cycle commuter issue 4

Your guide to... Bags Racks Jackets Lights Helmets Locks

Anatomy of a bike shop ● Muddle-free maintenance ● Upgrade your bike skills ● Essential kit

54top cycling products

Featuring

Spring/Summer 2010Spring/Summer 2010Issue #4 £1.95 where sold

● Tested: 4 bikes for your perfect commute● How pedal power can

make your world better● Why the future’s bright

for cycling

Inside this issue...

Improve How pedal power can How pedal power can

Improveyour life

SpringSpringSpringinto action!

LocksLocks

Inside this issue...Inside this issue...

cc04.cover.indd 1 31/3/10 14:50:24

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

ChargeMixer.indd 1 22/2/10 16:24:28cc04.ads.indd 2 31/3/10 14:54:55

www.cyclescheme.co.uk

40 Marin Novato Meet a smooth and slick urban mountain bike that’s tough enough to handle life on the streets

48 Land Rover Commute 6.9 A solidly built and dependable utility machine for getting the commuting miles in

20 Specialized Globe Live 1This simple, traditional-style utility bike is ideal for your daily commute

48

20

contentsIssue 4 Spring/Summer 2010

30 Birdy C2W If you’re looking for a folder that rides as well as a standard bike, this could be the perfect choice

Top products & essential kit 12 Stuff

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

24 EssentialsWe give you the lowdown on the bike kit you just can’t do without

34 Bags How to choose what’s right for you

38 Racks Four of the best racks on the market

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 FAQsWe answer the most frequently asked questions so you know everything you need to know

16 How cyclingwill improveyour lifePedal power will make your world better, and you along with it...

26 The future’s bright for bikingWhy cycling to work puts you at the heart of a two-wheeled revolution

44 Anatomy of a bike shopGetting a bike through Cyclescheme means getting to know your local bike shop. Here’s what you’ll see there...

52 Muddle-free maintenanceWorkshop mechanic Mike shows you the quick and easy way to solve the two most common bike problems

54 Upgrade your bike skillsHow to get the cycle training you need to ride con� dently and expertly in tra� c...

Features

30

40

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

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

Bikes tested

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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.

cannondale_cc_advert.indd 2 22/2/10 17:12:36cc04.ads.indd 4 31/3/10 14:55:15


Welcome

The Cycle to Work Initiative is a salary sacrifi ce 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 sacrifi ce

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

equivalent benefi t 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 1,500+ 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, Offi ce 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 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 sta� 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 sacrifi cescheme 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 off er big savings on the best bikes and

safety equipment. Dealing with Cyclescheme’s

network of over 1,500+ 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.

Welcome

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

About Cyclescheme...

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

the best bikes and the best bikes and

safety equipment. Dealing with Cyclescheme’s safety equipment. Dealing with Cyclescheme’s

network of over 1,500+ local bike shops also network of over 1,500+ local bike shops also

gives you the best experience, with the expert gives you the best experience, with the expert

personal service, convenience and choice that personal service, convenience and choice that

larger multiple retailers just can’t match. larger multiple retailers just can’t match.

5

cc04.news.dave1.indd 5 31/3/10 15:14:16

Spring/Summer 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. 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 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. 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 market value payment is essential if the 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 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.

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

An airbag system to help protect cyclists will go

on trial in Amsterdam this autumn. The airbag is

mounted on the outside of cars with sensors to

identify when a cyclist is present and anticipate

a collision. At that point, the airbag is deployed,

providing a cushion for the cyclist’s head to

reduce impact and, by extension, the number

and severity of injuries.

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cc04.news.dave1.indd 6 31/3/10 15:14:49

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.

cannondale_cc_advert.indd 2 22/2/10 17:12:36cc04.ads.indd 7 31/3/10 14:55:34

News

A pensioner from Surrey has

clocked up more than 600,000

miles – that’s equivalent to

going round the globe around

24 times – over the past fi ve decades.

Former hospital worker Sue Swetman,

from Epsom, took up cycling at the age of

13, admits she is “not very good at sitting

down” and rides she has completed

include Land’s End to John O’Groats and an

800-mile journey down the West Coast of

the USA. She has also cycled around France

and New Zealand but most of the 609,721

miles she has ridden, recorded in a series of

diaries, have mainly been as a result of local

leisure rides, rather than endurance events.

Mrs Swetman, who continues to ride

with her husband Pete, who is himself likely

to break the 400,000-mile barrier this year,

said: “When I was younger we would be

able to go on holiday and rack up 1,000

miles in a fortnight. These days we struggle

to reach 10,000 miles in a year, but we don’t

do it to reach a target mileage. The cycling

is just part of my way of life. It is something

I started doing with my family at a young

age and something I still do, and happen to

still really enjoy.”

600,000 miles and counting...

Spring/Summer 2010

An initiative in York is bringing

bicycles and beauty products

together to highlight and break

down some of the barriers that

prevent young women from cycling.

Schoolgirls from primary and

secondary schools across the city are

being encouraged to get riding through

the initiative, called Beauty and The Bike,

which is being run by sustainable transport

charity Sustrans with the help of female

cycling trainers from Cycling City York and

Blogger Andreas Kambanis is using his London Cyclist blogspot to promote a downloadable book featuring 25 great London cycle routes.

Andreas has put the eBook together with his specialist knowledge of the capital and the routes can be enjoyed by all types of riders. The eBook has easy-to-follow directions with colour maps and GPS coordinates, and there are mountain biking routes, greenways, towpaths and other paths that are a pleasure to cycle down.

“I love my freedom, and with an eBook I can add cool extras such as the GPS coordinates. One of the really big bene� ts is that you can print o� any pages you need to take with you on your cycling instead of having to carry a bulky book. An eBook also means I’m able to send free updates. After all why should you have to pay again when a new version comes out?” go to www.londoncyclist.co.uk/routes/london-cycle-routes-book for more details.

Beauty and The Bike

with her husband Pete, who is himself likely

miles in a fortnight. These days we struggle

to reach 10,000 miles in a year, but we don’t

age and something I still do, and happen to

Maps of the future

staff from the city’s Lush cosmetics store.

Girls taking part attend three sessions

addressing issues including the health

and fi tness benefi ts of cycling and how

to look good while keeping safe on the

bike. Participants are given goody bags

containing free ethical beauty products

and also undertake natural beauty

sessions, as well as learning basic bicycle

maintenance skills, getting refresher cycle

training and drawing up their own bike

routes for a guided ride into the city centre.

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cc04.news.dave1.indd 8 31/3/10 15:16:21


News

New Zealand has gained a bit

of a reputation for developing

new ways of getting around

while getting a thrill in the

process, whether that be using a bungee

rope to execute a 140-foot vertical drop

off the Kawarau Bridge, or tucking yourself

inside a Zorb sphere to roll downhill.

Now, a Kiwi cyclist has developed

a human-powered monorail system

based around a recumbent bicycle and a

200-metre track in Rotorua, North Island

that showcases the concept. It is reportedly

pulling in crowds of visitors eager to try it

out for themselves.

Called the Shweeb – the name is derived

from the German verb ‘schweben’, which

means ‘to float’ or ‘suspend’ – its inventor,

Geoffrey Barnet, hopes that the concept

may provide a solution for people looking

to get around congested cities.

Mr Barnett hit upon the idea when

he was living in Tokyo and worked on

Pedalling factsThe German government allegedly asked groups

of Hitler Youth cyclists on pre-war cycling tours

of Britain to memorise their surroundings while

abroad, according to recently released MI5

documents. “Make a note of the names of places,

rivers, seas and mountains,” it read. “Perhaps you

may be able to utilise these sometime for the

benefit of the Fatherland.”

Off the rails!

the concept for four years

before opening the track in

Rotorua in 2007. He explains:

“I came up with the idea of

a bicycle monorail network

while teaching a class in which

the topic for discussion was

transport solutions. The idea

of riding above the traffic jams

on multi-level rails seemed the

only way that Tokyo’s millions of

residents could move around

the city quickly and safely. It

had the added advantages of

being environmentally friendly

and offering a workout.”

If the video posted on the

website at www.schweeb.

com is anything to go by, it’s a

lot of fun to use and provides a

unique perspective on getting

around, even if it does

perhaps look a little like

something out of a 1950s sci-fi

movie, or a James Bond villain’s

lair. The designer believes that

as well as being a fun tourist

attraction, the Shweeb could

provide an ideal solution to

getting around facilities such as

parks and university campuses,

and for crossing rivers.

Maps of the future

Cyclescheme joins the Grass Roots Group

Cyclescheme has become a part of the Grass Roots Group, a business services company that offers a broad range of employee benefits. Cyclescheme founders Richard Grigsby and Gary Cooper, both avid cyclists, successfully ran their own bicycle shop in Bath when persistent attempts to join a nationwide Cycle to Work provider proved futile. Their response was to start their own scheme, which has grown to such an extent that the Sunday Times, in its Fast Track 100 report last year, listed Cyclescheme as the no. 1 fastest growing private company in the UK.

“I’m delighted that Richard and Gary have chosen to join the Grass Roots family”, commented Grass Roots Group CEO David Evans. “There is a strong sense of shared values. They have immense passion for what they do and a great team of people that have followed their vision. This is a first class business with great scope for future development. It’s a hugely exciting moment for all of us.”

