Welcome
The rise in popularity of bike fitting services is encouraging. It’s an acknowledgment that the bike can be made to fit the rider instead of the other way around. It’s confirmation that aches and pains aren’t something you just put up with.
Professional bike fitting can seem complex. Motion capture! Metatarsal measurements! Protractors! I guess it’s nice to get some science when you’re spending a couple of hundred quid. The most critical part of bike fitting isn’t complicated at all, however. It’s a simple question: am I comfortable?
The answer, in terms of making the bike fit best, will be as individual as the cyclist asking that question. We’re all different shapes and sizes, with asymmetries and different ranges of motion. When I broke my back in my 20s, I fitted a swan-neck stem and a BMX handlebar to an old Dawes MTB with wide, slick tyres and a sprung saddle. I sat bolt upright, with the handlebar a foot higher than the saddle.
The best bike fit will change over time. While I can manage a time trial crouch these days, the general rule is that a racier riding position becomes less comfortable as we age – if it ever was. So when you’re not racing, don’t feel you have to ape the riding position of a racer. Your most comfortable posture could be anywhere along the ascent-of-man diagram line, from hunched over to upright.
A bike fitter might well find that position for you. But 15 minutes with an Allen key or a new stem might, too.
DAN JOYCE Editor
FEATURES
36 Marcher Castles Way
Our newest long-distance route: a 290km loop through the border counties of Shropshire and Powys
42 DIY bike fit
How to get more comfortable on your bike without spending money on a professional bike fit
52 A ride to Hope
Handcycling 800km down the south-west coast of India to an orphanage in Kerala PRODUCTS
22 Shop Window
Christmas gift ideas for cyclists
24 Gear up
Components, accessories and books
62 Small fold, big ride
The new Brompton G Line and Tern’s BYB P8: 20-inch wheel folders with the ride quality of bigger bikes
69 Balance bikes
Four pedal-less starter bikes for pre-school children
REGULARS
04 Freewheeling
Bits and pieces from the bike world
07 This is Cycling UK
What the AGM results mean for you; Cycling UK’s next chair of trustees – could it be you?; filling those potholes; a look back on Cycling UK’s year; and more
20 You are Cycling UK
Marcher Castles Way guidebook
By Robyn Furtado
writer Guy Kesteven
33 Letters
Your feedback on Cycle and cycling
48 Weekender
Lochs, scenic forests and tranquil gravel trails in the Kyle of Sutherland
58 Cyclopedia
Questions answered, topics explained
73 Travellers’ Tales
Cycling UK members’ ride reports
CYCLING UK: Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, GU2 9JX E: cycling@cyclinguk.org W: cyclinguk.org T: 01483 238300. Cycle promotes the work of Cycling UK Cycle’s circulation is approx. 51,000. Cycling UK is one of the UK’s largest cycling membership organisations, with approx. 70,500 members and affiliates. Chief executive: Sarah Mitchell. Cyclists’ Touring Club, a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England No 25185, registered as a charity in England and Wales Charity No 1147607 and in Scotland No SC042541. Registered office: Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, GU2 9JX. CYCLE MAGAZINE: Editor: Dan Joyce E: editor@cyclinguk.org Designer: Christina Richmond Advertising: Jacob Tregear T: 0203 859 7100 E: jacob.tregear@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk Publisher: James Houston. Cycle is published six times per year on behalf of Cycling UK by James Pembroke Media, 90 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BG. T: 01225 337777. Cycle is copyright Cycling UK, James Pembroke Media, and individual contributors. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Cycling UK and James Pembroke Media is forbidden. Views expressed in the magazine are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the policies of Cycling UK. Advertising bookings are subject to availability, the terms and conditions of James Pembroke Media, and final approval by Cycling UK. Printed by: Acorn Web Offset Ltd, Loscoe Close, Normanton Industrial Estate, Normanton, WF6 1TW T: 01924 220633
Climbing up to the Kerry Ridgeway while riding Marcher Castles Way.
Top to bottom: Robyn Furtado, Robert Tomlin, Karen Darke, Phil Beed
A SHORT TOUR AROUND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CYCLING
Schwalbe radial MTB tyres
Schwalbe has launched a range of radial MTB tyres. Radial tyres for cars have been a thing since the 1940s. What’s different is the angle of the casing threads. Instead of being at 45° to the angle of travel (below left), they’re closer to 90° (top left). This should make them more supple, with more flexible sidewalls and a larger contact patch for a given pressure. schwalbetires.com
You ride Ian Roberts & Steve Bateman
Tandem pilot and stoker with Lancaster & South Lakes CTC
Ian was recently presented with a thank you certificate for leading many of the group’s Thursday rides, and also for piloting an Orbit tandem for Steve, his visually impaired stoker. Together, they cover around 100 miles a week, usually riding every Tuesday and Thursday.
Ian says the role also involves acting as Steve’s guide at café stops and “displaying patience and empathy with his situation”. He enjoys being the pilot because “it extends my cycling experience and adds another dimension to my bike-handling skills; it also hones my inter-personal skills, taking into account Steve’s needs and his safety.”
Being a volunteer tandem pilot also motivates Ian to ride on a regular basis and socialise with other members on the club rides. As for Steve, he says being able to cycle regularly with the group means he can enjoy the “fresh air, exercise and social contact” that the rest of us may take for granted. He has even completed five Paris-Brest-Paris rides (with other pilots) and takes part in audaxes and the occasional sportive; he also sometimes rides with other groups.
Steve has some advice for anyone considering piloting a tandem with a visually impaired stoker: “Start without expectations and build up a rapport over time with the person you are riding with – visually impaired people are all different and will have differing needs. Contact local clubs using Facebook pages to find tandem pilot and stoker matching services. Charlotte’s Tandems is an organisation with various branches throughout the country who will be able to loan you one.”
TWICE THE FUN
Read more about tandems and their riders on the Cycling UK website: cyclinguk.org/bike-type/tandem. There are reviews, ride reports and information on tandem groups.
RAW mudflaps
As any group cyclist knows, rear mudguards aren’t long enough to stop closely following riders being sprayed. If you don’t fancy making your own, RAW mudflaps work well and are sensibly priced (from £6). You can buy plain ones, reflective ones, even ones (as shown) in your own club’s design. Front flaps are also available. rawmudflap.uk
Really?! Gravaa wheels
Gravaa’s KAPS wheel system enables you to change the tyre pressure as you ride, exchanging air between the hub and tyre with a pump driven by wheel rotation and controlled wirelessly. The wheels are for mixed-surface riding; Marianne Vos won the Gravel World Championships on them. A snip at €3,898. gravaa.com
Quick fixes
Fitting a new chain
When fitting a new chain to a derailleur-geared bike, it has to be long enough to engage the largest chainring and largest sprocket. If it can’t and you select that gear, it will jam, causing damage and/or a crash. To size a new chain, put it around the largest chainring and largest sprocket without running it through the rear derailleur. Hold it taut. The ends must overlap by at least one full, inch-long link, which is two half links: one narrow, one wide. Add or remove links as required, fit a quick link, then install the chain in the normal way, threading it through the rear derailleur.
Ian and Steve ride around 100 miles a week together
Classic kit
Events
Winter group rides
Winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation – after all, winter miles bring summer smiles. Now is the perfect time to find a local cycling group that will keep your spirits high when the weather is cold and wet. Cycling UK groups up and down the country are offering festive events like mince pie rides (such as Cycling UK East Midlands on 17 December) and Boxing Day rides. They’re perfect for staying fit and connecting with others. With layers, lights and a warm drink after, winter rides can be rewarding and fun. Remember it’s only cold when you’re standing still! Find your local group on the Cycling UK website and see what’s happening in your area: cyclinguk.org/group-listing.
Watch this
Marcher Castles Way, which launched in October, is Cycling UK’s newest bikepacking route. Watch this highlight video from our first ride along the route, where Cycling UK staff and three of our 100 Women in Cycling winners took on the 290km loop. We encountered everything from gorgeous views over Shropshire to bushwacking on lost bridleways, eating our weight in cake and riding past the ghostly ruins of castles. If you want to be inspired to ride Marcher Castles Way, watch the video here: bit.ly/marcher-castles-way-video.
On my bike
John Franklin
Author of Cyclecraft (cyclecraft.co.uk), the guide to safe cycling
Why do you cycle?
As my principal means of transport and for pleasure.
How far do you ride each week? Perhaps 50 miles on a stay-at-home week. Up to 400 miles on tour.
Which of your bikes is your favourite?
My touring bike, a Spa Cycles D’Tour, as it enables me to go to so many wonderful places.
Try this Advent-ure calendar of cycling
Once the days are darker and colder, it’s easy to put your wheels away until spring. But this year, instead of opening windows on an advent calendar for a hidden gift, why not mark the days by getting out on your bike? Pledging to ride every day throughout December might just give you the motivation you need to keep going. It doesn’t matter how far you go – just try pedalling somewhere every day. You could even try photographing something festive on each ride to create your very own #Advent-ureCalendarofCycling on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag @WeAreCyclingUK.
What do you always take with you?
Such tools and supplies as are necessary to make me self-dependent.
Who mends your punctures?
Me! But I haven’t had one for more than a year now; modern tyres are so robust.
It’s raining: bike, public transport or car? Bike. I don’t mind cycling in the rain –a strong wind can be much worse.
Lycra or normal clothes?
Lycra for long distances. Normal clothes for local trips.
If you had £100 to spend, what would you get?
Train tickets to tour further away.
What’s your favourite cycling journey?
I prefer wilder, more remote places, like Scotland.
What single thing would most improve matters for UK cyclists? More self-confidence among cyclists and less exaggeration of ‘danger’. Cycling on roads is actually a very safe activity.
Outdoors, not cardboard doors
Stay in touch
Be in the know on all things cycling related. If you’d like to hear more about Cycling UK’s work – our projects, training, campaigns and fundraising, and how you can get involved – sign up to hear more: cyclinguk.org/subscribe
Gearing up for 2025
This year Cycling UK inspired more cyclists to ride, campaigned for better cycling provision and launched a bold new strategy. There’s more to come, says Sarah Mitchell
As we move towards the end of a busy year, this is a great opportunity to pause and reflect on the difference we have made together through the charity. In June we launched our bold five-year strategy, setting out how we will create happier, healthier and greener lives through cycling. Five months on, it’s exciting to see the progress that has already been made.
We’re committed to making cycling accessible to everyone, no matter their age, background or ability and, as the data from 2023/24 shows (page 18), our impact as a charity continues to grow. I’m proud to see that, in addition to our loyal 70,000 members, we’ve reached over 100,000 people with our community-based cycling programmes.
Cycling UK has been a consistent advocate for safer, more accessible cycling throughout our 146-year history. Your support has enabled us to continue our campaigning tradition this year with several key policy victories, from saving the vital Active Travel Schools programme in Northern Ireland to helping to secure a record budget for cycling, walking and wheeling in Scotland. We’ve mobilised thousands of people – including many of our members – to drive forward policies for safer roads in local communities.
Our member groups this year gave people in their local communities exceptional cycling experiences by putting on more than 8,000 rides. Our dedicated volunteers contributed almost 10,000 hours to the charity! Thanks to all of you who have supported us this way.
A big focus for us this year has been on engaging and influencing politicians and decision-makers, particularly in the run up to, and following, July’s general election. In October I had a productive first meeting with UK Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood MP. We discussed Cycling UK’s priorities for the new government,
including pushing for funding to be shifted away from road building towards active travel. In the Autumn Budget, Cycling UK was pleased to see a further £100m of capital funding for active travel in England – a positive step, but we know that much greater investment is needed. We’ll continue to work with our partners in the world of walking, wheeling and cycling to push for that investment to become a reality.
Another exciting development is that we are working on a refreshed brand for Cycling UK. Research has shown us that knowledge of Cycling UK and what we do is low – particularly among the general public but even among supporters and members. Our existing brand is also preventing us from engaging with the new audiences we need to reach in order to achieve our mission. We’ve been running focus groups with members and working on an updated look and feel that will help us increase our reach and impact – but we’ll be keeping our name.
In line with our new strategy and our future aims, you, our members, voted to support some key changes to Cycling UK’s governance during this year’s AGM (see page 8). The changes were put forward following engagement with members, experts and the wider cycling community, and will make our charity more effective, sustainable, representative and impactful. It was also encouraging to see 25% more members voting this year compared to last.
In this issue of Cycle, we are launching our winter appeal, the proceeds from which will help us continue to change lives through cycling into 2025 and beyond. Please do contribute if you can – your support will help more people experience the transformational benefits of cycling.
And finally, I would like to extend a special thank you to our trustees, for a year of hard work! Firstly, thanks to our former chair Janet Atherton for her immense support and commitment to the charity through my first years as chief executive, and secondly thanks to all our current trustees for the time and effort they have put into our work this year. They are all volunteers and we really appreciate their input, their time and their commitment.
Thank you for all your support for Cycling UK in 2024. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
For every £1 spent on cycling and walking schemes, £5.62 worth of wider benefits are achieved
In addition to our loyal 70,000 members, we’ve reached over 100,000 people with our communitybased cycling programmes
Big Bike Revival reached more new and returnee cyclists
£100m funding was announced for active travel in England in the Autumn Budget, partly reversing previous cuts
Governance
MEETING POINTS
Cycling UK’s 2024 AGM took place online on 27 September. Rebecca Armstrong reports on the results of the motions and explains what they mean for you
This year’s annual general meeting proposed some important changes to Cycling UK’s governance. These changes are essential to making Cycling UK more effective, sustainable, representative and impactful – helping us to make your money go further.
The proposals were put forward after engagement with members, as well as the wider cycling community. Cycling UK is powered by its membership, so it was vital to have your backing. We had a significant increase in the number of members voting, with 25% more members voting this year compared to last.
Of the nine motions voted on, there were three special resolutions aimed at improving Cycling UK’s governance, as well as two member-proposed motions that were supported by the board. Members voted to pass all five of these motions.
The changes proposed in the three special resolutions – motions 5, 6 and 7 – are vital to Cycling UK’s future and the implementation of our new five-year strategy. We were very pleased to see all of them passed.
