurry.

The head tube is fairly high so your body position is more upright than on many road bikes, and that’s a real confidence-boost when it comes to keeping tabs on the road ahead. It’s not the most aerodynamic setup but you can spend five minutes moving the stem down if you’re after speed on longer out-of-town blasts.

If you’re planning to use your bike for more than just the daily grind then you’ll really come to appreciate what the Giant has to offer on longer jaunts and weekend rides. Crank up the power and the frame is taut and light enough to respond immediately with a burst of speed. There’s no sloppiness from the carbon-legged fork or the smooth-

When it’s time to hit the hills, theDefy 2 proves itself a ready, willing and able climber, the Shimano Tiagra compact crankset offering a range of low gears to hoist you skyward

45

Example savings

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Package






£491.72


£84.10Knog Dry Dog

www.knog.com.au

£19.99Lezyne SV10 multi tool

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£68.99LAS Kripton www.lashelmets.com

£775Giant Defy 2

Winter 2009

46

people.The online club for

High road. Low road. Your road. My road. Long road. Narrow road. Steep road. Twisty road. Wide road. Different road. All roads lead to...

Bikes Gear News Reviews Chat Riding

Chances are that getting a standard bike into your car is going to mean taking either one or both wheels off…

Taking the bike in the car

Getting the front wheel off is usually very easy. On most side-pull brakes you rotate the tab on the calliper to move the blocks away from wheel, although some brakes have a button on the lever to do the same job. If you have V-brakes, you just lift the end of the noodle out of its holder. Then you simply undo the wheel’s quick release and drop the wheel out.

It’s a similar process at the back but make sure you change onto the smallest sprocket at the back before you start, to make things as simple as possible.

Mix it upIf you’ve got a long commute, the best option could be to split the journey

between the bike and some other mode of transport. Here’s how…

Winter 2009

48


“I’ve been cycling partway to work every day for three years now and it

has been a revelation,” says Chris Arnold, a retail manager who lives in Wiltshire and works in Bristol. “Dividing the journey between the bike and the train is so much easier than taking the car. It’s less stressful and quicker too.”

Chris is one of a growing number of people who have decided to ditch the car for commuting and travel by bike instead, but riding the whole way isn’t really an option for him.

“The roads were getting more and more crowded, I was spending ages stuck in traffic jams, and fuel and parking were costing me a fortune,” he says. “I live 25 miles from the store where I work and there’s no way I could cycle that twice a day, so I decided to split the

journey.”Now Chris cycles the four

miles from his home to the station on the Specialized Sirrus he bought through the Cyclescheme, and then gets on the train for half an hour’s crosswording and iPodding to Bristol. At the other end, he gets back on his bike for the final two miles.

“It works perfectly and I get some free exercise into the bargain which saves me going to the gym in the evening,” he says.

Countless other people divide their journeys in similar ways, and not just using the train. Nigel Andrews puts his bike in the back of the car, drives part of the way to work and then cycles the last section.

“I live in the Borders and work in Edinburgh,” he says. “Driving into the city is a nightmare; it’s always congested. So I park about 10

A wet bike can drip gunk so take some rags to wipe it down in case of rain and a sheet to protect the car’s interior.

Putting the wheels back on is the same process in reverse. Hook the chain over the smallest sprocket on the rear wheel before drawing it back into the dropout – it has to be the smallest sprocket to get the wheel lined up properly with the frame.

Mix it up

49

miles out and ride the rest of

the way. I could park closer, but

I figure that if I’m on the bike

anyway I might as well go a bit

further and work on my fitness.”

Organising things this way

has made a big difference

to Nigel’s life. Transforming

frustrating time spent in traffic

jams into useful exercise time

has helped him lose nearly a

stone in the past year. He also

feels more energised after

some early-morning exercise.

“Getting on the bike gives

you a kick-start and gets rid

of that lethargic feeling you

can have first thing,” Nigel

says. “I vary the place that I

park too, just to make things

more interesting and keep me

motivated. And I’ve always got

the option of driving further

and shortening the ride if the

weather’s bad – but it has to

be really chucking it down

for me to miss out on my ride

altogether.”

Multi-modal trips are

perfectly possible in London

too, although life can be easier

if you use a folding bike. You

can’t take a non-folding bicycle

on the Tube during peak hours,

which are 7:30-9:30 in the

morning and 4:00-7:00 in the

evening on weekdays – and

non-folders aren’t permitted at

all on many sections (you can

get a map showing you which

at www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/bicycle-tube-map.pdf).

On the flip side, the

good news is that you can

take a folded bike on the

Underground at any time

free of charge, on a bus if the

Taking your bike on the trainDifferent rail operators have different regulations when it comes to carrying bikes, and the same operator will often have different rules for different services. Sometimes you need to make a reservation, sometimes you just show up, sometimes bikes aren’t permitted at all, and sometimes you have to pay extra. But, on the other hand, it’s often very straightforward. And you’re usually allowed to take a fully packed down folding bike on board without any restrictions, although occasionally it has to be bagged too.The best thing is to check with your local operator or go to www.atob.org.uk where you’ll find all the information you need.

driver gives you the thumbs

up, and on the Docklands

Light Railway as long as you

have it enclosed in a cover (go

to www.tfl.gov.uk for all the

info).

“I take my trusty Brompton

on the Tube all the time and

it’s incredibly convenient,” says

chef Peter Jackson of West

London. “I live right out by the

M25 and don’t want to ride all

the way to work in Camden.

So I cycle to the station,

fold up the bike, take the

Underground into town and,

rather than changing trains,

ride from there to minimise

hanging around. I was a bit

nervous of the traffic to start

with but two years down the

line and I don’t think anything

of it. I take the bike everywhere

– I’m a convert.”

Cycling has transformed frustrating time spent in traffic jams into useful exercise time

Winter 2009

50

for a list of marin dealers visit:

www.marin.Co.UK

URBANTake control of your commute

+ride more

The Most Versatile Bike. Ever.Ride Longer with Trek FX.

Meet FX at trekbikes.com/fx

TREKBIKES.COM | © 2009 TREK BICYCLE CORPORATION

FX ad Cycle Commuter issue 3.indd 1 19/08/2009 09:25

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