Richard Grigsby echoed similar sentiments: “Gary and I felt the time was right to become part of a larger business, providing we could find one which shared a similar ethos. We have known Grass Roots since our conception and they know us very well. The Cyclescheme team will remain in Bath, with Gary and I continuing to work as Directors. Grass Roots Group are celebrating 30 years in employee benefits provision and Cyclescheme will now benefit from this vast experience”.

Cyclescheme directors Gary Cooper (front) and Richard Grigsby

9

cc04.news.dave1.indd 9 31/3/10 15:16:29

David Walliams and

a crack team of

cycling celebrities

raised £1 million

for Sport Relief this year with a

relay ride from John O’Groats

to Land’s end. The team of

Walliams, Fearne Cotton,

Miranda Hart, Patrick Kielty,

Russell Howard, Davina McCall

and Jimmy Carr had to cope

with high winds, icy roads, a

blizzard and temperatures well

below freezing as they battled

across Britain.

The ride got off to a bad start

for poor Miranda Hart, who

suffered a fall even before the

group had moved off to ride

the first hour together. Typically

the worst that’s likely to happen

is that your tumble might

have been watched by some

passing schoolkids so just

imagine how much worse the

embarrassment must be when

it’s caught by a phalanx of press

photographers, with a TV film

crew getting in your face to

capture it on film as well. Then,

add to that the fact that most of

your riding companions for the

next few days are professional

comedians – you have to feel

Cycling celebs pedal their way to £1 million

for her.

Following the rollout,

Walliams took up the

challenge by himself, with his

co-riders taking shelter in the

accompanying bus while awaiting

their own turns in the relay. In Fearne

Cotton’s case, that would revolve around

her riding through a snowstorm and

having to stop to fix a puncture to boot,

while Patrick Kielty could point towards his

“mangled” bike after coming off, although

he completed his stint and a subsequent

one during the night that took him

through Glencoe with his water bottle

freezing as the thermometer hit 15 below.

Davina McCall undertook one two-hour

turn with the temperature never getting

above minus ten Centigrade, so cold that

it forced one of the experienced outriders

to abandon after he stopped being able

to feel his tongue. Things got a bit easier as

the group headed south but after several

sleepless nights the challenge became as

much a mental as a physical one. Fearne

Cotton, who proved to be one of the

The team’s achievement is particularly impressive when you consider that not only is this a group of novice cyclists, but they were also riding against the prevailing winds

most adept riders among the celebrities,

acknowledged how draining the ride had

been. “We knew that we needed to try and

keep something in reserve for the hills in

Cornwall,” she said, “but to be honest I was

just running on empty.”

The team’s achievement is particularly

impressive when you consider that not

only is this a group of novice cyclists, but

they were also riding the route the ‘wrong’

way, against the prevailing winds, and had

to cope with the tail end of the most severe

winter to have hit the UK in decades.

Walliams undertook the final solo turn

himself, heading towards the setting sun,

and was joined for the last few miles to

Land’s End by his team-mates. He said, “As

much as I’ve grown to enjoy being woken

up at 2am to go out and cycle up an

enormous hill, I shan’t miss it. This has been

really difficult.”

Spring/Summer 2010

Pedalling factsA disused electricity substation in York is being

transformed into a bicycling hub for the city. The

£270,000 project will will be operated by a charity

which recycles bicycles and parts, and besides

secure parking the building, which will be open six

days a week, will have a sales area, workshop, café

and washroom.

10

cc04.news.dave1.indd 10 31/3/10 15:16:43

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.

cc04.ads.indd 11 31/3/10 14:55:41

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

Geax Pit Stop £10.99 This clever can � xes a � at in seconds. When you get a puncture – and, sooner or later, you will – whip out the Pit Stop and give it a blast. Abracadabra – the inner tube is sealed and re-in� ated. www.geax.com

Shimano WM41 shoes £69.99The cleats that attach these shoes to your pedals are recessed into the sole so you can walk in them without slipping when you get o� the bike. This is a female-speci� c � t but a men’s version is available too – the MT41. www.madison.co.uk

Altura Night Vision overtrousers £59.99Stick these on over your everyday trousers and they’ll keep rain and road spray out a treat. The knees are articulated, the lower legs are adjustable so they don’t get tangled in your chain, and loads of re� ective trim gets you noticed at night. www.zyro.co.uk

Foska Beanz road jersey £45Foska don’t do dull jerseys – you can choose from many striking designs including Dennis the Menace, Popeye and even a map of the London Underground. The short-sleeve versions are made from breathable Coolmax in a slim but not too tight cut. www.foska.com

Madison D’Arcs £29.99Riding glasses aren’t just for posing in – they protect your peepers from the sun, wind, rain and any gunk that gets thrown up from the road. The grippy D’Arcs come with three di� erent wrap-around lenses to shield your eyes whatever the light conditions. www.madison.co.uk

Spring/Summer 2010

12

cc04.stuff.dave1.indd 12 31/3/10 15:19:41

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

Knog Ride Hard long gloves £33.99These goatskin gloves cost a little more than normal but they’re worth it for the cool looks alone. Perfect to complete your urban hipster look.www.knog.com.au

Electron Backupz USB rechargeable LED twin pack £34.99Keep a set of these teeny lights in your bag just in case you get caught out in the dark. The front one comes with two bright LEDs, the rear one with four, they attach to your bike in seconds and you can recharge the batteries from your computer. www.madison.co.uk

Specialized SpeedZone Sport computer £34.99Track your speed and the distance you’ve ridden with this tough little computer. It’s easy to set up, the display is clear and the chunky buttons are simple to press even when you’re on the go. www.specialized.com

Ergon GP1 grips £21.99If you get achy hands when using a � at handlebar or su� er from numb � ngers, these grips will reduce the pressure by spreading your weight out over your palms. They come in two di� erent sizes and clamp in place so there’s no slipping. www.ergon-bike.com

Fenwicks FS foaming degreaser £21.99There’s no magic bullet for getting your bike shiny and clean and free of road grime, but this stu� is as close as you’ll get. Spray it on and it � zzes into every nook and cranny to lift out stubborn dirt and leave your bike looking like new. www.fenwicks.info

Crank Bros Multi-17 tool £22.99This handy little gizmo will get you out of all kinds of mechanical scrapes. It contains all the features you’re likely to need for getting to the end of your journey, including a chain tool and a spoke key, and it’s so light you’ll forget you’re carrying it. www.crankbrothers.com

£21.99If you get achy hands when using a � at handlebar or su� er from numb � at handlebar or su� er from numb � ngers, these grips will reduce the pressure by spreading your weight

Ergon GP1 grips If you get achy hands when using a If you get achy hands when using a � at handlebar or su� er from numb � ngers, these grips will reduce the pressure by spreading your weight out over your palms. They come in two di� erent sizes and clamp in place so there’s no slipping. www.ergon-bike.com

There’s no magic bullet for getting your bike shiny and clean and free

close as you’ll get. Spray it on and it � zzes into every nook and cranny to lift out stubborn dirt and leave your

Stuff

13

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cc04.ads.indd 14 31/3/10 14:55:59

cc04.ads.indd 15 31/3/10 14:56:10

Improve

A bike isn’t just a mode of transport –it’s a life-changing machine. Here’s how pedal power will make your world better

Improve your life!

How cycling will…

Spring/Summer 2010

16

cc04.benefits.dave1.indd 16 31/3/10 15:24:43


Cycling mythsA bike is a handy way

of getting from A to

B but it’s so much

more than that

too. Make the most of your

bike and it’s a time-saving,

stress-busting, fat-burning,

health-boosting, environment-

enhancing, fun-increasing,

money-rescuing life improver.

Save moneyHave you ever totted up how

much money you can save

by commuting by bike? Say

you ride fi ve miles to work

every day and fi ve miles

home again; in a 48-week

year, allowing for holidays,

that’s 2,400 miles. In fuel

costs alone, that’s about

£320 you’ve saved over a

typical car.

Plus, you’ve reduced

the wear and tear on your

vehicle, the 3,000-mile

service comes around less

quickly and the resale value

is higher because you’ve

got fewer miles on the

clock. And you don’t need

to factor in parking fees,

the Congestion Charge or

any of the other costs that

driving inevitably attracts

with agonizing regularity.

Cycling saves you a fortune.

Okay, you have running

costs on a bike too, but

we’re pretty confi dent that

replacing a full set of brake

pads on your car is going

to set you back more than

20 quid.

Cycling works out a

whole lot cheaper than

public transport too. An

annual Travelcard for zones 1-4

in London will cost you nearly

£1,500. You could spend half

of that on a good bike that’ll

last you years and use the rest

to treat yourself to a few days

away.

However you look at it, a

bike is a sound investment

that pays for itself in no time.

You’re defi nitely better off

cycling – ker-ching!

Boost your health and fi tnessWhere do we start on the

health and fi tness benefi ts

of cycling? Riding a bike will

boost your physical condition

in so many diff erent ways,

helping you look and feel

better as well as improving

your wellbeing.

For a start, riding a bike will

reduce your level of body

fat– and who doesn’t want

that? A half-hour commute at

a moderate intensity might

burn off 250 calories, maybe

more – it depends on your size

and exactly how hard you go.

Do that regularly and keep

your diet under control and

you’ll soon start to drop excess

weight. And it’s non-impact so

your chances of picking up an

injury are low.