Motion 5 removed the requirement for members to vote on price increases in membership fees, giving trustees final control
over such decisions. This will allow for better planning and increase our charitable impact. The board is committed to ensuring that membership remains affordable.
Motion 6 proposed critical changes to the Cycling UK board. It’s discussed in the sidebar.
Motion 7 introduced gender-neutral language to Cycling UK Articles of Association and brought them into line with company law, aligning them with best practice. This reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and will help us build a more diverse membership – which is good for members and the wider cycling community.
The member-proposed motions were that Cycling UK should actively promote the creation of a network of accessible cycle routes across the UK (see sidebar), and a suggested increase in the maximum annual contribution to local member groups from £200 to £250. Member groups are at the heart of everything we do. These groups are instrumental in delivering rides and events at a local level. By providing extra resources to our groups, we can further support everything they – and you – do in the community.
We’d like to thank everyone who voted to support these important changes. We believe they’re critical to the future of Cycling UK.
Motion 8
PROMOTING ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
A member proposed that Cycling UK should actively promote the creation of a network of accessible cycle routes across the country. We recognise that there are many barriers to cycling and we’re committed to removing them. Promoting accessible cycle routes is one way we can do this, so we are pleased to see this motion pass. We’ll continue to work with Sustrans and are keen to use our collective voice to call for a more accessible cycle network.
Motion 6
REBALANCING THE CYCLING UK BOARD
The board can now co-opt up to four trustees, and co-opted trustees can serve the same three-year period as elected trustees. The board now has the flexibility set any minimum period of membership before standing to be a trustee. These changes enable us to widen our pool of applicants and ensure we have a better mix of skills, backgrounds and perspectives on the board. Two thirds of the board will still be elected from the membership.
Member groups can now receive more financial support
Left and above right: Joolze Dymond
Access
75 YEARS OF NATIONAL PARKS
It’s 75 years since visionary countryside legislation was passed on 16 December 1949, creating the first National Parks and open access land, and a network of public paths to enable people to explore. Yet today these benefits aren’t equally available to everyone. That’s why we’ll be reminding governments across the UK just how essential access to nature is for our health, and what they can do to ensure everyone can enjoy it close to home.
Governance
TAKE THE CHAIR
Cycling UK is looking for candidates with trustee and executive leadership experience in addition to strong communication, interpersonal and decisionmaking skills. Our new chair must demonstrate a strong commitment to our mission – to enable and inspire people from all backgrounds and abilities to experience the joys and benefits of cycling. The deadline for applications is Sunday 22 December 2024. cyclinguk. org/chair-application
136
cyclists took part in a Wick primary school’s ‘bike train’ ride to school: cyclinguk.org/ real-life-stories/ noss-bike-train
Strategy
LEAD THE WAY FOR CYCLING
UK
As we embark on our ambitious new fiveyear strategy, we’re seeking applications for the role of chair of Cycling UK. This is an opportunity for an exceptional person to play a key role in the implementation and delivery of Cycling UK’s strategic plan for the coming years.
The trustees recognise that the charity’s increased scope and ambition mean that it is vital that we find the right candidate to lead the board, to enable us to fully capitalise on the opportunities that lie ahead. We want to attract the strongest possible candidates, so we are
Lottery
welcoming applications both from within and outside of the membership and the existing board.
Leading the recruitment on behalf of the board is John Jackson, Cycling UK acting vice chair. He said: “The new chair should have previous experience as a trustee or non-executive director and be confident and decisive in governance matters, having built credibility in their field. It’s important that the chair provides strong leadership to the trustee board, maximising impact, ensuring effective collaboration and guiding the strategic direction of the charity.”
WIN A SPECIALIZED DIVERGE E5
Enter the Cycling UK lottery today and you could win a Specialized Diverged E5 gravel bike worth £1,200 in our Super Draw on 14 December. Tickets are only £1 each and you can enter just for the Super Draw or become a regular lottery player and have the chance to win the jackpot of £25,000 in the weekly draws, too.
Former Cycling UK trustee Andy MacNae reflected on what this role could offer the successful candidate: “Being a Cycling UK trustee is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference, especially as the chair leading the board. As a trustee I felt that my efforts were having a tangible impact on Cycling UK’s work and ultimately on people’s lives. I’d encourage Cycling UK members with the relevant skills and experience to consider applying, or passing the opportunity onto contacts who may want to take on this rewarding role.”
To apply, see the sidebar ‘Take the chair’ (below left).
The Diverge E5, kindly donated by Specialized, is a versatile on/off road bike with an aluminium frame and a full carbon fork.
To enter the lottery, scan the QR code or visit cyclinguklottery.co.uk Terms and conditions are on the website.
Trustee chair sought to help map out Cycling UK’s future
Trails for Wales campaign Left: Jason Bye
100 WOMEN IN CYCLING
Awards Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling returns this month, celebrating exceptional women who make a meaningful difference in the cycling community. You can discover the full list, read profiles and be inspired by their stories on our website, cyclinguk.org/100women, from mid-December. Don’t miss this chance to explore, celebrate and share the achievements of women who are championing positive change in cycling.
Communications
BRAND NEW CYCLING UK
Research shows us that awareness of Cycling UK and what we do is low, and that our current brand isn’t helping us to engage new people. So we are working on an improved brand to communicate who we are and what we stand for. This process will invite input from members, trustees and others. We’re not changing our name; we’ll still be Cycling UK. The new brand will launch in spring.
Only 1 in 4 households with an income below £15,000 have access to a bike (source: Department for Transport)
Report potholes to help get them fixed promptly
Campaigns
FILL THOSE HOLES
As the frosts arrive, water that’s seeped into the cracks in the road will freeze and thaw and the potholes will expand. People will post pictures of lifeguards at the side of craters in the road or rubber ducks floating in them, though I’m uneasy about attempts to highlight the problem through humour.
In January 2023 Cycling UK member Harry Colledge tragically died after hitting a sixinch deep crack in a road near Preston. The coroner at the inquest into his death found that a previous inspection of the road by highways officers had been “insufficient and of an unacceptable standard”, that the council’s position “defies all reasonable logic”, and that Harry’s family were “well within their rights to be outraged”. I doubt they see anything humorous in the collective failure of national and local governments to fix this problem.
If you’ve been injured after hitting a pothole and tried to claim compensation, you might have received a response saying
that when the council last inspected the road, on a given date, they didn’t see a pothole. That defence doesn’t really work if the council has been told about a pothole and done nothing about it. So we’ve made it easy for anyone to report hazards on UK roads with our Fill That hole reporting tool, fillthathole.org.uk , in association with CycleSOS (part of Fletchers Solicitors).
Since we launched Fill That Hole in 2007, more than 200,000 road defects have been reported on the site, helping councils prioritise their repair works. But after 16 years the old Fill That Hole tool was looking in need of a revamp, so we’re grateful to Cycle-SOS, who operate our members Incident Line (cycle-sos.co.uk/cycling-ukincident-line), for their additional support to relaunch Fill That Hole on a new platform in January this year. If you haven’t used Fill That Hole for a while, try it the next time you see a pothole on your travels – nearly 5,000 people have done so this year alone.
Duncan Dollimore
Katherine Miles, a 2024 winner
Member benefit
SAVE 20% WITH HIPLOK
With most bike thefts occurring from the home, a solid security setup could be a great gift for the cyclist in your life. Airlok is a wallmounted bike hanger that combines high security and stylish design, keeping the bike safe within a hardened steel frame and 30mm hardened steel locking pin.
If you’re looking for a stocking filler, Hiplok’s JAW and JAW+ wall mounts offer convenient bike storage at easily affordable prices. cyclinguk.org/hiplok
Member benefit
15% IN THE BAG WITH CARRADICE
Carradice has been making bike bags and accessories for more than 90 years. All make ideal Christmas presents for the discerning rider. The luggage range includes panniers, bikepacking bags, large saddlebags and the Bagman bag supports for saddles and handlebars. The range of rainwear is also popular, especially the Duxback Rain Poncho. Cycling UK members receive 15% off. cyclinguk.org/carradice
Cycling UK members enjoy a 10% online discount on all things cycling at Decathlon
Christmas
CYCLING GIFTS AND WINTER KIT
Mince pies have been on supermarket shelves since September and the advent calendar is already in pride of place on the mantelpiece. Christmas is just around the corner. It’s time to start planning those gift lists – whether that’s your own or the budding cyclist in your life. Just subtly leave this page open where it can be easily seen to ensure you get what you want this year!
Your Christmas lights might already be up. Have you gone for full seasonal scenes created out of differently coloured flashing bulbs or something more subtle? The shorter days mean you’ll definitely need lights on your bike at this time of year, though. Read our guide to lighting regulations (cyclinguk.org/lighting-regulations) for more information on what’s required.
If you’re looking to upgrade your lights or invest in a spare pair, as a member you can claim a 7% discount at Halfords (cyclinguk. org/halfords), both in store and online, and 10% off products at Freewheel (cyclinguk.org/ freewheel).
Now is a great time to spruce up your winter cycling kit. Or maybe you’re planning on tackling our latest long-distance route, Marcher Castles Way (cyclinguk.org/marchercastles-way), in the new year and you’re in the market for some new bikepacking kit? Either way, don’t forget about your 10% discount with
Decathlon (cyclinguk.org/decathlon-uk). You can get a huge range of cycling gear, along with all kinds of other outdoor equipment.
If it’s bikepacking or touring bags you’re after, keep in mind that you can claim 10% off high-quality panniers, bags, backpacks and accessories from Ortlieb (cyclinguk.org/ortlieb) and 15% off premium bike bags and outdoor accessories from Wildcat Gear (cyclinguk.org/ wildcat-gear).
This Christmas, give the little adventurer in your life the gift of outdoor fun with a super safe and lightweight bicycle from Frog Bikes (cyclinguk.org/frogbikes). Choose from a range of balance, first pedal, hybrid, city, road and MTB bikes. Frog bikes are designed specifically for children in the company’s factory in Wales, using eco-friendly materials like rice husk pedals and recycled aluminium frames and cranks. Cycling UK members can log in and enjoy 10% off Frog Bikes. Give your child or grandchild the gift of fun, freedom and a greener future.
If you know any new or potential cyclists, the gift of Cycling UK membership (cyclinguk. org/gift-membership) means they’ll get all the same great benefits you enjoy, and you’ll be helping us continue our work to improve cycling for everyone.
All that remains is to wish all our members a very merry Christmas!
This Christmas put a smile on your face, too, with 10% off Frog Bikes
“
Cycling changes lives, so can you!
“Cycling gives me direction in life, it helps me bond with my family and feel positive about myself.”
Winter appeal HELP CHANGE LIVES
Cycling changed my life. It gave me purpose, direction and a way to bond with my sons. As a cyclist, when you head out on a ride you have a plan of where you are going, which direction you are headed. My name is Paul. I lost my direction in life through a lifetime of living with mental health issues, but cycling gave me that direction back.
“I turned to drugs and alcohol to ‘help’ me through bad times, and when lockdown
Big Bike Revival
hit, it hit me hard. I was working in farming and cycled to get to and from work, but I didn’t really connect with the joy that cycling can bring. I spiralled in lockdown and, to be a better dad to my sons, I ended up in DJK House, a recovery centre for people to rebuild their lives.
“When I arrived, I found it hard to even walk down the stairs. I hated myself. One of the things I did was go on a ‘joy ride’, a led ride for
THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER’S VIEW
“It’s been fantastic to work with Paul in the last two years and to see his transformation thanks to recovery and cycling. From someone who wasn’t confident to fix a puncture two years ago, he’s become a dedicated bike mechanic who now helps his community by offering free bike repairs at the Big Bike Revival events on behalf of Peloton Liverpool.”
Magdalena
Cichocka, Cycling UK development Officer, Liverpool Region
novices around Liverpool. There was nothing joyous to me about that first ride!
“I did, however, meet Magdalena from Cycling UK and, after a few more rides, found I was starting to enjoy myself. I had real peace of mind after the rides.
“Cycling UK put their trust in me, something that was incredibly important. I completed several courses, including becoming a ride leader and bike mechanic. I’m now working as a bike mechanic with Peloton Liverpool, where I get involved in various projects.
“One of the main things I’ve been working on is cycle repair events at the University of Liverpool, which are funded through Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival project.
“Cycling really has given me the direction that I lacked, the purpose that I needed and a hobby that I can use to bond with my sons. I never really knew where I ‘fitted’ in life but now I do.
“The more people that can find the joy of cycling the better; cycling really can change lives – I am living proof of that. Mine is one of thousands of stories about how Cycling UK’s work helps impact lives each year.
“Whether your cycling passion is to support people like me to better health, to get more people cycling, to have safer and more accessible cycling for you and your family or to improve the environment, your donation today will really make a difference. Cycling changes lives, and so can you.”
Paul Williams, qualified bike mechanic
Donate now
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Cycling changes lives – and so can you. Please donate today.
• £10 could help fund campaigning to provide safe places for people to cycle
• £25 could buy an essentials kit for cycle community clubs, enabling people to get back into cycling
• £50 could enable people to connect through cycle clubs, reducing isolation
• £100 could help open up new routes for people to explore, creating memories and opportunities to explore the great outdoors
Visit cyclinguk.org/cycling-changes-lives or scan the QR code above.
PAUL BAKER
Acting chair of Cycling UK’s board of trustees
Annual report
A LOOK BACK ON 2023-2024
100,000+ people helped to make cycling a part of their lives through our community projects and grants
Acting chair of Cycling UK’s trustees Paul Baker outlines some of the highlights from this year’s annual report, where we look back at what we’ve achieved in the last financial year (April 2023-March 2024)
This year Cycling UK launched a bold new strategy to create happier, healthier and greener lives through cycling. This strategy, which will guide us through 2024-29, was introduced at a landmark event in Westminster attended by key figures in active travel. With CEO Sarah Mitchell outlining the potential to expand cycling’s benefits, the new strategy sets an ambitious course. We’ll focus on five main objectives, aiming to broaden cycling’s impact on public wellbeing, environmental health and community connection.
Our objectives for 2024-29 include:
1. Improving perceptions of cycling – to ensure that everyone understands its benefits, even if they don’t cycle.
2. Boosting the diversity of cyclists – bringing more people from all backgrounds into cycling.
3. Enhancing the cycling experience – making it safer, more enjoyable and convenient.
4. Increasing transport choice – encouraging local journeys by bike.
5. Strengthening Cycling UK as a charity –growing our impact by being a robust, effective organisation.
With these goals, we’re aiming to transform the UK into a place where cycling is fully recognised for its contributions to public health, sustainability and wellbeing.
Expanding access to cycling: more than 100,000 lives touched Thanks to your support, our programmes this year have made cycling accessible to many thousands of people. Together, we’re making cycling an option for everyone, no matter their age or background.
• Bike repair and event participation: More than 65,000 people engaged in bike repair activities, led rides and community events, acquiring new skills and confidence.
• Empowering young riders: We taught 5,900 children under five to cycle in Glasgow, sparking a love for cycling early in life.
• Access for all: Through our Access Bikes project,
we provided over 880 people with bicycles, opening new doors to transport independence. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating a cycling-friendly UK and our collective mission to make the benefits of cycling available to all.
Personal stories: real people, real impact
At the heart of our initiatives are the lives we’re able to touch, thanks to your support. Here’s how some of these stories bring our mission to life.
• Rediscovering the joy of cycling: An elderly member of the Lightburn Elderly Association rediscovered the thrill of cycling after 55 years, thanks to our inclusive cycling programmes. “They initially felt too old to cycle, but now they love it,” shared Lysanne Erlings, a coordinator with the association.
9,700 hours volunteered. Our 957 core volunteers have provided invaluable support to programmes, campaigns and events
• Rethinking family transport: Through the Rural Connections project, Kim, a parent, borrowed an e-cargo bike. “It’s been a fantastic addition… Family trips to the shops, beach and leisurely cycles have been great – family inclusive and fun,” she said, after finding new ways to explore with her family.
• Health and mobility benefits: Felix, who once considered knee surgery, joined the Aigburth Community Cycle Club and saw incredible
health improvements: “I’ve lost two stone, my blood pressure dropped from 200 to 125, and I can walk up the stairs again.”
These stories illustrate how we’re changing lives – one pedal stroke at a time.
Advocacy wins for safer and better cycling
Beyond getting people on bikes, we consistently advocate for safer, more accessible cycling throughout the UK. This year, your support helped us win some key policy victories.
• Increased funding for active travel: We secured a record budget for cycling, walking and wheeling in Scotland, and protected the Active Travel Schools programme in Northern Ireland.
• Creating Safer Streets: By working with councils and local groups, we’re driving policies for safer roads, such as low-traffic neighbourhoods and 20mph limits.
These achievements are possible because of the collective voice and dedication of our members, proving that when we work together, we can create lasting change.
Blazing new trails: Marcher Castles Way and inclusive cycling
Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to launch exciting new initiatives that broaden cycling opportunities and make it more accessible.
• Marcher Castles Way: This beautiful, off-road challenge spans the English and Welsh borders,
offering a 290km adventure for cyclists. Funded by our members and supporters, along with a transformative partnership with the Gill Foundation, this route supports sustainable tourism, boosts local economies and provides a scenic, rewarding ride. You can read more about it on page 36.
• The Inclusive Cycling Experience: Supported by the Motability Foundation, this programme reaches communities in Greater Manchester and Inverness, offering adaptive cycles, including trikes and multi-wheeled bikes, along with confidence-building sessions. With options to try out different cycles for up to a month, participants can explore what suits them best, with hands-on support from our experts. This initiative enables more people to enjoy the freedom and benefits of cycling. These projects demonstrate our commitment to ensuring cycling is open to all.
Strengthening our community of volunteers
The driving force behind Cycling UK is our network of dedicated volunteers, who contribute thousands of hours each year to inspire others. Here’s how they’ve made a difference this year.
• 4,484 ride leaders: Organising over 8,000 rides, these leaders are at the heart of our community, helping people find joy and freedom in cycling.
• 9,700 hours volunteered: Our 957 core volunteers have provided invaluable support to programmes, campaigns and events.
We’re also investing in our volunteers by introducing new training platforms, enabling them to grow their skills and lead with confidence. Their work is essential to making our mission possible.
Looking forward: building on our new strategy
David the handcyclist
David has cerebral palsy, which affects his legs and makes walking difficult. Through the Inclusive Cycling Experience Hub in Inverness, David discovered a new world of mobility. Despite normally relying on two sticks or a wheelchair and not being able to use a traditional cycle, David found freedom in a three-wheeled handcycle.
“The handcycle has enabled me to get outside and exercise, travelling distances I could never hope to walk or travel in my wheelchair,” he said. “It’s good exercise and gets me out in fresh air. I’m enjoying being out and about, searching for new places and expanding where I go, and I’m feeling fitter and happier.”
2. Boosting participation: Reducing barriers to entry and increasing diversity are key to expanding our cycling community.
3. Enhancing safety and enjoyment: By advocating for safer routes and better infrastructure, we’ll make cycling an attractive option for everyone.
4. Enabling local journeys: We’ll continue promoting cycling as an alternative for short local trips, reducing reliance on cars and benefiting the environment.
4,484 ride leaders. Organising over 8,000 rides, these leaders are at the heart of our community, helping people find joy and freedom in cycling
With the launch of our 2024-29 strategy, we’re excited to build on this year’s achievements. Our goals for the future include:
1. Changing public perceptions: We’ll focus on shifting the narrative so that everyone, even non-cyclists, recognises cycling’s value.
Read more
5. Strengthening our foundation: To achieve our goals, we’ll keep building a resilient organisation that can drive change across the UK.
You can read the full, 66-page annual report online at cyclinguk.org/ about . You can also find out more about the fiveyear strategy there
With your support, we’re on track to create an even greater impact in the coming years.
Thank you for riding with us on this journey – together, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.
Marcher Castles Way, our latest route. See page 36
We continued to campaign for safer routes for cycling
Cycling journalist
GUY KESTEVEN
The guidebook for Marcher Castles Way is being written by Guy Kesteven, a cycling content creator who began exploring by bike with York CTC Easy Riders many years ago
My main involvement with Marcher Castles Way is as writer of the guidebook and creator of the route experience videos. As that involves riding the route before writing it up, I’m also the on-trail ‘sense checker’. That can often be a very scratchy, stingy, pushy, backtrack-andtry-another-option process. It’s crucial to making sure the published route is a really enjoyable experience, however, and pre-riding means I can hopefully bring the route to life in the guidebook.
I work with Kieran Foster, who is a master at unlocking rights-of-way puzzles, working with local authorities, dodging main roads and maximising bike path/traffic-free time. As an unashamed map addict and ride deviser, I’ll help wherever I can. It’s not just a case of joining up scenic and historic highlights. We make sure that there are plenty of stopover/resupply points and that car-free access to the start and finish is as easy as possible.
Creating an overall feel that matches the landscape for each route and that has a consistent skill/fitness/challenge level is crucial to rider experience and trust. That inevitably means a lot of toing and froing on potential routes, and it’s frustrating if you have to shelve a really promising section because of
ongoing negotiations or because 100 metres of a 5km section is impassable. But when the route is launched and the positive feedback starts flooding in, it’s worth all the squinting at screens and getting stuck in brambles to make the end result work.
I started working with Cycling UK on the King Alfred’s Way project because my background as an archaeologist/historian and subsequent career as a cycling content creator was a neat fit to such a storied route. It’s been great to follow that up, creating content for West Kernow Way, Rebellion Way, Traws Eryri and Marcher Castles Way. Riding several hundred kilometres across wild terrain in all weathers is also a great way to test bikes and equipment, too, which is what my main ‘job’ is.
From a personal level, I love helping people rediscover lost routes and escape traffic, noise and pollution to find a wonderful sense of escape and freedom. The ‘secret’ rough-stuff sections that seemed to teleport you magically away from traffic or built-up areas were always my favourite part of heading out with the York CTC Easy Riders on my 5-speed racer as a kid. It’s great to be able to pass on that baton through the guidebooks and videos. It’s also inspired my wife and me to start our own ‘Pedalling Past’ YouTube channel featuring short ‘Time Travel Gravel’ routes between historic and scenic highlights.
Obviously it’s nothing new. People have been exploring the countryside on bikes for two centuries, and some of the trails on the Cycling UK routes are probably at least 10,000 years old. And gravel bikes are just a hybrid of traditional touring bikes and modern mountain bike technology.
What you ride, how long you take and whether you wild camp or go five star on the routes that we create doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you have an adventure that suits you and that opens your mind to even more possibilities. Whether that’s trying another Cycling UK route like Marcher Castles Way or being inspired to get a map out and plan your own ride, I’m really proud to be a small part of that.
Get the book, see the films!
The Marcher Castles Way guidebook hadn’t been published when Cycle went to press but, if you download the GPX file of the route from cyclinguk.org/ marcher-castlesway, we’ll email you when it’s available. You can also watch Cycling UK’s video of the new route on the site. Additionally, Guy has produced a three-part, in-depth guide to the route on his YouTube channel. Visit youtube.com/@ GuyKesTV/videos
Guy discusses the route at the launch event in Shrewsbury in October
Right: Robyn Furtado.
SHOP WINDOW
Christmas novelties like bicycle-related pizza cutters can soon lose their charm. Dan Joyce picks some practical gifts for around £50 or less
money
As a member, you can save up to 50% on a wide range of cycling products and services. Visit cyclinguk.org/ member-benefits
1 Cycling UK gift membership
£52
Give someone a whole year of cycling inspiration and support from as little as £4.34 a month. That’s for individual Cycling UK membership; concessionary is £34, family £84. cyclinguk.org/gift
2 Green Oil
£47.99
Massive Brush
At 46cm (18in), Green Oil’s wooden brush with plant-based bristles is long enough to clean your bike without (much) bending over. It’s pricy but should last over a decade, Green Oil says. green-oil.net
3 Hiplok FX £22.99
Peace of mind for club run café stops, where heavy locks aren’t an option, Hiplok’s steel-cable combination lock can be clipped into your jersey pocket. Members get 20% off, too. hiplok.com
4 Sealskinz Stanfield socks £50
Not all Christmas socks are a disappointment. These mid-length ones have a waterproof membrane and a thermal inner layer, making them ideal for the worst winter rides. sealskinz.com
5 Potholes and Pavements £16.99
Laura Laker’s ‘bumpy ride on Britain’s national cycle network’ was a hit with our reviewer in the June/July issue and should be received equally well by any seasoned cyclist. laura-laker.com/book
6 CatEye Padrone Wireless cycle computer £49.99
7
No GPS, no navigation, no Strava uploads – just a refreshingly simple wireless bike computer that gives you speed, distance and time in nice big numbers. cateyecycling.co.uk
7 Custom made OS map £7.99+
Create your own paper, canvas or framed print of a map area you select, personalising it with your text and photo. You can even add a highlighted route on it to celebrate a special ride. shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
More online
Check out our in-depth reviews of the latest bikes and gear online at: cyclinguk.org/cycling-advice
Gearup
COMPONENTS, KIT, AND MEDIA SELECTED AND REVIEWED BY BIKE JOURNALISTS AND CYCLING UK STAFF
trainer
I’ve spent many hours on indoor trainers for various reasons. When I was younger, I used them for ‘serious’ training but now my circumstances are different. With a young child at home, any riding needs to be snatched in short bursts, and the biggest essential for indoor training is that it is time efficient.
Initial setup took a good hour; you need to fit a cassette to the direct drive unit, so make
sure you have a chain whip and spanner to hand. I chose to remove the cassette from my bike as I left it permanently mounted, but if you want to be able to quickly swap between indoor and outdoor training, a second cassette is a wise investment. Once the bike was in position, the next stage was downloading the apps, which was very simple. The trainer pairs with third-party apps such as Zwift and Strava, but you can only pair with one
Put to the test
Is there a product you’d like us to test? Write to: Cycle, Cycling UK, Parklands, Railton Rd, Guildford, GU2 9JX or editor@cyclinguk.org
app at a time. I used Onelap, the Van Rysel virtual training world, which is free for the first month.
The smart trainer paired immediately, and within a few minutes I had a selection of workouts to choose from and a virtual course on screen to ride through. The ease with which I went from downloading the app to riding a route was impressive. The on-screen prompts are very clear, helping you to focus on maintaining your cadence and matching your effort to the demands of the course.
When riding, the smart trainer responded quickly to changes in terrain and effort, the feel of the flywheel was smooth and, even at high cadence, remarkably quiet. Claimed power measuring accuracy is +/– 2%. I had a few problems with rocking and levelling the feet of the turbo, solved in part by moving it onto a thick mat.
Reading reviews on the Van Rysel site, there is some criticism of not being able to find the confirmation code for the first free month; I did not find this an issue as it popped up on the screen of my phone instantly. There have also been some compatibility issues with different cassettes, particularly SRAM, so double-check before purchase. For reference, I was using Shimano 105 without an issue. There are numerous adapters for different dropout options, covering most current models of bikes but, again, check before purchasing. Finally, don’t forget your Cycling UK discount (p14).
Hannah Reynolds
WAHOO KICKR CORE £449.99
Includes a cassette and can be bundled with a year’s subscription to Zwift, as well as access to Wahoo’s own apps and training ecosystem. uk.wahoofitness.com
TACX FLUX S SMART TRAINER £599
On offer at £399, making it excellent value. It comes with one month of free Zwift and Tacx premium software, as well as compatibility with Garmin products. garmin.com
Verdict
Once the initial building of the turbo and the need for a cassette is overcome, ongoing use is straightforward. It pairs quickly, making virtual training easy. However, pairing multiple apps at the same time would be of benefit to some users.
Pros & cons + Stable & waterproof + No bulging, no knee rub – Access while riding is tricky
2.7L Wedge Frame Bag
Frame bags make use of the space within the frame that can’t really be used for much else. While a frame bag is a common feature in bikepacking setups, I also find one useful for day-ride spares.