Cycling is a perfect way to

improve your cardio-vascular

health too – the functioning

of your heart, lungs and

circulatory system. Try this

statistic on for size: cycling just

20 miles a week lowers your

risk of heart disease to less

than half that of someone who

Cycling is dangerousIt simply isn’t. The statistics say that you’re more at risk as a pedestrian – and whoever thought of walking as a risky mode of transport?

You breathe in lots of fumesNope, you actually breathe in less pollution when you’re cycling than you do when you’re driving.

x

You’ll get wet all the timeOkay, you might occasionally get caught in the rain, but not as often as you think – once or twice a month on average. After a couple of times you realise that, as long as you’re prepared with decent waterproofs, it’s really not a problem.

x

xyour life! x

You breathe in xxxx

x

Benefi ts of cycling

17


positive influence on the

way you feel. Evolution

hasn’t prepared us for the

fairly sedentary lifestyle

that most of us lead – we’re

simply not designed to be

deskbound and function

better when we’re more

active. A moderate level

of exercise improves your

mood and self-esteem and

helps reduce stress and even

depression.

“I find that getting on my

bike first thing in the morning

puts me in a better frame of

mind for tackling the day,” says

Steven Barnett, who has a half-

hour commute to and from

work in Liverpool. “It gives me

a kick start so I don’t arrive at

the office feeling lethargic.

And my evening ride makes

me think about something

else as soon as I leave my desk,

so I don’t take the stresses and

strains of work home with me.”

Cycling is enjoyable, pure

and simple. That’s why you

learnt to ride a bike when you

were a child and why so many

people spend their free time

cycling. It’s fun – and that’s got

to be a good thing.

Save timeCommuting by bike can

often save you a heap of

time too. Okay, out on

clear, open roads a bike is

takes no exercise. Like that

one? It massively reduces your

likelihood of developing high

blood pressure and makes

everyday activities easier too.

On top of that, cycling will

tone your working muscles,

strengthen your immune

system, increase your bone

density, protect your joints,

lower the risk of some cancers,

make you look younger…

You’re getting the message,

right? Basically, cycling even

short distances is fabulous

news as far as your health and

fitness is concerned.

Improve your moodCycling can have a huge

A moderate level of exercise improves your mood and self-esteem and helps reduce stress and even depression

Spring/Summer 2010

18



If you want some concrete proof of how cycling can improve your life, take a look at Gary Brennan. At the age of 28 Gary was 39 stone with a 68in waist and, not surprisingly, his health was suffering seriously – he had diabetes, high blood pressure and was inline for a gastric bypass operation. So Gary, of Hyde, Greater Manchester, got on his bike and started cycling the seven miles to and from work every day. "The first time, I was really scared the bike would just give way under me and I felt exhausted after just one mile,” said Gary. "It was painful, it was tiring, and it was pretty embarrassing as well, to be honest. A guy of my size trundling down the road at 10mph is never going to be a pretty sight.”

Gary also cut back on the calories by ditching his crisps and fizzy drink diet, and within a year he had dropped a massive 17 stone (108kg) in bodyweight.

"Without question, cycling has saved my life," Gary said. "If I hadn't started getting on the bike to work I wouldn't be here now. I feel amazing now - my health problems are gone and I can do so much more. I no longer need the gastric bypass that I was scheduled to have just 18 months ago."Gary won the Sporting Achievement award at Manchester City Council’s Be Proud awards last year.

“I lost 17 stone by cycling to work”never going to be as fast as

motorised transport but the

tables are turned as soon as

the traffic starts snarling up.

“I commute by bike

between Bath and Bristol,

which is about 13 miles each

way,” says John Andrews.

“When I used to drive it I’d get

held up in jams at both ends

of the journey, then have the

hassle of finding a parking

space. On the bike I just ride

past the hold-ups and that

saves me loads of time.”

Plus, time spent

commuting in the car is dead

time – you’re not getting a

whole lot out of it. Commute

by bike and you’re not just

getting to and from work,

you’re exercising into the

bargain, so you don’t need to

spend valuable time in the

evening at the gym or going

out for a run. Cycling is the

time-efficient option.

Improve the environmentBy riding a bike you’re

doing your bit for the

environment too. To begin

with, manufacturing a

bicycle takes a small fraction

of the materials and the

energy required to build a

car. The resources needed

to make one car can make

somewhere between 70 and

100 bikes.

And here’s the big one –

road transport is the third

largest source of greenhouse

gases in the UK. Driving a car

is the most air-polluting act

most people ever commit

whereas riding a bike makes

no harmful emissions at all

into the atmosphere so

you’re taking big steps in

helping to prevent global

climate change.

Bikes also take up far less

room on the road, don’t

contribute to noise pollution

and require much less

parking space.

“We all need to do what

we can to reduce pollution,”

says Sheffield commuter

Paul O’Leary. “Switching from

the car to a bike for shorter

journeys – whether that’s

riding to work, the shops or

visiting friends – makes so

much sense for the planet.”

Benefits of cycling

19


Sling your bag on the front carrier for the trip to work, � ll it with shopping for the ride home...

in detail...

Other rated rides...

Specialized Body Geometry saddle is well padded and comfy

Bike test

Charge Lazy Susan£499.99With full mudguards, low-maintenance hub brakes and a rear rack that’s part of the alloy frame, the Lazy Susan is a practical bike as well as a good looking one. A men’s version, the Steamer, is available at the same price.www.chargebikes.com

Giant Tourer RS 1 £550Giant’s new Tourer bikes are as suitable for urban commuting as they are for exploring far-� ung lands. A suspension fork and seatpost add comfort while full mudguards, lights and a rack add practicality, and the 24-speed gearing should get you up pretty much any gradient.www.giant-bicycles.com

Spring/Summer 2010

20

cc04.bt-globe.dave1.indd 20 31/3/10 15:26:46


Jargon BusterStandover height This is the

distance between the ground and

the section of the top tube where

you stand astride the bike. You need

at least an inch or two of clearance

there or getting on and o� can be

di� cult and potentially dangerous.

Cannondale Tesoro Light £899.99Cannondale’s commuter-cum-tourer can handle big loads and all weathers. With an upright ride position, swept back bars and a frame designed to reduce road vibration, it’s a comfortable steed while a spec that focuses on strength and reliability will stand the test of time. www.cannondale.com

Dawes Geneva £599.99This aluminium bike is commuter-ready, coming with a rack, mudguards and a chainguard along with lights and even a frame lock. The adjustable stem allows you to � ne-tune your ride position while the Shimano Nexus seven-speed hub will provide masses of maintenance-free service.www.dawescycles.com

provide plenty of extra comfort and control. The steeply sloping top tube keeps the standover height low so getting your feet down in a hurry is never a problem and the overall weight is reasonable too.

Where the Globe really scores, though, is in terms of practicality – it comes complete with a load of really useful features. Ready-fi tted aluminium mudguards keep water and grime from spraying up from the tires and, while we’re on the subject, Specialized’s Flak Jacket puncture-protection technology will keep fl ats to a minimum.

A chainguard stops your clothes getting caught up in the drivetrain, an alloy double kickstand comes in handy every time you stop, and that wooden-bottomed porteur basket at the front can carry loads up to 25kg (55lb) without any trouble. It sits on a rack that’s fi xed directly onto a custom-forged fork crown so everything is perfectly stable,

On test...

Globe is a sub-brand of major US manufacturer Specialized with a range of urban bikes that combine function with a healthy dose of style. The singlespeed Live 1 is a versatile utility

machine, the integrated basket up front coming in handy for all kinds of duties around town, including your journey to and from work.

With a high front end and fairly short reach, the Globe puts you into a head-up ride position that’s ideal for scooting around in traffi c, while the wide, swept-back bars

and if you need to carry even more than that, there are eyelets for fi tting a rack at the rear too.

Chances are that you won’t have to spend too much time or money looking after the Live 1. With just the one gear you’ve got no shifters or derailleurs to worry about and the rear brake is a coaster built into the hub so it’s well protected from the elements. The 36 spoke wheels are strong enough to put up with lots of use and abuse without going out of true as well.

The big-volume tyres smooth over cobbles and frost-damaged road surfaces, and although saddle preference is a personal thing, Specialized’s Body Geometry Fitness is certainly a popular choice – we’ve got no complaints at all in terms of the Globe’s ride-quality. If you live in a particularly hilly area or you have a long commute, you might yearn for gears – particularly if you’ve got the Live 1 fully laden – but for everyone else this is an appealing low-maintenance option for everyday trips around town.www.globebikes.com

Globe Live 1 £449.00This simple, traditional-style utility bike is ideal for all sorts of trips around town, including your daily commute

With just the one gear you’ve got no shifters or derailleurs to worry about and the rear brake is a coaster built into the hub so it’s well protected from the elements

Tech SpecsPrice: £449.00Frame: Globe A1 Premium Aluminium cargo design, custom tubing with mudguard and rack braze-ons, integrated kickstand mountFork: Straight-blade aluminium fork with basket/rack systemDrivetrain: Sugino EX-1 crankset, singlespeedBrakes: Alloy linear pull front brake, coaster rear brakeWheels: 700c, Specialized Infi nity tyres with Flak Jacket puncture protectionOther: Globe porteur front rack/basket, Specialized Body Geometry saddle, alloy pedals, mudguards, kickstandSizes: S, M, L, XL

21


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.

Example† Cyclescheme savings for basic and higher rate tax payers

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

Bike package retail price £608.97

Income tax, VAT & NI saved £247.24

Gross monthly repayments £50.75

Net monthly payments £30.14

Total cost of bike package £361.73

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 market value payment. Savings will be aff ected by your personal level of taxation. Not all employers can pass on VAT savings. Some employers use fi nance to purchase the bikes, which will aff ect savings.