A frame bag has to fit well and still allow you to use your bottles. Tailfin gives you loads of help on its website about how to choose a suitable size and shape from the nine options offered, which range in price from £100 to £135. There are six ‘half frame bags’ and three ‘wedge frame bags’; the wedge style is shorter along the top tube, giving more clearance on the seat tube for bottle manoeuvrability. Dimensions are given on the website. You can
RESTRAP FRAME BAG –SMALL £59.99-£84.99
The smallest versions of Restrap’s fine frame bags range in size from 2.5 to 4.5 litres, and will allow you to use both bottle cages. They’re tough but not waterproof. restrap.com
print off templates to hold up to your bike, and there is also a tool whereby you upload a photo of your bike in order to check bag sizing. If feels like Tailfin really does want you to pick something suitable.
I went with a 2.7-litre wedge pack for my 54cm cross/gravel frame, meaning I can run a 500ml bottle in a side-loading cage on the down tube and a 750ml bottle on the seat tube, with good access good to both.
Whereas other bags I have used have attached with Velcro straps, the Tailfin bags have rubberised wedges on the attachment edges and use TPU straps, like Voile straps, to fasten the bag to the frame. This results
Verdict
A really welldesigned frame bag that stays in position on the roughest terrain and keeps your kit dry and sorted. Perfect for day rides as well as touring. It’s not coming off my bike any time soon.
ALPKIT GLIDER £84.99
Available in three sizes for road/gravel bikes, this is made from waterproof fabric but is not claimed to be waterproof. Should be small enough to allow the use of both bottle cages. alpkit.com
in a really secure fit – the bag didn’t move at all even on the roughest descents. There are carbon stiffeners on both sides of the pack to keep the bag rigid. This helps with the security of the fixing and also means knee rub is eliminated. However, it prevents you stuffing just ‘one more thing’ in there.
Tailfin claims its bag is waterproof, thanks to welded seams on waterproof Hypalon and ripstop nylon. I can confirm this as I inadvertently left my phone in the bag while washing the bike.
There are organisers inside the bag allowing you to pack stuff neatly; the pump strap and key pocket were two I found particularly useful. There’s also a port at the front of the bag, enabling you to run cables or hydration tubes to where you need them.
Hannah Collingridge
Transit Shoe
There may be more to CHPT3’s new Transit ‘urban’ cycling shoe than city-sneaker good looks, but they are undoubtedly its strongest suit. The off-white Transit tested is arguably finer looking than the black version but it will also be more vulnerable to any punishment meted out by bad weather.
The website notes that ‘prolonged exposure to water or heavy rain may cause damage to the shoes’, recommending the use of a water-repellent spray and avoiding prolonged exposure. The black version should fare better for longer as a daily wear, but those who buy these shoes primarily for their looks may want to avoid getting them wet or filthy
Pros & cons + Slick styling + Tech-packed sole – Spongy pedalling feel
in the first place.
Dry weather urban pedalling, then, may be the Transit’s ideal role, but it is positioned according to the manufacturer as an allrounder, equally at home riding to the café, office or nightclub. It’s not clear if ‘café’ includes the one out in the sticks on the Sunday ride, but there’s a suggestion that the shoe has serious performance potential thanks to ‘revolutionary new micro-plate technology’. This means that any Transitcompatible, two-bolt SPD-style cleat is bolted to a small rigid nylon plate within the multi-layer sole structure.
The idea is to permit effective force transfer to the pedals while retaining the lengthwise flex needed for comfortable walking.
Vegan-friendly materials are used for this SPD-compatible sneaker, which is available in black only, with a gum sole. chromeindustries.com
clipped in that, while fine within the
The sole feels firmer than that of a non-reinforced training shoe but nothing like as stiff as that of a dedicated cycling shoe. There’s a rubbery feel to the interface between shoe and pedal when clipped in that, while fine within the confines of the city, might pall on a long, hard ride.
While walking, the wearer will
While walking, the wearer will appreciate the grip afforded by the moulded rubber outsole, the cushioning of the chunky EVA midsole and the comfort of the textile lining. The ‘luxury grade’ leather upper has a padded mesh tongue under thick laces, and the fit of my size 45 test pair offered plenty of room for the toes and a snugly cosseting heel cup.
SHOE £179.99
The cleat-fixing microplate does not intrude off the bike. Shimano SPD cleats, when fitted in place of the removable cover, do not click on the ground thanks to the deep recess.
The Transit is available in black and off-white colourways and in UK sizes 5.5-11. Weight is 1,000g per pair for size 45, including SPD cleats. Richard Hallett
As a crossover city shoe at home both on pavements and pedals, the Transit works well – but even the most dedicated of urban cyclists might find themselves wearing their Transits on dry days only in an attempt to preserve those dandy looks. Other options
High performance downhill/ enduro SPD shoe with ‘skate-style’ lace-closure upper. freewheel.co.uk
Verdict
SHIMANO GE7
Books
CYCLING INSPIRATION WHEN YOU’RE STUCK INSIDE
A Ride Across America
Details
By: Simon Parker
Publisher: September
Publishing
Price: £19.99
ISBN: 9781914613593
DOCUMENTARY MAKER Simon Parker takes us on an epic cycle tour from the top left corner of the USA to the bottom right, aiming to understand the people and views that don’t tend to shape our impressions of modern America.
On his way he takes time to chat thoughtfully with wise and gentle folk, people who’ve been dealt a whole pack of hard hands, and others whose views on gun control, welfare and immigration might be difficult for some of us. He’s great at taking time to see beyond first impressions, and enjoys a mixture of chance encounters and pre-planned visits.
It’s an engaging, compelling read, and in the build-up to the 2024 elections a timely look at a culture where people repeatedly lament being unable to discuss politics with family or friends, so polarised have things become. Oddly, where it’s less engaging is as an advert for cycling across America. Parker’s YouTube videos are more positive, but in the book he spends a great deal of time complaining about run-down motels and trashy food. At least in the Southern states the bad food gets replaced by good barbecues, though there are more unchained dogs. He can also dwell more on the traffic than the scenery, maintaining that he has no choice but to make his way through cities.
He does lighten up for a few fine-sounding places – including the whole of Montana – but perhaps he should have visited a site like cycle.travel, which could have helped him avoid big cities in almost all states.
Sean Fishpool
You can read excerpts from some of the books that Cycle has reviewed at cyclinguk.org/cycle-book-excerpts
Details
By: Hetty Kingston
Publisher: Vertebrate
Publishing
Price: £15.95
ISBN: 9781839812316
Print queue
Cycle doesn’t feature all books received. Reviewers pick the ones they think you need to know about from the editor’s list. Send books to: Cycle, Cycling UK, Parklands, Railton Rd, Guildford, GU2 9JX
Gravel Rides Peak District
THIS IS A pocket-sized guide to gravel rides in the mixed landscapes of the Dark and White Peaks. There are colour photos of broad tracks and quiet lanes to lure you into planning your next outdoor exploration. The easy routes feature disused rail paths, while some of the challenging routes take in the moorland grit. Half the routes are described as ‘straightforward’, with distances from 26 to 33km. Routes are shown as overlays on an OS map. A vibrant narrative and step-by-step directions describe surface types and gradients. Downloading the GPX files will have you covered for route finding. Lynnette Evans
Details
By: Simon Warren
Publisher: Vertebrate
Publishing
Price: £16.95
ISBN: 9781839812354
100 Greatest Cycling Climbs of the Tour de France
SIMON WARREN’S FIRST ‘climbs’ book has been followed by 13 more, including this one – now in its second edition. The climbs are grouped into French regions with each climb getting a double-page spread. One page is a photo so the description, including TdF history, map and gradient map are squashed onto the other. I was in the Alps this summer so the book helped me pick out the Avoriaz climb and the Col de Joux Plane (awesome).
Ian Small
Details
By: Mike Newton
Publisher: Independently
published
Price: £12.95
ISBN: 9798332278020
Cultural LEJOG
September 2023
IF YOU LIKE Wikipedia you will like reading this book, which has lots of facts about the places that are along the route (many of which the writer didn’t get to see), as well as 230 photos to bring the trip to life. The appendix gives you plenty of information about how they planned for the trip, what they took and maps for reference. I personally prefer more of a travel log about the places and people visited rather than Wikipedia references, so whether you’ll enjoy it depends on your reading preferences.
Jenny Jackson
Letter of the month
Get in touch
LETTERS are edited for space, clarity and, if necessary, legality. The editor reads and automatically acknowledges all letters but publishes only a selection. Feedback for the next issue must arrive by 20 December. Please include your membership number.
WRITE TO: Letters, Cycle, Cycling UK, Parklands, Railton Rd, Guildford, GU2 9JX or email editor@cyclinguk.org
BALANCE POINT
Little did Karl Von Drais, inventor of the ‘laufmaschine’ in 1817, think that his concept, in its modern junior form, would have taught so many small children to ride a bike. My four grandchildren loved their balance bikes, which they rode with great gusto at the age of two, then progressed easily to pedal bikes aged three or four. As ‘Professor’ Donald Macdonald says (Cycle, Oct/Nov ’24), balance is the key to bike riding. Stabilisers do not teach balance.
After 12 years of visiting checkpoints, we have finally managed to answer all 402 questions of the British Cycle Quest (BCQ). We are still happily married, even though there have been times when we’ve been on the road all day in the wind and rain, then had difficulty in locating the checkpoint, which has made polite conversation a little strained. It has been a pleasurable challenge that’s taken us to many beautiful parts of the UK that we would never have dreamed of going to.
Many people have asked us what were the best and worst places we have been to. For us, the best were the Isle of Man, the Western Isles and the Isle of Wight. The worst? Well, we couldn’t name anywhere. The few places we visited that we have bad memories of were usually caused by bad weather or our poor map reading.
We would like to say a big thank you to Geoff Eaves and Stephen Dee for all their administration. True dedication. We would recommend the BCQ to any cyclist who likes new cycling adventures.
Steve and Janet Bailey
Congratulations! For anyone who’s curious about the British Cycle Quest, visit the website: cyclinguk.org/british-cycle-quest. You can view the checkpoints map, download the questions book and get started. You don’t need to commit to visiting all 402 places. Just try a few local ones and see how you go.
The letter of the month wins a Passport Saddle Pack, courtesy of Ison Distribution. This 9.8-litre roll-top bikepacking bag has a waterproof liner to keep your kit dry and a wipe-clean tarpaulin base to shield you from mud. There are two external pockets for keys or tools, and the seatpost strap is rubberised to keep the bag stable. For more about the whole range of Passport bikepacking luggage, visit passportcycles.co.uk Win a Passport Saddle Pack worth £69.99
As a nervous child myself, I learned to ride a bike relatively late, and only then on a very small bike. The feeling of security in being able to put my feet down allowed me to experiment without falling off, in order to acquire the essential balance. Nowadays, I cycle regularly for transport and leisure, but I’ve never quite gained the level of natural ease and confidence in riding that my grandchildren demonstrate, thanks, perhaps, to their early experience on their balance bikes!
Clare Hawkins
PRACTICAL POCKETS
I’ve found my cycling tops useful for more than just cycling. The rear pockets are great for holding tennis balls and, when gardening, they are so useful for holding the secateurs, string, glasses and, more importantly, my phone so that I can play music wherever I go in the garden. Cycling leggings are also great for indoor tennis in the winter.
Dawn Elsworth
Left: Andy Catlin
Steve and Janet with (R) Stephen Dee
E-BIKE SAFETY MEASURES
The Power Points article in the Oct/ Nov ’24 issue makes a number of key safety points but doesn’t describe the full range of precautions to reduce the possibility of an e-bike fire.
Batteries shouldn’t be charged overnight, and bikes and charging batteries must never be allowed to block a possible escape route by being in or close to a lobby, hallway, staircase or doorway. If possible, batteries should be charged outside or in a location that is away from the main accommodation, in an area that is covered by a working smoke alarm and where it is possible to close a door on the area to help contain a fire.
Warning signs that may indicate that a lithium ion battery has become dangerous include a build up of excessive heat, any bulging or swelling out of shape, unusual noises, strong smells or charging problems.
I haven’t made these observations to be alarmist. I believe that the benefits of e-bikes far outweigh any disadvantages associated with them.
Peter Cowup
It’s worth restating that an e-bike from a reputable manufacturer, charged with the correct charger, is extremely unlikely to cause problems. The London Fire Brigade – which attended 143 e-bike fires in 2023 – singles out conversion kits, particularly those bought cheaply online and a used with a charger they weren’t sold with. See london-fire.gov.uk/chargesafe
ROUGH-STUFF GUIDANCE
I completely agree with Alan Ackroyd’s letter (Oct/Nov ’24) about grading off-road cycle routes. We use Sustrans maps a lot for cycle touring, and an off-road route (shown as
green) can be anything from lovely smooth tarmac to a singletrack path through undergrowth. Sometimes you can be lured onto a route thinking it is wonderful and then it changes to a rough, muddy surface. Maybe we need different colours for routes that need a mountain bike or gravel bike? There are people of all abilities and situations – children, adapted bike riders, tandemists – who really benefit from a rideable off-road route.
Sally Kertzman
COLD FEET
The letter from Clive Egginton in the Oct/Nov ’24 issue sounded very familiar. Chilblains bother me as well. As one sufferer to another, my advice is to prevent the toes getting cold from the outset. Calf-length socks made of 100% silk work wonders as they allow the blood to keep warm as it passes down one’s lower leg. I have also had success lining the insole with tinfoil and also raw fleece – often gathered from barbed wire fences and put into the toe box of shoes. This only works if the shoes are not too tight.
Thom Hadfield
SPEED E-BIKES
In the Oct/Nov ’24 issue there is an item about the legality of electric bikes, accompanied by a picture of a Riese & Müller Supercharger GT Touring, which is captioned: “treated as a moped in the UK”. This is not so. The model that is treated as a moped is the GT Touring HS (high speed). R&M sells many of its models with either the Performance Line CX motor or the Performance Line Speed motor. It is only the latter which is rated to 28mph. Yoav Tzabar
Thanks for the correction. I did mean to reference the HS model.
Photo of the month FLYING SCOT
Who remembers the old CTC Tourist Trials of the 1950s and ’60s? They were 100 miles in eight hours, 130 miles in 12 hours and, the big one, 200 miles in 24 hours. There was also a shorter one; I think it was 50 miles. The 200 miler was held on the nearest weekend to the longest day of the year as this allowed maximum daylight. Back then I cycled with Falkirk CTC on my beautiful Flying Scot. The photo was taken at Trossachs Pier on Loch Katrine.