Package

++ +Total retail price

£608.97Price† after savings for

basic rate tax payer


higher rate tax payer

£309.31

£449.00Globe Live 1

Example†

Cyclescheme

++

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

+£39.99

Bell Citi helmet

www.bellhelmets.com

++ ++ £54.99Squire Urban Paramount D-lock

www.squirelocks.co.uk

Spring/Summer 2010

++£64.99Altura Night Vision Windproof

www.zyro.co.uk

22


FOLD

Distributed in the UK by Zyro Ltd. Email: [email protected] Full range on-line at www.zyro.co.uk from £399 SRP.

Cu

rve

D3

Spe

ed

Pro

TT

Briz

a D

3

Ca

de

nza

XL 26”

Ios

XL

24”20”16”

Just so many reasons to ride folding – save money, save space, save the environment

Dahon commuter ad2a-w:Layout 1 16/2/10 11:10 Page 1

cc04.ads.indd 23 31/3/10 14:56:30

Locks

Master Lock Street Fortum £30.49This is the cheapest lock on the market with a Sold Secure Gold rating – Sold Secure being an independent test house that gives Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of approval based on a product’s resistance to theft. The Street Fortum features a 13mm-wide hardened-steel shackle, a dual lock and a high-security cylinder to keep a bike safe and it comes with a carrier bracket so it’s easy to mount on the frame when you’re riding. www.masterlock.com

Kryptonite Modulus System cable lock £34.99This new pack contains two braided steel cables that are each over a metre long so you can lock a bike to all kinds of large, immovable objects. The stainless steel cylinder has a weather guard to protect the internals while the bracket � ts most frame tube shapes and sizes. www.kryptonite.com

If you don’t lock a bike you’ll lose it soon enough. Invest in a decent one to keep the criminals at bay.

Bash your bonce on hard tarmac and you’ll soon regret not wearing one...

Bell Citi £39.99A simple dial at the back of this helmet tightens it comfortably in place while the detachable visor has a built-in gutter to stop rain dripping in your eyes. You can get an add-on rear-view mirror too. It’s available in a range of di� erent colours, this one really standing out in the dark. www.bellhelmets.com

Met Camaleonte £49.99The lightweight Camaleonte is a comfortable urban helmet with a secure retention system that allows you to get the perfect � t in seconds – and the subtle style doesn’t leave you looking like you’ve just dropped o� the back of the Tour de France. The visor is removable, taking the anti-allergic pads out for washing is simple, and the side-strap dividers are lockable so they never work loose. Re� ective stickers around the back will help get you noticed in car headlights too. www.met-helmets.com

Helmets Locks

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

Spring/Summer 2010

24

cc04.essentials.dave1.indd 24 31/3/10 15:28:58


Jackets Lights

Endura Gridlock £49.99The Gridlock is speci� cally designed with urban riding in mind. This mid-weight jacket is cut fairly slim to reduce � apping, the long arms and extended back keep you well covered and sealed seams lock the rain out. A fast-wicking mesh liner improves breathability while zipped vents under the arms provide extra temperature control. It’s available in a range of colours, including high-visibility yellow, and in both men’s and women’s models. www.endura.co.uk

Cateye EL-320 & TL-610 £59.99This simple setup whacks out a serious amount of power to keep you safe on the road. Although the front light uses just a single LED, it’s bright enough both to get you seen and to show the way for over 20 hours between battery changes, while � ve big LEDs keep you safe from behind and provide impressive side visibility too. This is a brilliant option for the money, in more ways than one. www.cateye.com

Altura Night Vision Windproof £64.99This stretchy windproof comes with acres of strategically placed re� ective print. You even get a tab around the back for � tting a Night Vision Lightstick – a bright LED strip. The front panels stop cold air in its tracks and they’re water repellent too while the less exposed back adds breathability. www.zyro.co.uk

Niterider UltraFazer 3.0 £27.99This great value package from Niterider includes the excellent UltraFazer 3.0 front light and a TL5 rear light, both of which are well sealed against the elements and boast impressive run times. Side windows in the front light mean that you’re more visible to tra� c at junctions too. www.niterider.com

A breathable jacket cut for cycling is a must for all-weather riding

A legal requirement after dark and a must-have for commuting

visibility yellow, and in both men’s and women’s models. www.endura.co.uklight and a TL5 rear light, both of which are well sealed against the elements and boast impressive run times. Side windows in the front light mean that you’re more visible to tra� c at junctions too.

Essential kit

25

cc04.essentials.dave1.indd 25 31/3/10 15:30:09

The future’s bright for bikingbright for bikingbright for bikingWhy cycling to work puts you at the heart of a two-wheeled revolution

Spring/Summer 2010

26

cc04.workplace.dave1.indd 26 31/3/10 15:32:07

Get your employer to be more bike-friendlyI

f you’re a new convert to cycling

or you’re about to become one,

you’re part of a revolution on

wheels. There has been a massive

increase in the number of people

riding bikes over the past decade,

encouraged by everyone from local

councils to the national government,

environmentalists to mainstream

employers, fi tness gurus to GPs. With

all that support, the cyclist’s lot has

never been so good and the future is

looking even brighter…

The Cycle to Work Scheme (see

page 5) has been a huge success

since it was introduced back in

1999, but it’s not the government’s

only action to promote healthier

journeys to work and reduce

pollution. England now has 17

Cycling Demonstration Towns and

one Cycling City – Bristol. Between

them they are receiving the largest

investment in cycling the country

has ever seen in order to tempt more

people onto bikes.

Bristol City Councillor Jon Rogers,

who heads the £22.8m Cycle City

programme, said, “The objective

is clear. We’re trying to double the

number of cyclists on Bristol’s roads

and cycle paths in two-and-a-half

years by creating safer cycling and

improving the infrastructure, training

in schools and developing work

place travel plans.”

That includes, for example,

opening new cycle tracks and

upgrading existing ones, adding

lighting in some areas and providing

low-cost recycled bikes. Put simply,

it’s all about making cycling a more

attractive option.

The government has also

introduced the Cycle to Work

Guarantee (see Get your employer

to be more bike-friendly opposite), a

voluntary scheme that encourages

employers to off er a better deal to

cyclists. Launched last October, it asks

businesses and other organisations

to commit to providing facilities and

incentives for their staff to ride to and

from work.

Bruce Learner, Corporate

Responsibility Manager at cereal

producer Kellogg’s said, “We have

encouraged our employees to join

the Cycle to Work Scheme since

2007 – we’ve had refresher cycling

courses and created bike racks and

we regularly hold bike maintenance

workshops. We even signed up

Sir Chris Hoy as our Bran Flakes

ambassador to show how much

we love cycling! Ten percent of our

employees at the Manchester head

offi ce cycle to work and we’re keen

to increase this as part of this new

commitment.”

Nowhere has the recent growth

in cycling been more stunning

than in the capital where the local

government body Transport for

London is strongly behind bike use.

This summer, for example, sees the

introduction of a new Cycle Hire

scheme that will allow you to use a

public bike for short journeys in and

around central London. There will be

400 docking stations where you can

pick them up and drop them off , and

you’ll pay a fee based on the amount

of time you have the bike, the fi rst 30

minutes being free.

“I pledged to deliver a cycling

revolution across the city, and there

is now a growing excitement about

our Cycle Hire scheme, which will

give all Londoners the opportunity

The government’s Cycle to Work Guarantee encourages employers to make more provision for cyclists by focusing on these areas:

● Storing Secure, safe and accessible bike parking facilities for all sta� who want them. This might mean � tting cycle stands that allow both the wheels and the frame to be secured to something immovable in a safe, dry area.

● Changing Good quality changing and locker facilities for all sta� who want them. This could include the installation of showers for those who ride longer distances.

● Buying O� set the cost of cycling equipment and save on the tax through a Cycle to Work Scheme.

● Repairing Bike repair for cyclists on or near site. An employer could, for example, buy basic tools and maintenance facilities for cyclists to use or team up with a local shop.

● Inspiring Training, reward and incentive programmes to achieve targets for more cycling.

For more information on how to get your employer to sign up go to www.cycletoworkguarantee.org.uk


The future’s bright for biking

27


to hop on a bike and

experience the joys of cycling,”

said Mayor of London Boris

Johnson. “Much like hailing a

cab, people will be able to pick

up one of 6,000 bikes and zip

around town to their heart's

content – not only a quick, easy

and healthy option, but one

that will also make London a

more liveable city."

British success in cycle sport

has upped the profi le of cycling

in this country too, with riders

like Victoria Pendleton, Nicole

Cooke and Chris Hoy bagging

golds at the last Olympics,

and Bradley Wiggins and Mark

Cavendish enjoying incredible

success in road events like the

Tour de France. It’s all been grist

to the pedal-powered mill over

the past few years, encouraging

ever more people to climb into

the saddle.

But while Britain has

certainly become increasingly

bike-centric in all sorts of

diff erent ways, Sustrans,

the infl uential charity that

promotes sustainable

transport, wants much more.

The organisation behind the

12,000-mile National Cycling

Network has just called on all

levels of government to invest

in doubling the proportion

of journeys under fi ve miles

made by foot, bike and public

transport by 2020.

Sustrans has outlined a range

of ways to encourage people to

change their travel behaviour,

such as creating safe, attractive

walking and cycling conditions,

British success has upped the profi le of cycling in this country, with riders like Victoria Pendleton, Nicole Cooke and Chris Hoy bagging golds at the Olympics

Spring/Summer 2010

28



It wasn’t so long ago that cycling was a fringe activity in the UK but these days it seems that everyone’s at it, including many of the country’s most famous names.

Political figures like Conservative leader David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson regularly take to two wheels around the capital, while their arch-inquisitors Jeremy Paxman and Jon Snow are cyclists too.

Britain’s Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button loves his bikes and so does Aussie driver Mark Webber who has created his own sportive ride. Their Spanish rival Fernando Alonso recently said he’d like to go even further by setting up a top level cycling team.

Designers Wayne Hemingway and Paul Smith are both keen cyclists while comedian Dave Gorman rode between every venue on a 32-date tour last year, taking in all corners of the British mainland.

Lots of celebs have been involved in high-profile charity rides lately too. Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio and his team (pictured) rode over 1700 miles to all of the Six Nations stadiums – from Rome to Edinburgh – earlier this year in aid of Sport Relief and the Dallaglio Foundation. Meanwhile, stars including comedians David Walliams and Jimmy Carr and TV presenter Fearne Cotton were riding for Sport Relief too on a non-stop relay from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Cycling has never been so popular.

improving public transport and reducing fares, and

increasing spending on sustainable travel.

“We currently make two out of every five local journeys

by bike, on foot and by public transport – we believe it is

possible, and necessary, to double that figure to four out

of five,” said Sustrans’ Policy Director Peter Lipman. “And

it is achievable… The solutions are there and cycling to

school, walking to work and having affordable public

transport are a start but we need governments to take

action to make these options more widely available.”

Expect to hear more from Sustrans in the lead up to a

General Election coming your way soon.

Riding into the mainstream

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


Cables are routed through the frame for neatness and ease of folding

in detail...


The main pivot also acts as rear suspension with an elastomer damper

Bike test

Dahon Speed P8 £549.99The Dahon is a quick machine on the road, it folds down in seconds (to 30 x 77 x 64cm) and is simple to carry. Eight derailleur gears take care of the steepest climbs while V-brakes provide strong, reliable stopping power.www.zyro.co.uk

Ridgeback Attache £599.99The Attache’s Shimano Nexus seven-speed hub gear will require very little maintenance while the ready-� tted mudguards, rack and stand are all commuter-friendly. It folds down to 28 x 56 x 81cm and comes with its own tough carry bag.www.ridgeback.co.uk

Spring/Summer 2010

30

cc04.bt-birdy.dave1.indd 30 31/3/10 14:46:55


Jargon BusterElastomer shock The Birdy’s

rear suspension uses an elastomer shock; essentially

it’s a rubber block that squashes and then re-extends

to take the edge o� bumps

in the road and dampen out

vibration.

Brompton M3L £735.00The M Type Brompton comes with a riser handlebar to give an upright ride position, then you pick all the key features for yourself – everything from the mudguards to the gearing. Folding the bike down to 58.5 x 54.5 x 27cm is incredibly quick.www.brompton.co.uk

Airnimal Joey Sport £819.00With 24in wheels, eight-speed derailleur gearing and Shimano Acera V-brakes, the lightweight Airnimal is ready for long sport and leisure rides as well as nipping around town. You can � t a rack and mudguards for practicality on your daily commute.www.airnimal.eu

The front suspension looks complicated but it’s actually very straightforward, a coil-spring absorbing the shocks to keep you comfortable and in control.

The pivot points for the suspension double up as pivot points for folding the bike down. You fl ip the front wheel backwards, the back wheel forwards, drop the quick release seatpost and fold down the handlebar – and, magically, the Birdy is packed down to 76 x 58 x 28cm. That’s not the most compact size ever but it’s certainly very portable and easy to store away on public transport or in your car boot. As with any folder, you need a bit of practice to hone your origami skills, but we were soon getting the job done in under a minute.

What separates the Birdy from most of its folding rivals is

On test...

Birdy bikes come in several diff erent fl avours but they all have two things in common. First, they feature suspension at both the front and rear to improve the quality of the ride. Second, they’re

folders, so you can carry them about easily and stow them away when space is short. The C2W is the cheapest model in the range – ducking just under the £1,000 mark, you can get one through Cyclescheme.

At its heart, the Birdy has a burly aluminium frame with a pivoting back end that’s controlled by an elastomer shock.

the ride – this is a quick, solid bike out on the road. In keeping with the C2W’s urban character, the ride position is fairly upright to give you a good, confi dence-inspiring view of the traffi c ahead. The small 18in wheels accelerate up to speed quickly and fl icking up and down through the eight wide-ranging derailleur gears could hardly be easier thanks to Shimano’s twisting shifter.

In common with most folders, the Birdy comes with a super-long stem but it feels much stiff er than normal and, with no hinge in the middle, the C2W’s frame is impressively fl ex-free too. This means that when you crank up the speed the bike remains steady beneath you, and with the suspension working busily on rough road surfaces, everything feels that much smoother too.

The Birdy might not be the cheapest option out there but neither does it feel compromised for the sake of folding convenience. It’s a folder with a genuinely impressive performance – you could easily use it for long rides, not just short urban hops – and that’s why it justifi es the extra cash.www.r-m.de www.foldingbikes.co.uk

Birdy C2W£999.00If you’re looking for a folder that rides as well as a standard bike, this full suspension German model could be the perfect choice

The small 18in wheels accelerateup to speed quickly and fl icking upand down through the eight wide-ranging derailleur gears could hardly be easier thanks to Shimano’s twisting shifters

Tech SpecsPrice: £999.00Weight: 10.9kg / 24lbFrame: TIG-welded 7005 T6 aluminiumFork: Aluminium front swingarmDrivetrain: Shimano twist shift 8-speedBrakes: Tektro V-brakesWheels: Shimano/Birdy hubs, Alex Crostini M1.1 18in rimOther: VP-611 pedals, R-M Design saddleSizes: One size

31


Example savings

Example



Basic rate 20% Tax, 11% NI, 17.5% VAT






Higher rate 40% Tax, 1% NI, 17.5% VAT







Package

Total retail price





£501.56

£999.00Birdy C2W

There’s not much of the £1000 voucher value left if you go for this bike but you could use the savings to pay for some riding gear…

£39.99Giro Section helmet

www.madison.co.uk

£49.99Endura Gridlock

www.endura.com

Spring/Summer 2010

£84.99Lezyne Messenger Caddy Bag

www.upgradebikes.co.uk

32


cc04.ads.indd 33 31/3/10 14:57:57

bagChoose the right

START

There are loads of different ways to carry your essentials to and from work. Here’s how to select the best option for you...

Do you need to keep your stuff covered?

Yes

YesNo

No

No

Do you want to carry more

than about 5kg of kit?

Are you happy to

fit a rack to your bike?

Yes

Yes

A handlebar bag sits up front on your bike and is suitable for light to moderate loads – nothing too bulky. It’s secured with a quick-release bracket and is especially handy if you need quick access to the contents. Lots of handlebar bags come with a map holder on top for touring – a removable shoulder strap is more useful for commuting. Pictured: Arkel Big Bar Bag £114

Are you happy to carry your loads on your back rather than on the bike?

Handlebar Bag

Spring/Summer 2010

34

cc04.bags.dave1.indd 34 31/3/10 15:34:28


Courier bags, also called messenger bags, come in all sorts of sizes – some will only just take an A4-� le, some will carry everything you own with space to spare. Look for a sternum or waist strap to hold everything steady and a padded internal sleeve if you want to carry a laptop. One big advantage is that you can use a courier bag comfortably when you get o� the bike too. Pictured: Abus Dryve courier bag £99.99

Do you need to

get kit in and out of your bag in a hurry?

Yes

No

No

A rucksack can take moderately heavy cargo and, unlike a courier bag, distributes the weight over both shoulders to reduce the pressure. Some come with an integrated laptop sleeve while others are equipped with a hydration system – a water reservoir that you drink from via a plastic hose, which is useful for longer weekend rides. Look for vent channels to stop your back getting sweaty. Pictured: Ortlieb Vario Rucksack £110

Courier Bag

Panniers

Rack BagPanniers � t on a rack that’s attached to your bike and they handle bulky and heavy loads better than anything else. Some panniers come with straps to make them easier to carry once you get o� the bike while plenty of others are designed as briefcases, complete with computer compartments, speci� cally for commuting. Look out for waterproof options for year-round use. Pictured: Altura Arc 40 Panniers £79.99 (pair)

Baskets are usually made from wire or wicker and are an easy way to transport relatively light loads – you don’t want to put too much weight in there or you’ll a� ect your bike’s steering. They’re convenient if you need quick access to your things although they don’t o� er any protection from the elements. Many baskets are easily detachable and come with a handle for easier carrying.Pictured: Basil BaSimply II Basket £40.99

A rack bag sits on top of a rack so the weight is central – you don’t need to worry about your bike being unbalanced – and it leaves the space on the sides of your rack free so you can � t panniers as well. The capacity is fairly limited (usually under 10 litres) but it might be all you need for your daily commute. Some are waterproof and most come with a strap and/or handle for extra o� -the-bike convenience. Pictured: Agu Yamakasa 475 rack bag £44.99

Basket

drink from via a plastic hose, which is useful for

rides. Look for vent

your back getting Pictured:

Rucksack

Bags

35

cc04.bags.dave1.indd 35 31/3/10 15:34:51

Spotlight on:

Bags

Abus Silene Handlebar Bag £59.99This neat bar bag is made from tough, water-repellent nylon and has a 4L capacity. You get various compartments inside, foam stabilisers keep everything in shape and re� ective material adds safety. As well as the handle on top, it comes supplied with a detachable shoulder strap. www.abus.com

Lezyne Caddy Messenger bag £84.99Made from hardwearing cordura nylon and vinyl-coated ripstop fabric, this burly bag is full of neat touches. You can � t a decent load in it and your kit will stay dry too. The shoulder strap features a nicely engineered aluminium buckle that makes the bag easy to adjust and you can � t the stabilising strap on either side. You get pockets for all your bits and bobs and the padded laptop sleeve is big enough for a 17in computer. www.lezyne.co.uk

Topeak Pannier DryBag £94.99 per pairThe polyester DryBag lives up to its name with the fully sealed seams and roll-top closure stopping even heavy rain from working its way inside. You get 21L of storage space in each pannier so you could easily use just one on your commute, and the � xings � t quickly and securely to most rack rails. Compression straps keep everything stable while 3M re� ective trim helps get you seen at night. www.topeak.com

Whatever your commute, and whatever the bike you ride, you’ll need to carry things to and from work. Here are some great bags to ease the load.