CYCLING UK FORUM
Get immediate feedback from other members at forum.cyclinguk.org. Here’s an abridged extract from a recent thread: cyclinguk.org/ forum-packing-touring
PACKING FOR TOURING
harlechjoe: I always pack light and always try to pack lighter. What are the essential items you pack for a long-distance bicycle tour and why are they important to you?
roubaixtuesday: Depends on the length of tour, accommodation and weather. I’ve done anything from full camping gear in a trailer to a single bar bag. I’ve *never* got to the top of a big climb and thought: “Really wish I’d packed more gear.”
plancashire: I always pack a light pump. The Topeak Mini Morph is a tiny stand-pump – you push against the ground. pwa: A small plastic bag of spare nuts, bolts, plastic ties, wire and insulation tape for unexpected roadside fixes to mudguards, racks, bottle cages, etc. PH: I’ve got some light headphones that I sometimes regret not
having with me. Not just to pass some time in the evening, but also for any travel at either end of the tour.
simonhill: My ‘extra’ would be a small electric kettle. I use it for tea in the morning, then porridge for breakfast, with maybe a coffee. On arrival a mug or two of tea. Can also be used for pot noodles if necessary. gbnz: Decent ear plugs. Benefits of a decent night’s sleep can’t be underestimated
VinceLedge: Kindle and a head torch, so I can read before I go to sleep and not disturb others.
Cowsham: I also take a spare pair of glasses and a spare phone (my old smartphone) cos if the main one breaks it’s a major problem these days.
simonineaston: Always remember to plan carefully – then take half of the belongings and twice the money!
Andrew Mitchell
Always use the correct charger
Great Rides
MARCHER CASTLES WAY
Cycling UK’s latest long-distance route is a 290km loop through Shropshire and Powys that crisscrosses the Welsh border. Robyn Furtado rode it
Enjoying the ride up Brown Clee Hill
The road ahead rose at an alarming angle towards the top of Brown Clee Hill. We had already fought our way up through a fern-tangled bridleway and across a steep field full of cows, but the real challenge of Shropshire’s highest hill was clearly still in front of us.
There was no alternative: we carried on upwards, some in granny gear, others walking (no shame here), inching skywards through quiet woods tinged with autumn colours. We were quiet for the first time all day, unable to continue conversation for gasping, our concentration focused on the misty summit.
As we got above the tree line, this mist lifted and the border hills of Wales and England stretched out all around us, in golds, purples and russets. Snowdonia lay in one direction, Shropshire the other. The landscape was vast but there wasn’t another human in sight. We had the whole hill and view to ourselves.
IRON AGE FORTS, IRONBRIDGE GORGE
Marcher Castles Way is Cycling UK’s latest bikepacking route, this time covering both England and Wales, following the launch of Traws Eryri last year. The aim was to create a route that was challenging and adventurous, and that celebrates the scenery, culture and history of the shifting borderlands between England and Wales. I rode the route in early September with five others: my colleague Sophie Gordon, three of Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling (Dulce Pedroso, Jess Notzig and Jasmin Patel) and Stefan Amato from Pannier.cc.
It is a mixed-terrain, circular loop that starts and finishes in Shrewsbury, wiggling for nearly 300km around the Welsh Marches. The route crosses the
ROBYN FURTADO
Robyn works as Cycling UK’s multimedia content producer. She is a keen bikepacker, ultra-cycling dabbler and mountain biker
border between Wales and England no fewer than eight times, and the remains of castles, forts and dykes highlight the contested history of the area. The word Marcher in the title refers to the AngloSaxon word ‘mearc’, which means boundary. Even now, there is a sense of wildness and liminality that seems to hang like mist across the remoter parts of this landscape.
Shrewsbury is the ideal place to start the route. We admired the red-bricked Shrewsbury Castle and the historic high street filled with halftimbered houses. We also had a quick stop at Trailhead bike shop to pick up spare tubes and bike lube. Then we left the town on quiet lanes and a canal towpath. It was a misleadingly easy way to start what turned out to be a strenuous four days.
The first day passed quickly. We breezed through the area’s jumbled history, seeing Iron Age forts, abandoned metal-smelting factories and then the ghostly remains of a Roman city. Then we arrived at the highlight of day one: the Ironbridge Gorge. The eponymous bridge at Ironbridge was made in 1779 – the world’s first arch bridge made from iron – and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an elegant span, rising over the River Severn and giving nice views of the gorge.
The steep climb out of Ironbridge up onto Wenlock Edge gave us a taste of the gradients that were to come. Unfortunately, it started to rain hard at this point, so we didn’t linger to look at Bethnal Hall. We went as fast as possible towards Much Wenlock and our B&B.
“Not weather for quiche!” Jess remarked, as we rode through the heavy downpour. We found out later that Much Wenlock has a renowned bakery, the Pig and Pie, which was selling quiche by the kilo. What a shame to miss buying a kilo of quiche!
Rigid MTBs and wide-tyre gravel bikes work well
Photography: Robyn Furtado
Pause for the views
Right: Climbing to the Kerry Ridgeway
Fact File: Marcher Castles Way
Distance: 290km. I recommend taking four days to do it.
Route: The route starts in Shrewsbury, heading south through Ironbridge and then up and over Brown Clee Hill towards Ludlow. It then goes west over the Kerry Ridgeway to Newtown. There is a brief respite from the hills on the greenway to Montgomery, then you climb over the Long Mynd to Church Stretton and back to Shrewsbury.
Conditions: We had a real mix of weather: hot sun, torrential rain, low fog and strong winds…basically, Wales in a nutshell! The terrain ranges from rocky bridleways to muddy fire roads, smooth tarmac and wellsurfaced towpaths.
Nearest stations: The route starts and finishes
SEASON OF MISTS
at Shrewsbury Station. There are also train stations at Ironbridge, Newtown, Knighton, Ludlow and Church Stretton.
Accommodation: We stayed at a mix of inns, Airbnbs, campsites and hotels.
Bike advice: A hardtail mountain bike or a gravel bike with wider 650B tyres and low gears would be best. There are some rough and steep sections.
Maps/guides: The GPX file and route guide
will be on the Cycling UK website, and also available for purchase as a printed guide and paper map.
I’m glad I had… A camera for the views. A rain jacket and some wet lube for my bike chain as there were heavy downpours.
Next time I would… Allow more time off the bike to explore the castles and hill forts along the route.
Further information: cyclinguk.org/marchercastles-way
A sunny morning the next day gave us a chance to explore Much Wenlock. It’s a gorgeous medieval town with half-timbered houses covered in climbing roses. The ruins of the old abbey sat cloaked in mist next to the river, and there was a small plaque declaring this spot as the birthplace of the modern Olympics.
After some sightseeing, we pedalled away from Much Wenlock in bright sunlight and found ourselves quickly lost in a wild and green landscape. The first 10km took a long time; there were several rocky and steep slopes that required pushing, as well as some thick mud along the Jack Mytton Way. But it was a beautiful setting: ancient beech woods and peaceful fire roads, with occasional tantalising views out to remote hillsides.
As in many off-road adventures, we soon found ourselves covered in mud, stung with nettles and looking thoroughly dirty. We shared some Welsh cakes and compared who had managed to collect the most spectacular mud splatters. Then we zoomed down to the smooth lanes of Corvedale. We were soon at the foot of Brown Clee Hill, the biggest on the route.
As we rode up, legs burning, we could see the pylons at the top of the hill almost lost in clouds. What a shame! It seemed we were going to ride all
As we neared the summit, the mist began to rise, showing off patchwork hills stretching away in every direction to a wild and beautiful horizon
the way up and not be able to see anything. But as we neared the summit, among a sea of flowering heather, the mist began to rise, showing off patchwork hills stretching away in every direction to a wild and beautiful horizon.
We took a breather at the top, while Stefan prepared us a quick gourmet lunch of noodles, peanut butter and spring onions, topped with crushed Doritos. He served this to us on individual cheese raclette plates.
“Did you carry these the whole way up the hill?” we asked, pleased and amazed he’d been so speedy on the hill, despite the weight of five raclette plates.
“You never know when you might want to melt cheese,” Stefan told us. Wise words.
The descent off Brown Clee Hill was amazing: a fast trail that zigzagged through the heather and gorse, made all the better by the stunning views. It was hard to keep my eyes on my front tyre to avoid bogs.
The official route goes over Titterstone Clee Hill after this, but we were running behind and losing daylight so we ended up going around instead, heading towards Ludlow. This is yet another well-preserved medieval town, with the ruins of an ancient castle that you can visit. We got there too late to go inside – it closes at 4pm – but we enjoyed exploring the narrow streets lined with black and white wattle and daub houses.
Isla Rowntree (of Islabikes fame) had recommended the sourdough pizzas at Ludlow’s Sourced Pizza restaurant. So it was a group of very full cyclists who made an evening dash from Ludlow to our Airbnb near Walford.
A SKY FULL OF STARS
The next day we were back riding on the Jack Mytton Way through Knighton over to the Kerry Ridgeway. The climb up to the ridgeway is a tough gradient. We ended up pushing all the way up past Offa’s Dyke to reach it. We were rewarded with glorious views over Wales, and were surrounded by wildflower meadows of clover, harebells and heather. The gravel road along the top of the ridgeway was a treat: fast, fun and smooth, with views on either side. Again, the landscape was empty of people. It was ours alone.
Get the guides, do the rides
Marcher Castles Way is only one in a series of long-distance routes created by Cycling UK. Our vision is to cover the UK with adventure routes, showing off the incredible riding, scenery and culture our country has to offer.
We stopped at Clun for lunch at the Postcard Café. Clun is a beautiful village, with the ruins of a castle as well as a medieval bridge that’s still in use. We ended up eating so much at the café, the lady behind the counter told us it was the biggest bill she’d ever seen. Proof that hungry cyclists have bottomless stomachs! Rather than doing the full route, which goes to Montgomery and
If you’re interested in trying one of Cycling UK’s routes and don’t know where to start, try Cantii Way or Rebellion Way, which are both in the east of England. They suit bikepacking beginners because they are flatter and less technical but are still inspiring to ride. You can then work your way through West Kernow Way in Cornwall, King Alfred’s Way in the south of England, Traws Eryri in Snowdonia, North Downs Way in Surrey and Kent, and the Great North Trail through northern England and Scotland. All these routes offer a real adventure, taking you into remote and beautiful scenery, and deep into our island’s history. You can find more about all the routes, as well as order guidebooks, on the Cycling UK website: cyclinguk. org/routes
The first castiron arch bridge in the world
Clockwise from far left: Clun Castle is one of the spectacular ruins along the way. The never ending Brown Clee Hill. Celebrations at Sourced Pizza in Ludlow, having arrived in time to order sourdough pizzas. Montgomery Castle, a Norman fortification
Newtown, we cut the corner and stayed on the Jack Mytton Way, heading north to Church Stretton. There were big views, chatty locals and traffic jams caused by herds of cows.
We arrived at the Kinton Escapes campsite as dusk was falling. The campsite’s lovely yurts had their own fire and were illuminated by almost 100 candles. Stars popped into view above us and the Milky Way was clearly visible. The campsite owner told us that this area was one of the only places in the south of the UK with no light pollution. It was a serene place to spend the night.
UP AND DOWN THE LONG MYND
On the final day we were woken by the sound of rain on the tent. We groaned, knowing we had two big climbs to do in the stormy weather. We pulled on our wet weather gear and set off. It wasn’t long before we were faced with several brutally steep climbs. Back to pushing!
Very slowly, we inched upwards towards the top of Stiperstones National Reserve and the Long Mynd. As we climbed, the weather closed in, surrounding us with heavy white fog. Apparently there are spectacular views off the top, but you’ll have to go and see for yourselves if it’s true.
The long climb through heather, gorse
We whooped as we descended, crossing streams, water bars and rocky sections, enjoying not having to pedal
and bracken was fun, however. It felt wild and remote, as though we were climbing a proper mountain pass. The top of the Long Mynd felt very exposed, but also exciting. You could imagine medieval Welsh warriors emerging from the mist.
The descent to Church Stretton was fantastic. We plummeted down on a trail that winds through a steep gorge that in September was purple and yellow with heather and gorse. We whooped as we descended, crossing streams, water bars and rocky sections, enjoying not having to pedal. Church Stretton had a good choice of cafés, ample reward for our earlier hillclimbing efforts.
On the final
stretch back to Shrewsbury we passed Caer Caradoc, a huge, mysterious fort that local legend says was the site of the last stand of the Welsh legend Caratacus against the Roman conquest of Britain. It’s a magnificent site, and a great final nod to the mountainous, mythic landscape we’d ridden through over the last few days.
We made it back to Shrewsbury thoroughly wet and muddy but happy. Riding Marcher Castles Way had been a spectacular and challenging adventure, leaving us with tired legs and full hearts.
View from Brown Clee Hill, Shropshire’s biggest hill
Clockwise from below: Mountain bikes are better suited to the route’s rockier bridleways, like this one near the Long Mynd. Climbing up out of Knighton to Offa’s Dyke. Ironbridge is one of the many villages you can refuel at on Marcher Castles Way
Feature
DIY BIKE FIT
Try sitting more upright and further back. When you’re aiming to get more comfortable on your bike, it’s sometimes that simple. I’m a journalist not a bike fitter but I’ve ridden hundreds of bikes and had four bike fits: one more or less endorsed what I was already doing; one felt awkward but didn’t hurt; two were painfully wrong. Bike fitters may or may not be experts on bike geometry and physiology. None of them is an expert on what you find comfortable. You are.
And there’s another fly in the bike-fitting ointment when you’re primarily looking for comfort. The current trend, on road and off, is for steep seat angles, short head tubes and (particularly for mountain bikes) long top tubes. These have the effect of tipping you forward onto the handlebar.
now do century rides without discomfort
A good bike fitter will at least get you in the ballpark for fit; I’m not suggesting that bike fitting is snake oil. But bike fit theories tend to be extrapolations of measurements that seemed to work for racing cyclists in the prime of their lives. Systems based on such measurements work fine for sports people in their 20s and 30s. For others, not so much.