Spring/Summer 2010

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Basil Wicker Basket £27.49Basil make loads of baskets in various di� erent materials and sizes, this traditional-style wicker model hooking in place on your bars in no time. Taking it o� is just as quick while a handle allows you to carry it around town with ease. www.basil.nl

Altura Urban Dryline 17 briefcase pannier £69.99This briefcase mounts securely to a bike rack and, coming with a handle and removable shoulder strap, it’s easy to carry about town too. Waterproof and deeply padded, it’ll keep a 17in laptop safe inside – a 15in model is available at £54.99 – along with all the other essentials you need for the day. The mounts are o� set so you get good heel clearance as you pedal and high-visibility re� ective trim helps get you noticed at night. www.zyro.co.uk

Basil Sports Women’s Double £55.29These panniers are made from water repellent polyester and come with raincovers zipped away inside. You get 38L of space including plenty of pockets so you don’t have to rummage through everything to � nd what you’re after. Plenty of re� ective fabric aids visibility and handles make them easy to carry when you’re o� the bike. www.basil.nl

Vaude Roomy 17 + 3 £60This women’s backpack lives up to its name by providing 20L of carrying space in lots of di� erent compartments, allowing you to keep everything organized. The best bit is that a clever suspension system holds the body of the bag away from your back to increase ventilation and keep you comfortable, while waist and sternum straps reduce the pressure on your shoulders. You get a waterproof cover zipped away in the base too. www.vaude.com

Topeak MTX Trunk DryBag £66.99You can sit this 12.1L bag on top of a standard rear rack or use it with a beam rack clamped to your seat post. Made from waterproof polyester, it comes with sonically welded seams, a roll-top closure and weather-tight zips to keep your cargo dry, and the detachable shoulder strap is useful for carrying it o� the bike. www.topeak.com

Bags

37

cc04.bags.dave1.indd 37 31/3/10 15:36:22

Topeak Super Tourist DX rack £34.99This hollow-tubed aluminium rack is super-strong and lightweight and � ts pretty much any frame. The integrated top plate provides a built-in mudshield, you get a plate for � tting a rear light, and the extra side rail allows you to use most panniers alongside a Topeak Trunk bag if you really want to load your bike up. www.topeak.com

Topeak Super Tourist DX rack £34.99This hollow-tubed aluminium rack This hollow-tubed aluminium rack is super-strong and lightweight and � ts pretty much any frame. The integrated top plate provides

Topeak Super Tourist DX rack This hollow-tubed aluminium rack

Blackburn EX2 £39.99When Blackburn build racks they stay built. The burly EX2 can carry a child seat or fully loaded panniers for touring so it’ll easily take your laptop safely, along with whatever else you need to lug to work and back on a daily basis. The aluminium is anodized to avoid corrosion, an extra rail keeps your bags well away from the wheels, and a lifetime warranty adds peace of mind. www.blackburndesign.com

If you want to carry heavy loads, a rack will take the strain off your back. Here are four of the best

Topeak Beam Rack MTX £39.99You can clamp this robust alloy rack to your seatpost in seconds thanks to the simple quick-release mechanism. It can carry rack-top bags – such as the Topeak MTX Trunk DryBag on the previous page – weighing up to 20lb (9.1kg) which should safely cover your commuting needs, and a safety re� ector at the back adds a little extra visibility. Plus, unlike most racks, the lack of side stays means that it works � ne on suspension bikes. www.topeak.com

Tortec Velocity rear rack £29.99The slim, compact Velocity will carry full-sized panniers and o� ce bags up to 25kg, holding them closer to the wheel than normal for better handling. That makes it an ideal choice for nipping through tra� c on the way to and from the o� ce. Robust and light, it works with wheels up to 28C and 1.25in width. www.zyro.co.uk

Spotlight on:

RacksSpring/Summer 2010

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cc04.ads.indd 39 31/3/10 14:58:37

Mechanical disc brakes o� er plenty of power for quick stopping

in detail...


Alivio shifters give you a wide range of gears and slick changes

Bike testWinter 2009

Claud Butler Urban 300 £369.99The mudguard-capable Urban 300 gets easy-action Rapid� re Plus shifting on and a suspension seat post to take the edge o� rough roads. The comfy Kenda tyres are puncture resistant too.www.falconcycles.co.uk

Ridgeback Tempest £399.99Built around a reinforced aluminium frame, the Tempest is strong and lightweight and you get considerable stopping power from hydraulic disc brakes. The transmission is from Shimano too, providing quick and accurate shifting through the 24 speeds. www.ridgeback.co.uk

40

cc04.bt-marin.dave1.indd 40 31/3/10 15:39:37


the demands of urban riding. The wheels, for example, built up from Shimano hubs and Mavic rims and fi tted with wide, puncture-resistant tyres from Continental, barely notice an unavoidable encounter with a drain cover or pothole. You’d want something more hardcore on board if you fancy getting muddy in the hills at the weekend, but towpaths, gravelly bike paths and anything else you’re likely to encounter in town… not a problem.

The 24-speed drivetrain is a real mix of kit from Shimano and FSA but it works well together and you’re unlikely to run out of gears whether you’re climbing slow or descending fast. Hayes’ MX4 mechanical disc brakes are a great choice too. They provide strong stopping power, which is a good start. But equally valuable, they carry on performing just as well in the rain because the braking surfaces are so far from the wet road. Knowing exactly what you’re going to get when you squeeze the levers inspires confi dence.

Taken as a whole, the Novato is an easy bike to get along with. Tough, manoeuvrable and capable of handling whatever you throw at it with plenty left in hand, it makes an excellent urban companion.www.marin.co.uk


Tech SpecsPrice: £649.99Weight: 12.2kg / 26.9lb Frame: 6061 aluminiumFork: Aluminium rigidDrivetrain: Shimano Alivio/Deore 24-speed, FSA cranksetWheels: Shimano hubs, Mavic XM-117 rims, Continental Sport Contact tyresOther: Hayes MX4 mechanical Disc

Jargon BusterTriple butted A double-butted tube

has thicker walls at the ends than in the

middle section to reduce weight but

retain strength where it’s needed most.

Triple-butted tubes have di� erent

thicknesses of wall on each end.

On test...

Marin Novato £649.99Meet a smooth and slick urban mountain bike that’s more than tough enough to handle life on the streets

What on earth is the point of a road-going mountain bike? Surely, mountain bikes are designed for… well, the mountains, or at least for off -road trails. But the thing is,

they’re built to be bombproof, agile and a lot of fun – all of which are excellent qualities for an urban road machine too. That’s why you should take a good look at the stealthy Marin Novato…

The Novato’s frame has been built to last with multi-sided aluminium top and down tubes that are triple butted to keep the weight low and the strength high, and double butted chainstays and seatstays out back. Unlike most off -

road bikes, it comes with a rigid aluminium fork plugged in up front – there’s no point lugging suspension around the streets – and you get eyelets for fi tting both mudguards and front and rear racks.

You might well prefer the head-up position that a bike like this off ers for riding in traffi c over the more aggressive geometry of a road bike – plenty of people do. Plus, the Novato’s wide alloy handlebar is a touch easier to steer than a narrower drop bar, and the 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.

The components are easily tough enough to handle

You might well prefer the head-up position that a bike like this off ers for riding in traffi c over the more aggressive geometry of a road bike – plenty of people do

Scott SUB 30 £499.99The entry-level model in Scott’s three bike SUB (Speed Utility Bicycle) range has a sculpted aluminium frame and alloy fork. Though the Tektro V-brakes don’t o� er quite the all-weather stopping power of disc brake alternatives, they’re easier to maintain. www.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 comes with a Shimano Al� ne 8-speed hub gear for maximum reliability and minimal maintenance and excellent Avid Juicy hydraulic disc brakes.gb.cannondale.com

41


Example savings

Example
















Package






£366.56

£649.99Marin Novato


+£19.99

Cateye Loop Lights

www.cateye.com

£29.99Master Lock Street Fortum

www.masterlock.com

£29.99Knog Ride Hard gloves www.knog.com.au

Winter 2009

42


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

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CM

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

cc04.ads.indd 43 31/3/10 14:59:00

Through the door...