On road this can work well for aerodynamics and for applying maximum power through the pedals. Off road it’ll help you weight the front end on climbs and descents, and a supple suspension fork will stop your hands being jackhammered. Yet there are drawbacks. Common ones include numb or tingling hands, aching shoulders, a sore neck and lower back pain. Sound familiar?
What follows is a list of things you can try to improve comfort. If you’re comfortable, you’ll enjoy it more and you’ll ride more.
Above: Dan on a Cinelli HoBootleg test bike in 2016. It fitted him reasonably well but a shorter stem and a seatpost with more layback would give a more relaxed riding position
DAN JOYCE
Dan did his first DIY bike fits over 30 years ago after a serious back injury made his bikes unrideable. He can
THE RIGHT SIZE BIKE
Your bike needs to be roughly the right size to begin with. Bikes are generally sized by the seat tube length in either inches or centimetres. A road bike might be listed as 54cm, a mountain bike 18in. Often bikes are described simply as small, medium and large, so check geometry tables for seat-tube lengths.
When bikes had horizontal top tubes, sizing by seat tube made sense. You could work out whether you could reach: a) the pedals; b) the ground. Nowadays, seat tubes are truncated to accommodate sloping top tubes and they’re seldom sized consistently between different bike types or models.
You can nevertheless get a good steer on your target bike size by using a guide that former technical officer Chris Juden wrote some time ago for this magazine. I’ll paraphrase it. The medium-sized bike in most bike ranges is designed to fit the average height man. In the UK, he’s 5ft 9in (about 176cm). If it’s a women’sspecific bike, medium will be designed for the average height woman, who in
It’s not uncommon to find that you’re more comfortable on a bike that’s one size ‘too big’ or one size ‘too small’
the UK is about 5ft 4in (162cm). If you’re around average height, the medium should more or less fit. If it’s not listed as such, medium is the arithmetic mean of the available sizes – the average. So if a bike comes in sizes from 50cm to 60cm, 55cm is medium.
Bike sizes vary half as much as height. If you’re taller or shorter than Mr or Ms Average, add or subtract half the difference between your height and theirs to the medium size that Mr or Ms Average would ride. If Mr Average needs the 55cm bike and you’re 180cm (about 4cm taller), you likely want a frame that’s 2cm bigger: 57cm. If the medium is 18in and you’re 5ft 5in (4in shorter), you probably want a bike that’s 2in smaller: 16in.
You might find yourself between sizes, wanting a 57cm bike when it’s available in 56cm and 58cm sizes. Don’t worry. Either might work for you. Bike fit is a dynamic issue that can be determined only approximately by static measurements. People have different bodily proportions and different levels of flexibility. It’s not uncommon to find that you’re more comfortable on a bike that’s one size ‘too big’ or one size ‘too small’. I often size up with road bikes to get a taller head tube and thus a higher handlebar position. But I once met a guy taller than me who rode a really small road bike fitted with a 140mm stem and
Above: If you can easily hold your hands behind your back without changing your body position, it means your hands are only really resting on the bar, not propping you up. (Dan’s heels are dipped as he’s holding his position on flat pedals; he doesn’t pedal quite like this) Right: Still a good starting point
an extremely long seatpost. He wanted a huge saddle-to-handlebar drop and was happy with the result.
ZERO-COST BIKE FITTING
You can make these checks in store if buying a new bike, or at home if your existing bike isn’t as comfortable as you’d like.
• Stand over the bike
You need at least a couple of centimetres of clearance between your crotch and the top tube or you risk bruising your undercarriage when you get off the saddle. More is better if you’ll be riding off road.
• Set saddle height
Many casual cyclists have the saddle too low. Many cycling enthusiasts have it too high. Sit on the bike. (You’ll need an assistant or a wall.) Adjust the saddle height until, with the heel of your foot on the pedal, your extended leg is just straight when the pedal at its furthest point, with the cranks in line with the seat tube. That’s your approximate saddle
height. You can tweak it from here, depending on preferences and pedalling style: are you a heel dropper like me or a toe dipper? Be careful of putting the saddle too high to ‘gain power’ – you’ll rock your hips which may hurt your back. Over reaching to the pedals may also squash your undercarriage as you pedal. (Saddle sore? Try dropping your saddle. Start with a 5mm reduction.)
As for saddle angle, start with horizontal. Some cyclists, especially taller ones with a large saddle-to-handlebar drop, find that it’s more comfortable to tilt the saddle down a few degrees.
• Assess handlebar height
Many road bikes have the handlebar set very low relative to the saddle. A better starting point for non-racers is to have the top of the handlebar level with the top of the saddle (whose position you’ve just set). Can you get the handlebar this high by moving the stem up the steerer tube and/or fitting the stem the other way up?
If the steerer tube has been cut off just above where it emerges from the head tube, you can’t raise the stem any higher than that. (It’s a bad idea to have an excessively long steerer tube in any case, unless it’s made of steel, as it may shear!) So a large part of being able to get the handlebar high enough is having a frame with a tall enough head tube or a fork with a steel steerer tube.
• Assess handlebar reach
The saddle-to-handlebar distance determines how stretched out you’ll be
Knee over pedal spindle (KOPS) may work for you but don’t worry if it doesn’t. Keith Bontrager blew holes in it years ago
on the bike. You can estimate a position you’ll find comfortable like this: put your elbow against the nose of the saddle and reach your fingers towards the centre of the handlebar, where it’s clamped by the stem. If it’s more than two-to-four fingers’ width away, the bike is probably too big or has a stem that’s too long. If it’s closer than just-touching distance, the bike may be too small or have a stem that’s too short.
Sit on the bike to check, putting your hands on the brake hoods (drops) or grips (flats). You want at least a slight bend at your elbows, so your hands are essentially resting on the handlebar as opposed to propping you up. If your elbows are locked out, the bike is too long or low for you. Bumps and vibrations will travel up your arms.
Too-wide handlebars feel odd. This one’s 48cm
Top: Locked elbows are a sign of a badly fitting bike. A slight bend, as shown, means your arms can act as shock absorbers instead of shock transmitters
Above: Assessing saddle-to-handlebar distance. A forearm plus a couple of fingers’ width works for Dan but YMMV
Seat angle a bit steep? Slide your saddle back
• Assess weight distribution
Many cyclists carry too much weight on their hands for comfort. Here’s a simple check, which takes account of core strength. Colin Thomson (who posts as 531colin on the Cycling UK Forum) makes this excellent suggestion whenever bike fit comes up there. You’ll need to put your bike on a turbo trainer or have someone to hold your bike.
Sit on the bike with your hands on the brake hoods. Now, without changing the angle of your torso, remove your hands and put them behind your back. If you can’t hold the same position: the handlebar is too low and/or too far forward; the saddle is too far forward relative to the bottom bracket; or both.
One of the simplest adjustments you can make to weight distribution is to slide the saddle back on the seatpost, which slackens the effective seat tube angle. Try it. Slide it back as far as it will go just to feel the difference. (You can always move it back.) More of your weight will now be carried by your backside than your hands. You may find that you want a commensurately shorter stem to maintain the saddle-to-handlebar distance, and you may need to lower the saddle slightly to maintain the saddle-topedal distance.
Some bike fitters will recommend that your saddle position is set so that your knee is over the pedal spindle (KOPS). That may work for you but don’t worry if it doesn’t. Keith Bontrager blew holes in it as a prescriptive measurement years ago. I prefer ‘behind KOPS’ and just slide the saddle right back on bikes with a seat tube steeper than about 72º.
BUYING PARTS TO FINE-TUNE YOUR FIT
Unconventional but very comfortable: Jones Plus LWB
from about 6º to 35º or more. There are online calculators to help you work out where your handlebar will end up, such as bit.ly/cycle-stem-comparison-site
If even a steeply angled, tall stem won’t get the handlebar high enough, a stem riser – essentially a clamp-on section of extra steerer tube – may do so.
• New handlebar: from £20
move horizontally further apart, your body has to lean further forward to compensate. So a new bar may necessitate a new stem.
If your bike’s contact points (handlebar, saddle, pedals) aren’t where you want them after adjustments, you’ll need to buy new parts. Prices below are guideline minimums; you can spend much more.
• New stem: from £15
A new stem may be the only extra component you need to fix your bike fit. They’re readily available in lengths from 35-120mm, and they exist in even shorter and longer lengths. Stem angles vary
The width and shape needs to be comfortable. A drop handlebar wider than your shoulders can feel unwieldy but narrower ones seem OK. I ride 38cm drops as I have a fairly slight build. But Chris Hoy also rides narrow drops on his road bike because they’re aerodynamically more efficient and because he’s used to narrow bars from track racing. Flat bars have been getting wider and wider recently, which is great for steering leverage but can feel too wide for comfort. If you’ve tried them and they feel uncomfortably wide, cut them down. Cross-country racer Nino Schurter evidently has a 700mm bar, which keyboard warriors would decry as far too narrow. He does pretty well on it! If you don’t like a straight bar, try one with more backsweep, like one of the alternative bars we tested recently cyclinguk.org/alt-bars).
Changing between a flattopped handlebar and a riser handlebar will affect how upright you sit. ‘Flat’ bars are readily available with up to 75mm rise (see funnmtb.com/ products/upturn), while riser drops are now a thing (see geneticbikes.com/shop/products/ handlebars/road/driser-16-bars and redshiftsports.com/products/top-shelfhandlebar-system). You can use a riser bar as well as or instead of a higher-rise stem.
• New seatpost: from £15
Seatposts have the clamp in line with the post or offset by anything up to 30mm. This layback (also called setback) lets you put the saddle that much further back – or forward if you’re switching from a layback post to an inline one.
Changing the width of the bar will also change the effective saddle-tohandlebar distance. As your hands
• New cranks: from £45
Although cyclists’ heights vary a lot, crank length doesn’t: you typically see 170mm, 172.5mm or 175mm – occasionally 165mm. Cranks longer than about 10% of your
but narrower ones seem OK. I ride 38cm
height may give an awkward pedalling action with lots of knee bend. Shorter cranks suit shorter riders and anyone with limited knee articulation but can also be used by cyclists who don’t ‘need’ them. I’m 177cm tall but prefer 165mm cranks as they’re easier to spin faster, which suits how I pedal. In fact, I’ve now got some 155mm cranks on test.
• New pedals: from £20
If you don’t like a straight bar, try something with more backsweep, like one of the alternative bars we tested recently
Unless you’re confident you can set clipless pedal cleats up just right, go for some with plenty of float, such as Speedplay, Time ATAC or Crank Bros Eggbeaters. If you’ll be using pedals with less float, you could try putting your bike on a turbo trainer, closing your eyes, putting your cleatless feet on the pedals in whatever angle feels natural, then photographing the results with your phone. You can then use this as a guide to setting up the cleat angle – bearing in mind that turning the cleats inwards angles your feet outward. However, cleat angle is one of those situations where a good bike fitter can prevent niggling problems further down the line.
For the fore-aft position of cleats, the accepted theory is to put them inline with one of the metatarsal joints to get it under the ball of your foot. I forget which as I’ve had more success by just putting the cleats as far back as they’ll go on the shoes, which seems to prevent foot fatigue and improve power generation.
Flat pedals cause few bike-fitting problems as you can place your foot however you like. The facility to do this may instantly solve knee and hip problems caused by incorrectly set cleats. I don’t get knee pain but use flats most of the time anyway as the pros (practicality, comfort) outweigh the only con (marginal efficiency loss).
AND FINALLY…
It’s tempting to think that there’s a bike fit holy grail out there, with one perfect set of measurements for you. That’s unlikely. Most of us have what bike fitter Phil Burt calls a ‘bike fit window’ – a range of measurements within which we can be comfortable.
Changes to the setup of your bike may feel odd at first, simply because it’s different from what you’re used to. Give it a few rides. If it’s not working after that, change it back or make some other adjustments.
Lastly, take any bike fit advice, including this article, with a pinch of salt. If you’re comfortable, your bike fit is fine and you’re doing it right.
Sitting comfortably
There’s more to being comfortable than having the contact points in the right position for you. Other bike changes that will make a difference include:
• Wider tyres
Assuming there’s clearance, switch up a tyre width. If your road bike has 25mm 700C tyres (25-622), try 28mm. If your mountain bike has 2.25in tyres, try 2.4in. Wider tyres can be run at lower pressures, which is where the comfort comes from. Going tubeless also helps, as tubeless tyres can be run at lower pressures.
• Anatomic saddle
It’s impossible to say without experimentation which saddle will suit you best, but the more you’re leaning forward, the more you’ll benefit from an anatomic saddle with groove or hole in it to relieve pressure. ISM saddles (ismseat.com) seem to work well for riders who experience persistent pain, which is, in general, a more pressing issue for women cyclists than men. See cyclinguk.org/saddlecomfort-women
• Ergonomic grips
Flared grips like those by Ergon (ergonbike.com) spread the pressure better and can prevent pinched nerves in the heel of your hand.
• Gel bar tape
The traditional method of improving hand comfort for racers riding on the cobbles was two wraps of bar tape. This might work for you but it can feel bulky. A better solution might be gel bar tape and/or gel pads underneath your bar tape.
• Suspension stem/seatpost
These have come into vogue again on the back of the gravel bike boom. They can work well for damping vibration or ‘trail chatter’, but aren’t a replacement for suspension forks and rear shocks for technical mountain biking.
Left:
Chris Kendall Photography
Even comfy for an MTB marathon in pouring rain!
Kyle of Sutherland explorer Weekender
Lochs, scenic forests and tranquil gravel trails are on your doorstep in the Scottish Highlands. Cycling UK’s Amanda Wagstaffe and Nicola Lloyd are your guides
This ride is on quiet single track roads, woodland tracks and gravelled forestry fire roads, with views all over the Kyle of Sutherland, which is on the county boundary with Ross-shire. The area comes within the East Sutherland Bothy Project, a Cycling UK behaviour change initiative which supports people to replace local car journeys with walking or cycling. Free e-bike loans are offered to help achieve this, along with organised led rides from the Kyle of Sutherland Hub.