Spring/Summer 2010

Come on in! Don’t be shy...

Bike shopGetting a bike through Cyclescheme means going to a bike shop. Here’s what you’ll see there...

Anatomy of a

There’s something about going

into a specialist shop that

can reduce even the bravest

consumer to a nervous wreck.

Deep down we imagine that it’ll be a

nightmare of technical terms and

gaping gaps in our knowledge.

We expect a reception similar to

the one aff orded to the walk-in

clients of Championship Vinyl,

the record store of Nick Hornby’s

High Fidelity: frosty, calculating,

even derisory if you say the

wrong thing.

In reality there are very few

shops like that in any trade –

they’d soon go out of business

– and the modern bike shop

is not a place you’ll need to go

armed with an encyclopaedic

knowledge of all things bike.

After all, it’s the staff that should

have the answers, not you! At Cyclescheme

we’re proud of our partnership with

independent bike shops across the

country and you should expect friendly

and professional service wherever you live.

Obviously bike shops vary greatly in their

size and layout, but here are some of the

things you’re likely to see...

TEST BIKES Unless you’re really sure, don’t pick a bike unless you’ve tried it for yourself. Sta� can help you to determine what size frame you’ll need, it’s really important to get that right!

OTHER CUSTOMERS These will range from complete novices to experienced riders (like this chap). Everyone’s there for the same reason though: to get advice and maybe get some new gear. Don’t be put o� if other people look like more serious cyclists: everyone started as a novice!

CLOTHING Bike speci� c kit can transform your riding. Bright colours help you to be seen out on the streets too.

44

cc04.bikeshop.dave1.indd 44 31/3/10 15:43:28


The shop � oor

ACCESSORIES Mudguards are a boon for our wet climate and pumps, repair kits, tools and the like can help you to take control of your commute. A few simple skills are all you need. Safety equipment can be included on your Cyclescheme voucher.

Anatomy of a bike shop

ENERGY DRINKS AND SNACKSOkay, you’re not going to need these on the run in to work (unless it’s a long commute) but they’re great if you get bitten by the cycling bug and want to try some longer rides.

TYRES & COMPONENTS Bike bits wear out and di� erent things suit di� erent riding conditions. Ask if your bike is correctly set up for the riding you do.

Bike shop

STAFF Sta� are there to help and are a rich seam of information you can mine. Don’t be afraid to approach them and ask questions: if they don’t know what you want, they can’t help! Spend some time explaining what kind of riding you’ll be doing and they’ll be able to recommend some bikes to try.

OTHER CUSTOMERS These will range from complete novices to experienced riders (like this chap). Everyone’s there for the same reason though: to get advice and maybe get some new gear. Don’t be put o� if other people look like more serious cyclists: everyone started as a novice!

45


The bikes

Spring/Summer 2010

Making your choiceIt can be a bit overwhelming to

see so many bikes in one place,

especially if you’re not sure what you

need. The bike shop staff are the key

here: they should be able to talk you

through the different options and

help you narrow down your choices.

When you’ve done that, don’t be

afraid to get a few of the bikes down

and have a closer look, and ask as

many questions as you need to help

you make your decision. A test ride

is a must too; once you’ve stepped

over a few bikes you’ll begin to get

an idea of how they differ. The most

important thing is how the frame of

the bike fits you: how tall it is at the

saddle and the handlebars (the seat

tube and head tube) and how long

it is (the top tube) will determine

your position. City bikes tend to be

shorter with high bars for a more

upright position. Road bikes are

longer and more stretched out, and

there’s every position in between

too. Try a few bikes you wouldn’t

normally think of riding, just to get

an idea of the differences. You never

know, you might like them!

Getting a bike is only the

beginning of your relationship

46



The workshop

Anatomy of a bike shop

It’s easy to � nd out! Simply head over to the cyclescheme website at www.cyclescheme.co.uk and enter your postcode in the pink bar at the top.

Where are your nearest partner stores?with your local bike shop. Once the bike has had a

few weeks use it’s a good idea to take it back for a

check up – usually a bike shop will include that as

part of the deal. At that point it’s time to put your

steed in the very capable hands of the workshop

staff . Every bike shop will have a fully kitted

out workshop and at least one experienced

mechanic who’ll be able you get your bike

running like new. Regular servicing is key

to happy cycling. Remember that cycling

is cheap but not free and be prepared to

replace bits before they break and you’ll

enjoy many miles of fuss-free commuting!

Many thanks to Total Fitness in Bath for lending us their new shop to shoot!

47


Tektro disc brakes will stop you on a sixpence in any weather

in detail...


Wide bars and riser stem give a commanding position for town riding

Bike test

Specialized Sirrus Expert £999.99One of the most popular Cyclescheme bikes, the swift Sirrus Expert comes with carbon seatstays and a carbon-bladed fork, both featuring Zertz elastomer inserts to dampen vibration and keep you comfortable. www.specialized.com

Trek 7.5 FX £599.99The versatile 7.5 comes with a solid 9-speed Shimano drivetrain, strong Avid rim brakes and Bontrager saddle and grips. You can � t guards and a rack for year-round commuting and it’ll handle long rides too. Available in a women’s speci� c model. www.trekbikes.com

Spring/Summer 2010

48

cc04.bt-landrover.dave1.indd 48 31/3/10 15:48:17


Jargon BusterDisc brakes Rather than applying a stopping force to

the wheel’s rim, disc brakes

operate on a metal ring attached to the hub. Disc brakes tend to be stronger and

less a� ected by wet conditions

than rim brakes.

Ridgeback Avenida 7 £499.99The Avendia features a 7-speed hub gear that keeps maintenance to an absolute minimum. Mudguards, rack and kickstand add to the appeal. A women’s model is available at the same price. www.ridgeback.co.uk

Mongoose Kaldi Double £339.99Speci� cally designed for commuting, the Kaldi comes with a durable aluminium frame and steel fork. Shimano’s Alivio components o� er 24 gears and Continental’s tyres feature a puncture guard to keep you rolling. www.mongoose.com

disc-specifi c rims and Tektro Auriga hydraulic brakes take care of stopping. The transmission is made up predominantly of sound Shimano Deore components with a next-level-up LX rear mech.

The geometry is somewhere in the middle of fl at bar land; it’s neither too long nor too short. However, it’s made very upright by the use of a high riser stem and wide semi-riser bars. That’s not a characteristic you often see on bikes of this type and it gives the Land Rover a pleasant position for riding around town, the high cockpit providing good vision and keeping you in control. It does limit your speed on longer rides but this is a bike that’s happy to roll along at a more leisurely pace. The wide, comfy tyres will easily deal with unsurfaced paths, so it’s a good mount for canal and fi re road riding on the weekend as well as trips to work.

On test...

If this Land Rover bike was a Land Rover car then it’d be a Defender, for sure: it’s a solidly built, multipurpose machine with a high cockpit and dependable equipment. It’s a good option if you’re looking for

something that’ll take a bit of abuse, or lug some heavier loads.

The bike is built around a chunky aluminium frame with an ovalised down tube and square section stays at the rear. There’s a disc mount on the back, as there is on the beefy carbon-bladed fork up front. The alloy wheels come with

With a weight of 11.6kg/25.6lb, climbing is a slightly pedestrian aff air but there’s never any doubt you’ll reach the top – the mountain bike gearing means you can winch yourself up pretty much any incline, even carrying a big load. Speaking of loads, you get eyelets for fi tting a pannier rack without any trouble, and you can add full mudguards too if you want to go utilitarian.

Heading downhill the bike is pretty surefooted and the Tektro brakes are excellent with good lever feel and a huge amount of stopping power on tap. The all round performance of the bike is good: the frame is stiff and the Deore gears work faultlessly too.

So who’s this bike for? Well, the name may be Commute, and it’s certainly happy on a short urban hop, but the Land Rover is as much a utility bike as a commuter. It’s happy on unsurfaced leisure rides and doesn’t complain when it’s loaded up, making it a versatile machine. It isn’t sporty but someone looking for a well-built, dependable workhorse rather than a speedy tarmac-eater won’t go far wrong here. www.2x2worldwide.com

Land Rover Commute 6.9 £749.00A solidly built and dependable utility machine for getting the commuting miles in

The Land Rover’s upright ridingposition is pleasant for riding around town, the high cockpit providing good vision and keeping you in control of the bike

Tech SpecsPrice: £749.00Weight: 25.6lb/11.6kgFrame: 7005 alloyFork: Cross Trekking, carbon blades, alloy steerer with disc mountDrivetrain: Shimano Deore 9-spd, LX rear mechBrakes: Tektro Auriga Pro hydraulic discsWheels: Formula disc hubs with Airline double wall disc-specifi c rims, 32 spokes, Continental Contact 700 x 37c tyresOther: Wellgo fl at pedals, Land Rover multi-panel saddleSizes: 18, 20, 22in

49


Example savings

Example
















Package






£458.82

£749.00Land Rover Commute 6.9


£49.99Giro Stylus helmet

www.giro.com

£29.99Respro Hump rucksack

cover www.respro.com

Spring/Summer 2010

++£74.99Abus Steel-O-Flex Granit

1000/100 lock www.zyro.co.uk

50


Visitthe largest cycle show in the UK

8TH-10TH OCTOBER 2010

EARLS COURT 1, LONDON

Launch

new products

3 TEST TRACKS

NETWORK WITH INDUSTRY PEERS

BUILDBRANDAWARENESS

Generate

new sales

BUILDBRANDAWARENESS


ADVICEFROM EXPERTS

ORDER YOUR NEW BIKE…

BUY clothing, helmets, shoes, sunglasses and lighting

BUY CLOTHING HELMETS SHOES SUNGLASSES AND LIGHTING

BMX DisplaysCelebrity Interviews


for more information visit

cycleshow.co.uk/csm

Enjoy a great day out

Launch

new products

3 TEST TRACKS


BUILDBRANDAWARENESS

Generate

new sales

BUILDBRANDAWARENESS


ADVICEFROM EXPERTS

ORDER YOUR NEW BIKE…

BUY clothing, helmets, shoes, sunglasses and lighting

BUY CLOTHING HELMETS SHOES SUNGLASSES AND LIGHTING

BMX DisplaysCelebrity Interviews


USE4609_Cyclead171246_2.indd 1 25/2/10 11:04:05

cc04.ads.indd 51 31/3/10 14:59:41

How to � x a puncture

Spring/Summer 2010

Muddle-free maintenance

Workshop mechanic Mike shows you the quick and easy way to solve the two most common bike problems

Mike the Mechanic’s

Fixing a puncture is usually simple but it still makes sense to carry a spare inner tube with you. When you get a fl at, put the spare in, take the damaged tube with you and fi x it at home. Here’s the right way to patch it up.

1Take the wheel o� your bike. If it’s a rear wheel puncture,

shift the gears until the chain is on the smallest sprocket � rst. Let any remaining air in the inner tube out of the valve.

3Run your � ngers around the inner surface of the tyre to

check for the cause of the puncture. If there’s still a thorn or piece of glass embedded in the rubber waiting to strike again, pull it out.

5Apply the glue, spread it around the area with your

� nger until it’s a thin � lm and allow it to dry. Then � x the patch in place, pushing the edges down hard to make sure that they’re � rmly attached.

2Prise the tyre bead from the wheel on one side of the tyre – you

might need two or three tyre levers to help you lift one small section at a time. Push the valve out of the hole in the wheel’s rim and remove the inner tube.

4 If you don’t have a spare inner tube, pump up the tube slightly

and look and listen for escaping air. When you � nd it, mark it with a crayon and de� ate the tube. Then use the sandpaper in your puncture repair kit to roughen the area around the hole.

6Grate chalk over the patch and any excess glue to stop them sticking

to the inside of the tyre. Then put a small amount of air in the tube, replace it on your wheel and lever the tyre back in place. In� ate the tube fully and replace the wheel.

52

cc04.maintenance.dave1.indd 52 31/3/10 15:51:47


How to sort your gears

Bike maintenance

If you � nd 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 quali� cation. Currently the courses run in Manchester and Milton Keynes; for more information, visit: www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk/cytech.

Got the fettling bug?

www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk/cytech

If your gears are indexed correctly the chain will move to the correct sprocket when you push the shift lever on your handlebar. But over time the cable will often stretch causing things to fall out of kilter. Here’s how to put it right.

1Shift into your highest gear – the

smallest sprocket at the centre of the rear wheel – ensuring that the shifter is in the position that lets the cable be as loose as possible.

2 Move the shifter one click and turn the cranks.

The chain should move up one sprocket. If it doesn’t, � nd the barrel adjuster where the cable enters your rear derailleur and turn it anticlockwise with your � ngers about a half turn at a time until it does.

3 Move the shifter another click and

turn the cranks again. If the chain doesn’t shift to the third smallest sprocket, turn the barrel adjuster about quarter of a turn at a time until it does.

4 Check that the shifts to the smaller sprockets are working � ne. Keep adjusting – anticlockwise to tighten the cable, clockwise to loosen it

– until the gears are back in sync. If you can’t get the cable tight enough to move the chain up with one click of the lever, there might be another adjuster by the shift lever that works in a similar way, and/or one on the down tube cable stop. If not, loosen o� the anchor bolt, pull the slack cable tight and start the process again.

53

cc04.maintenance.dave1.indd 53 31/3/10 15:52:01

Bike training isn’t just for kids. Far from it;

most of us – even experienced roadies

with more miles in the saddle than

we’d care to remember – could do with

fi ne-tuning our traffi c skills. The good news is that

practical tuition is easy to come by and can make a

big diff erence to your safety.

“We work with a wide

range of people and diff erent

skill levels, ages and reasons

for training; from four-year-

olds cycling for the fi rst

time without stabilisers to

octogenarians that cycle every

day,” says Jean Mowbray of

Cycle Training UK (CTUK), the

biggest independent provider

of on-road cycle training in

the country.

“By far the most common

reason that people come to us

is that they want to commute

to work and need the skills and

confi dence to be able to travel

safely and confi dently across

the city.”

Some of CTUK’s clients

never learnt to cycle when

they were children and are

getting into the saddle for the

fi rst time while, at the opposite

end of the spectrum, others

have been riding for years but

realize that they’ve fallen into

bad habits and could do with

a refresher.

“With a rise in child seats,

Whether you’re a complete novice or you could just do with brushing up your road skills, it’s easy to get the cycle training you need to ride con� dently and expertly in tra� c...

Upgrade your bike skills

Cycle Training UK (CTUK) have trained over 60,000 people in London and across the UK. They provide cycle training that meets and exceeds the UK’s National Standards and, as well as cycle training for individuals, schools and businesses, provide cycle maintenance courses, instructor training and development, and consultancy work. A two-hour one-to-one training session costs £60. Call 020 7231 6005 or go to www.cycletraining.co.uk.

Cycle Training UK

Spring/Summer 2010

54

cc04.technique.dave1.indd 54 31/3/10 15:54:35

Read the roadThe best books to improve your skills

Cyclecraft by John FranklinThis book explains how to cycle safely and con� dently in all tra� c 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 when it was � rst published in the 1970s. This o� ering from the same writer provides a wealth of information on all aspects of urban riding from choosing your bike and looking after it to riding safely and with con� dence in tra� c. Available at £9.99 from bookstores


Upgrade your bike skillsthere who off er Bikeability programmes based

on the UK National Standards for cycle training

– go to www.ctc.org.uk or www.bikeability.org.uk to fi nd an accredited instructor near

you. You then just need to give them a bell and

arrange a session. Trainers will want to know your

skill level and experience before you start in order

to tailor things to your needs.

“At CTUK we provide one-to-one training to

adults at a time and location that’s convenient,

each lesson lasting two hours,” says Jean. “A session

can be booked for during the week, in the evening

(during daylight hours), or at the weekend.”

CTC (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 di� cult tra� c conditions and road layouts. Go to www.ctc.org.uk.

CTC

young parents want training

to cycle confi dently with their

child in tow,” says Jean. “Cycling

for health is also a popular

reason and for others it’s simply

about leisure; many older

people want to cycle in parks or

on holidays with their children

and grandchildren. One trainee

kept her training a secret from

her family and surprised them

all when she hopped on a

bicycle in Center Parcs.”

Whatever your motivation,

the fi rst step is to fi nd yourself

a trainer. There are plenty out

Upgrade your bike skills

55

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Contact: John Wood in TLT’s Corporate Finance team

[email protected] T +44 (0)117 917 7834

www.TLTsolicitors.com

Gary Cooper, Cyclescheme Limited

“TLT’s Corporate Finance team’s flexibility and speed of response made the sale easier and less stressful than anticipated - it was a pleasure watching them in action.”

Congratulations and best wishes with the next leg of your journey.

At Grant Thornton, we understand that the big decisions you have to make are sometimes difficult, often finely balanced, always with you. To explore this and other big decisions, visit our website or call

0117 305 7600.

www.grant-thornton.co.uk

© 2010 Grant Thornton UK LLP. All rights reserved. ‘Grant Thornton’ means Grant Thornton UK LLP, a limited liability partnership. Grant Thornton UK LLP is a member firm within Grant Thornton International Ltd (‘Grant Thornton International’). Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms independently.

Big decisions follow you around.

Congratulations to Cyclescheme. All the best for the future.

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TLT LLP

Contact: John Wood in TLT’s Corporate Finance team

[email protected] T +44 (0)117 917 7834

www.TLTsolicitors.com

Gary Cooper, Cyclescheme Limited

“TLT’s Corporate Finance team’s flexibility and speed of response made the sale easier and less stressful than anticipated - it was a pleasure watching them in action.”

Congratulations and best wishes with the next leg of your journey.

At Grant Thornton, we understand that the big decisions you have to make are sometimes difficult, often finely balanced, always with you. To explore this and other big decisions, visit our website or call

0117 305 7600.

www.grant-thornton.co.uk

© 2010 Grant Thornton UK LLP. All rights reserved. ‘Grant Thornton’ means Grant Thornton UK LLP, a limited liability partnership. Grant Thornton UK LLP is a member firm within Grant Thornton International Ltd (‘Grant Thornton International’). Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms independently.

Big decisions follow you around.

Congratulations to Cyclescheme. All the best for the future.

B1563624 GT Cyclescheme 120x165.indd 1 25/3/10 16:33:22

for a list of marin dealers visit:

www.marin.Co.UK

URBANTake control of your commute

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cycle commuter issue 4

Documents

bike kit

bike skillshow

bike shopgetting

new bike

standard bike

local bike shop

common bike problems54

bike skills essential