The Kyle of Sutherland is rich with cycle routes for all abilities of rider, on road and off. It is a gateway to the north and west Highlands, and there are many established cycle events and routes that run through it, such as Land's End to John o' Groats, the Pictish Trail and Croick to Ullapool.
It is accessible by train, with four
stations in the area. Ardgay is the closest to the Kyle of Sutherland when travelling from the south. Heaven Bikes, in nearby Bonar Bridge, is handy for any spares, repairs or purchases. Cyclefriendly cafés can be found at Kyle of Sutherland Hub, situated between Ardgay and Bonar Bridge, and at the Falls of Shin (The Salt and Salmon), where you might spot said salmon leaping. There’s also The Pier in Lairg. Kyle of Sutherland Hub has a bike maintenance and repair station. Part of the route is on Forestry and Land Scotland MTB trails at Balblair (forestryandland.gov.scot). There are plenty of opportunities to ride other marked routes in the area, such as those at Carbisdale Castle. Halfway round this route you’ll find Loch Migdale, which is ideal for a spot of wild swimming; don’t forget to pack your swimwear in your saddlebag.
A Scottish coast to coast
A flat, traffic-free route from Glasgow to Edinburgh. cyclinguk. org/across-scotland
Top to bottom: Loch Migdale. Kyle of Sutherland Hub, just outside Bonar Bridge. Carbisdale Castle entrance
Weekend ride
KYLE OF SUTHERLAND EXPLORER
• Route name: Bonar Bridge up and over loop • Start/finish: Balblair Woods and mountain bike trails, off the A836 just north of Bonar Bridge (OS grid ref: NH60405 92918) • Maps: OS Landranger 21 Dornoch & Alness • Distance: 35km (22 miles) • Climbing: 594m (1,950ft) Bike type: gravel bike, hardtail mountain bike or e-bike • Ride level: regular; moderate fitness is required for the climbs. • GPX file: cyclinguk.org/weekender-bonarbridge
1 SHIN VIADUCT
An outstanding Scottish example of an early wrought-iron, latticegirder viaduct, it crosses the Kyle of Sutherland with a single 230ft span. The footbridge was opened in 2000 and offers great views of Carbisdale Castle and the Kyle of Sutherland. Climbing the steps with your bike has been made easier with the installed cycle channel but you’ll want to use walk-assist if you’re pushing an e-bike.
2
Carbisdale Castle
Built in 1907 in Scottish baronial style for the Duchess of Sutherland after the death of the duke. The marriage was not approved by the family and the will was contested. The castle's tower has only three clock faces. The side facing Sutherland is blank as the duchess refused to give her former relatives the time of day.
3
Loch Carbisdale
A natural lochan with a small island, set among an extensive network of forest tracks. There are decommissioned MTB trails, which although no longer maintained are still accessible. The Battle of Carbisdale (1650) took place here and there is a viewpoint overlooking the site.
4
Kyle of Sutherland Hub
The Hub is a voluntary managed social enterprise. Open nine to five, seven days a week, it’s a great café stop for cyclists as it has a bike maintenance station, an e-bike charging point and cycle racks. East Sutherland Bothy Project supports the Hub with cycling activities.
6
BALBLAIR MTB TRAILS
These mountain bike trails have options for all abilities. There’s an extensive network of easy forest tracks and blue routes, while more experienced riders can tackle strenuous climbs and descents over rock and slab on the flowing, 17km-long black route. The trails are topped off with stunning views over the Kyle of Sutherland.
5
LOCH MIGDALE
A fresh water loch surrounded by steep, wooded cliffs within Ledmore and Migdale Woods. The area is home to red squirrels, pine martens, deer and, along the shore, otters. If you are very lucky you may even spot a Scottish wildcat! It is also a popular spot for wild swimming and paddle-boarding.
2
4 5 1 3
6
A RIDE TO HOPE Great Rides
Handcyclist Karen Darke and her partner Glyn Stanworth embarked on an 800km tour along the south-west coast of India from Goa to an orphanage in Kerala
Karen
We envisioned gliding through palm groves silhouetted by the setting sun over the Arabian Sea, cruising along quiet stretches of tarmac beside serene sandy beaches and passing through sleepy Keralan hamlets punctuated by vibrant fishing villages. It would be an experience full of colour, warmth and sensory delight.
We were heading to the south-western coast of India because an invitation to a festival of inclusion in Goa coincided with a chance to visit the Hope Community Village for children
in Kerala. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to connect the locations with a cycling tour. It was January, and the thought of escaping a grey European winter and embarking on a warm bike adventure was irresistible.
My trusted steed for this journey was my first racing handbike, originally acquired during my preparation for the London 2012 Paralympics. It has been through a lot – smashed a few times, repaired and patched up, much like me – but it soldiers on. It seemed a suitably resilient machine to rely on for an adventure in India.
My partner, Glyn Stanworth, opted to source a bike locally in India, avoiding the expense and
Karen’s handcycle and wheelchair ‘wagon train’ Below right: Glyn with local club cyclist, Ahmed
KAREN DARKE
is a Paralympic gold medallist, adventurer, coach and author. She has also handcycled across the Himalaya and the Tibetan Plateau
Glyn’s locally bought bike managed 700 metres before its first mechanical: one pedal fell off
hassle of transporting one from home. In a bike shop in Panjim, Goa, he selected a low-budget model that the shop owner assured us was “India’s top, up-and-coming brand”.
A BROKEN BIKE, A LATE NIGHT
Eager to get moving again after a week of conference hospitality and an excess of local Goan cuisine, we heeded advice to start our journey 100km south on the coast, near the smaller town of Karwar. From there it was an 800km ride south, never far from the coastal artery road (the N66). We would pass through southern Goa and the state of Karnataka, and eventually reach Hope Community on the outskirts of Alappuzha in Kerala.
My handbike resembled a wagon train, with my wheelchair lashed to the back of my long recumbent, luggage thrown into its seat and additional bags strapped to the rear. With no camping equipment, we were traveling relatively light.
Just 700 metres into our journey, one of the pedals on Glyn’s bike came loose. The thread was already stripped, and we began an urgent search for a new crank arm. It seemed that ‘India’s top cycle brand’ was not so top! However, the wonderful thing about countries with less of a throwaway mentality is the willingness to mend, repair and improvise solutions. Though it took
It was January, and the thought of escaping a grey European winter and embarking on a
warm bike adventure was irresistible
most of the day, we eventually got back on the road, eager to make up for lost time.
As the sun dipped lower, we found ourselves in the countryside between towns. With no accommodation at hand and no tent to rely on, we chased the fading light. Despite our intention never to cycle in the dark in India, we found ourselves obliged to do so. With two bikes and a wheelchair, hitching a ride wasn’t always an option. Even the usually ubiquitous rickshaws had disappeared just when we needed them most.
My head torch reflected off the hand cranks, blinding me as it bounced light back into my eyes. Squeezed between a rocky escarpment and traffic trying to navigate the narrow, winding road, I felt a surge of adrenaline and a knot of fear in my stomach. Every instinct screamed that we shouldn’t be night riding. I was dismayed by the predicament we’d landed ourselves in, and I found myself silently thanking in advance the Indian gods for keeping us safe.
Fact file
A ride to hope
Distance: 50-80km a day on average.
Route: Karwar, Goa to Hope Community Village on the outskirts of Alappuzha in Kerala. We roughly followed the N66 coastal road but used smaller roads where possible, travelling via Gokarna, Udupi, Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode, Bekal Fort, Fort Kochi and on to Alappuzha.
Conditions: Humid, dry weather that was unseasonally hot, averaging 30-35ºC.
Accommodation: Guesthouses or small hotels that we found as we went along.
Maps/guides: We used a basic map of the area combined with Google Maps and online information.
I’m glad I had… Sun cream and a plentiful supply of bananas and lime soda.
Next time I would… Consider a route further inland through the Western Ghats.
Further info: The original reason for our visit to India was to attend the Purple Festival of Inclusion (purplefest.esg.co.in)
We finished our trip at the Hope Community Village for children in care (hopekerala.org)
Three hours after
nightfall, we finally reached the turnoff from the main road. Although we were still riding in darkness, the more peaceful country lanes that wound through dense vegetation and backwaters allowed us to relax a bit as we headed towards the small town of Gokarna and a bed for the night.
INSTAGRAMMING THE JOURNEY
We continued our journey south along winding roads, passing through lush hills thick with jungle, and descended to emerald green waters dotted with boats. A small ferry carried us across the water and a cooling breeze evaporated our sweat and reinvigorated us for the afternoon’s challenging terrain. As we meandered through quaint villages, we were often greeted by the sounds of music, dance, drumming or colourful temple events. The festive atmosphere, along with refreshing lime sodas and spicy samosas, lifted our spirits and propelled us south.
People we met along the way radiated a warmth and joy that was palpable. Their infectious smiles made us smile wider too, and we were enchanted by their generosity and apparent happiness. “Instagram?” called the young men that passed us on mopeds. As I called out “handbikedarke”, followers rose exponentially. Gradually we were greeted by strangers who had anticipated us via their friends’ social media feeds. Despite the poverty we also witnessed, we were riding through a smartphone-connected country.
We continued south through lush hills thick with jungle, and descended to emerald green waters dotted with boats
Transporting the trike
My handbike (trike) fortunately splits in two. I use a Mystic kite-surfing bag (mysticboarding. com) to transport it on planes. It fits in neatly, with bubble wrap and some clothes as padding, and the wheels in a separate wheel bag. At the start of a one-way journey like this, I post the bag to a hotel at the end of the route that I have pre-arranged things with. To avoid major roadworks and dangerous sections, or trunk-road bridges where there was no shoulder on the road, I split my trike to fit it into the back of a vehicle.
As we settled into life on the move, we noticed that Kerala’s roads were smoother, the surroundings cleaner and the vibe more relaxed. However, the road was undergoing a major upgrade to a wide highway with barriers and a central reservation. Navigating this massive construction site proved challenging, with rough sections, frustrated drivers and clouds of dust. While the landscape remained beautiful in many places, the scars of development were evident. Concrete and tarmac encroached on what was once a thriving ecosystem. I felt sadness for what was lost.
OUT IN THE MIDDAY SUN
The founder of Hope Community Village, a Yorkshireman named John Veitch, had cycled from Hope to Goa on a fundraising journey back in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, we found ourselves inadvertently cycling his route in reverse. We learned that John’s journey had often taken him further east, into the hills of the Western Ghats. He shared his memoir with us. “I wasn’t short of advice from all directions, particularly on the route, places to stay and places to avoid. Much of it I ignored, but the best advice – to set off early each day to avoid cycling in the midday sun – I gladly
Clockwise from above: Karen at Kozhikode beach on the Malabar Coast. Palm trees are abundant along the shores of the Arabian Sea. With temperatures sometimes topping 35ºC, finding shade now and again was essential. Passers-by were unfailingly friendly; many also wanted photos for Instagram
followed. Everyone was concerned about how I would handle the chaotic traffic, and it didn’t take long to realise they were right to be.”
Though separated by three decades, our concerns mirrored his. The heat was relentless, scorching us even in the early hours. The traffic was erratic and unnerving. Despite our best efforts to start early, the sun’s rays would quickly penetrate our jerseys, leaving us drenched in sweat that dried into white salt stains. Mechanical issues with our ‘quality Indian bike’ often disrupted our morning progress, forcing us to pedal through the sweltering midday heat.
The traffic was more alarming than on any previous journeys I had taken in India – faster and busier, with express buses barrelling down on us unpredictably. While we were grateful for the chaotic mix of rickshaws and bikes that kept drivers alert and slowed the general pace, there were moments when it felt like a dangerous game of roulette.
We adapted our route, opting for smaller, winding lanes that led us through beach fronts, jungles, villages and narrow paths weaving between homes and gardens. This safer, more scenic path allowed us to engage more closely with local life. While navigation could be challenging and our progress southward slowed, we found the peaceful cycling and beautiful landscapes we had earlier envisioned.
When we couldn’t avoid treacherous areas or busy roads over major bridges, we chose survival and flagged down local rickshaw trucks or similar vehicles to shuttle us safely around the danger zones.
ENDING WITH HOPE
Finally, we experienced the true joys of cycle touring in Kerala. A friendly local family invited us to stay with them for the night. Ahmed, a young
Sky merged with water, and the sun sank into a faraway horizon.
Rustling palms lulled us to sleep
cyclist from the Kerala Cycle Club, found us on the road and joined us for a few days. His enthusiasm was infectious and his vibrant club jersey a stark contrast to the worn condition of his bike and tyres. We were amazed at how far he rode, navigating potholes in the darkness with no lights, with no snacks and very limited water. We admired his resilience and passion for the sport, and felt grateful for the equipment and resources we had.
In between riding we immersed ourselves in Kerala’s rich culture and history. We gazed down from the walls of the ancient fort in Bekal, which stand sheer above the Arabian Sea, and wandered the alleyways of Fort Kochi, bustling with hippy tourists. Glyn took some refreshing evening dips in the sea. I wished I could swap my skinny wheelchair tyres for my ICE Full Fat wheels to whisk me over the sand.
Sky merged with water, and the sun sank into a faraway horizon. Rustling palms lulled us to sleep. One night in an Ayurvedic spa provided a luxurious contrast to our usual mosquito-ridden lodgings, with plank-hard beds and rickety fans.
As we settled into the rhythm of life on the road, the end of our journey was already in sight. We got news that some of the children from the Hope Community Village would greet us on their bikes and ride the final few kilometres with us through the lanes to the gates of Hope. We arrived through a funnel of cheering children and staff, an incredible welcome and end to our journey.
The children in Hope effuse joy and fun, despite the tough starts they have all had. They were a reminder, as was our whole tour, that whatever our circumstances, our attitude and a supportive environment act as balm for our souls.
Above: With beach after beach on their route south, Karen missed her ICE Full Fat trike for freedom on the sand
Below: The ferry to Fort Kochi, a tourist destination that in the early 16th century was home to Portugal’s Fort Emmanuel
CYCLOPEDIA
Questions answered, subjects explained – Cyclopedia is your bimonthly cycling reference guide
Q&
ALegal E-bike charging issues
QCycle touring with electric-assist bikes is becoming increasingly popular.
Who would be liable for any damages to property arising from a fire created by a malfunctioning charger or battery? At home one might imagine household insurance policies may be a source of recompense, but what about when we are not at home? Would the property owner be expected to look to their own property insurance cover, or the owner of the cycle/battery that caused the fire?
Paul Fenton
AWe covered charging safety in the last issue of Cycle in the Power Points article, which is now online at cyclinguk.org/livingwith-e-bikes
In terms of specific insurance cover, it is worth checking to see what exclusions or exemptions are in place. If you run a business such as a cycle café or a campsite, then it is probably advisable to involve your insurer in any decision you are taking about whether you will allow charging on your premises. Seek advice from the fire service about the relevant extinguisher you should have – for example, Class D for metal fires.
Your Experts
DR KATE BRODIE Retired GP {Health}
RICHARD HALLETT Cycle’s technical editor {Technical}
NADIA KERR Partner & serious injury solicitor, Fletchers Solicitors {Legal}
This summer my partner had difficulty with e-bike charging on campsites we visited on our bike tour. There was an assertive and immediate ‘no’ from one and a handing over of a policy document from another which similarly contained a hard ‘no’. At home, check the risks that are covered on your insurance policy and check whether accidental cover is in place. When away from home, you should also check whether you have any personal cover in place and make sure you follow the requirements of the place where you want to plug in.
The responsibility would fall where fault is found, and this is potentially a complex issue as there might be problems with the battery, the charging cable, the person in charge of the bike or the premises. The best advice is to ensure that you buy a reputable brand of bike with a factoryinstalled and tested battery and that your charging cable is in good order. You should also ensure that you are following the instructions for charging.
When used properly, lithium batteries are not dangerous. Many people are now able to cycle because of e-bikes and they then benefit from all the health benefits of doing so.
Nadia Kerr
Technical Mixte message
QI would like to have a mixte frame built for my wife, but no one can source the necessary lateral tubes. Framebuildersupply.com had the lugs needed, but it doesn’t seem to have the tubes. Does anyone know where I can get some?
Daddyduca, on the Cycling UK Forum
AA mixte cycle frame, which has a much lower step-over height than a conventional diamond frame of the same nominal size, is generally considered to have two small diameter tubes running side by side from the top of the head tube and either side of the seat tube to reach the rear wheel dropouts or the seatstays
at a point just above the dropouts. The two tubes effectively replace the single lowered top tube of a ‘ladies’ frame and improve on it by bracing the seat tube against bending at the point where the tubes cross.
Technical Goodbye to clipless
QHealth
Cyclist’s cough?
QI am considering ditching my SPDSL pedals and going back to using toe clips and straps with normal roadtype pedals. Does anyone manufacture the old-type shoe plates to use with this design of pedal? I’d want to fit them to shoes with the three-point SPD-SL holes, so as to be able to continue to use the rather expensive road shoes I have.
Terry McNamara
AOld-school slotted shoe plates were generally designed to be nailed to leather shoe soles. Shortly before they became obsolete, shoes with adjustable plates, each specific to its sole, became available. Neither is suitable for modern ‘road’ soles. Take a look at the Bythlon pedals (cyclinguk.org/bythlon-pedals), which may, perhaps with the addition of straps, fit your bill.
Richard Hallett
This design, popular in the past with manufacturers for its ease of construction, can be further improved by using a single large diameter lowered top tube with small diameter tubes running to the dropouts from its junction with the seatstay, as the single large diameter tube is considerably stiffer in both bending and torsion. This design also does away with the need for lengthy twin lateral tubes and can be built with a standard top tube and seatstays. If you would nevertheless prefer the full twin lateral design, suitable lengths of small-diameter, for example 5/8in (17.875mm) thin wall chrome-moly steel tube may be obtained from a factor such as ProFormanceMetals.co.uk. Either design can be fillet brazed if suitable lugs are unavailable.
Richard Hallett
Technical
How much power?
QI am 61 and in quite good health. A few years ago my wife told me that I have a tendency to cough whenever I cycle. I hadn't noticed but now I notice it all the time. It doesn't appear to be related to weather conditions or the distance I have ridden. I don't suffer any discomfort but it feels as though there is constantly mucus in the back of my throat. It doesn't appear to restrict my breathing or prevent me from riding up steep hills. Should I be worried about this?
Martin Dibley
Technical
In the Cycle2Charge review (Aug/ Sep 2024) you quote a maximum output of 1W for this but according to the manufacturer’s website the device can deliver 0.5 amp (2.5W) when riding at 12kph and 1 amp (5W) at 21kph. Please can you check and update, if I have understood this correctly?
Peter Hutchison
AYou are correct: maximum output is 1A, which at the USB standard 5V makes 5W. As noted by Cycle2Charge, this may not be enough to charge some devices directly, in which case the advice is to use the V3 to charge a powerbank battery and then use this in turn to charge the device. My apologies for the mistake. Richard Hallet
Reaching out
QI have some old short-reach brakes. Will these brake-calliper extenders from eBay do the job better than buying longer reach brakes or save buying a whole new set of brakes?
Mark James
AThese extenders drop the blocks by 10mm, which, if enough to let them reach the rim correctly, will indeed save buying a calliper or two. However, the leverage ratio between the calliper’s input and output arms will change, reducing the braking effect you will get for a given squeeze force on the brake lever. If you find your brakes no better than adequate as they are, consider longer reach calipers, which retain the desired pull ratio and provide the intended braking performance.
Richard Hallett
AMany people notice a chronic cough despite having healthy lungs and normal exercise capacity. This can be a symptom of acid reflux. Acid rises up the throat from the stomach, especially when pedalling strenuously up a hill, for example, and causes irritation to the larynx. This will produce mucus and an annoying, repetitive cough. Lying flat in bed at night can also aggravate the symptoms.
To reduce the frequency of the cough, you could avoid eating a large meal before cycling, avoid carbonated drinks and keep to a healthy weight. A dose of antacid such as Gaviscon may soothe the throat and suppress the acid. If this does not improve things, your GP may be prepared to prescribe you an acid suppressant as a trial. For most people this is just an annoyance and nothing more.
Dr Kate Brodie
Get in touch
EMAIL your technical, health or legal questions to editor@cyclinguk.org or write to Cyclopedia, Cycle, Cycling UK, Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, GU2 9JX. Cycle magazine cannot answer unpublished queries. But don’t forget that Cycling UK operates a free-to-members advice line for personal injury claims, TEL: 0330 107 1789.
Bike finder
RUGGED ADVENTURE BIKE
• For: David Tonks, aged 54, from Colchester • Bike needs: A robust, reliable bike that requires minimal maintenance and has a low risk of punctures. I want it mainly for off-road tracks, to do Cycling UK routes such as Traws Eryri and West Kernow Way, although I will go on roads when required. • Must have: Flexibility. I want one quality bike, not several bikes for different purposes. • Must not have: Electric assistance. • Budget: £2,000.
GUY KESTEVEN
I was lucky enough to film the recce ride and write the guidebook for both Traws Eryri and West Kernow Way. That means I’ve got some useful insight into what sort of bike is going to make these challenging but rewarding routes easy and enjoyable. There was one bike that sprung to mind straight away as I’ve tested it previously: Cotic’s Cascade (cotic.co.uk)
With a custom-designed Reynolds 853 steel frame, this fits your description of a quality bike. The Alpaca rigid steel fork means no concerns about suspension maintenance, while still giving a supple and comfortable ride to match the floated frame feel on rough sections. The handling is based on confident trail geometry, so it’ll stay calm if things get a bit chaotic, too. Both fork and frame are covered in mounts for bottles, bags and racks so it’s perfect for multi-day bikepacking.
The entry level ‘Bronze Shimano Deore’ version in flat-bar format is just £1,699. This is the handlebar setup I think works best for the more technical descents that you’ll find in both Snowdonia and Cornwall. Shimano Deore is a fantastically durable and reliable groupset, and the single chainring and large-ratio cassette mean only one shifter and derailleur to worry about while still having plenty of gear range.
It comes as standard with 29×2.1in tyres but can take up to 2.6in for maximum float. Cy and his small Peak District team have a fantastic reputation for customer service and will be able to recommend and fit the right rubber for your needs –or make any other alterations you might want before buying.
CASCADE FLAT BAR BRONZE
SHIMANO DEORE
DAN JOYCE
Do you want a drop-bar or flat-bar bike? If you prefer drops, a drop-bar 29er like the Genesis Vagabond 10 (£1,799.99, genesisbikes.co.uk) is better suited to the rugged riding you describe than a typical gravel bike. Its wider tyres (2.35in Maxxis Ikon) are more comfortable and capable, and its slacker head angle and taller front end will make technical descents less challenging.
If you prefer a flat bar – and I’m with Guy: the more technical the terrain, the more a flat bar makes sense – then I’d suggest the Spa Cycles Rove (from £1,465, spacycles. co.uk), one of which we’re reviewing next issue. It comes in two versions, steel and titanium. The latter starts at £215 above your budget but the Reynolds 725 steel model is available in various builds for less than £2,000. All Roves come with 2.35in tyres by default and will accommodate ones up to 2.6in.
I’d recommend hydraulic disc brakes over mechanical ones because they’re more fit-and-forget and you say you want to avoid maintenance. You can make punctures less likely in two ways. Option one, which I’d choose, is to go tubeless; the Rove’s wheels and tyres are tubeless ready. Option two is to fit tougher tyres, such as Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB. They’re slower rolling and heavier (1,390g each for 60-622) but shrug off sharps effectively.
A multi-use bike benefits from a handlebar with multiple hand positions. You could add bar ends but I think a swap to a Surly Moloko or similar would be better still. Spa Cycles will provide component upgrades for the difference in price.
David Tonks
Biketest
Small fold, big ride
First look
The G Line is a bigger, burlier Brompton. The BYB P8 is Tern’s answer to the original Brompton
Not all folding bikes have twitchy handling. Dan Joyce tests two surefooted 20-inch wheelers: the new Brompton G Line and Tern’s BYB P8
The Brompton is the quintessential urban folder, slotting so neatly into that space in the cycling market that it has become the standard by which other folding bikes are judged. Many are found wanting: over the years a number of rivals have folded (pun intended). While it’s very difficult to out-Brompton a Brompton, there are things other folders can do better. For example: ride better.
Tern’s BYB and the new Brompton G Line both promise that. The Tern BYB P8 is a compact urban commuter with a better-quality ride. It is, Tern says, “perfect for mixed-mode commuters who do a stretch of their daily journey on a train or bus”. Although there’s also a sportier BYB, the P10 (£1,599, 12kg), Tern’s own Verge models cover that ground better. Ultimately – and possibly to its cost – the BYB is a Brompton C Line rival.
The Brompton G Line is more of an alternative to the Birdy and Airnimal ranges than its 16-inch wheel stablemates. Brompton calls it “the all-new, one-bike solution for the city and beyond”, saying that it’s suitable for “gravel paths, towpaths, asphalt and wellmaintained off-road routes”. With larger wheels, fatter tyres, disc brakes and an Alfine
hub, it’s reminiscent of the modified Bromptons from Ben Cooper at Kinetics ( kinetics-online. co.uk ). There’s a 4-speed electric G Line (£3,499) and two unassisted models, one with the Roller Frame and mudguards, one without.
Frame & folding: Brompton
The G Line is basically a bigger version of the 16in-wheel Brompton. It folds the same way. You unclip the catch behind the seat tube and flip the rear triangle underneath, so that the bike sits on its haunches. Then you undo the frame hinge and fold the front end back on itself, hooking the front axle hook over the drive-side chainstay. Then you lower the saddle and the handlebar. The left-hand pedal quick releases and is stowed behind the fork crown.
The folded package is bigger than a 16in-wheel Brompton but still small enough for a train’s luggage rack. It is a lot heavier so it’s good that it rolls along well on its casters. The extra weight also makes the folding process more cumbersome. It helps to use a foot to flick the rear triangle under or back out.
There are three nominal sizes: S, M and L. There’s only one frame size (and type – the electric version shares the same frame). Bigger sizes get longer or telescopic seatposts and
DAN JOYCE
Dan has owned a Brompton – the same one – since 2001, and has tested most folding bike ranges on the market
Other options
BIRDY CITY £2,579+ At 12.9kg, this full-suspension folder is a couple of kilos lighter than the G Line, while the derailleur-equipped Birdy Touring is lighter still. Folds to 80×62×34cm. r-m.de
TERN LINK B8 £700 A fold-in-half commuter that, unlike the cheaper Link B7, will take a front bag. It folds to 38×80×68cm and weighs 13.6kg. ternbicycles.com
stems with more height and reach. The sizing feels more like M, L and XL. I’m about average male height (177cm or 5ft 9ish) and the medium G Line was too big. The extended seatpost was 15cm (6in) too long at full extension – too long to correct with Brompton’s saddle height insert – and the stem was too high. So I couldn’t instantly set the saddle height and I had to sit more upright than I wanted. By contrast, the small has a slightly shorter stem and a standard-length seatpost that should fit riders with an inside leg measurement of up to 33in.
The G Line frame hasn't simply been scaled up. The geometry has changed, too: a slacker head angle combines with the bigger wheel size to give more trail. Additionally, the front wheel has a thruaxle, and the frame hinge catches have stops so they can’t fall out when the bike is folded and stashed in a car boot.
Frame & folding: Tern
Like the Brompton, the BYB’s frame folds into thirds rather than halves. That’s why it’s smaller than Tern’s Link models, which also have 20in wheels.
First you lower the saddle – two clamps as it’s telescopic – and point it rearwards. Then you undo the two frame clamps so the front end can Z-bend back
Cycle’s test promise
on itself, enabling you to push the bulbous Anchor Bolt on the fork into a hole by the rear dropout. There’s a catch here to hold the anchor bolt but I found that it never engaged firmly, so the folded bike could easily flop apart – and often did.
The next step is to sit the bike upright, balanced on the wheels and the Metro Transit Rack’s casters. Then you lower the handlebar and secure it with a rubber strap. Finally, you remove the quick-release left-hand pedal and stow it on the chainstay. You’re left with a tall but narrow package you can roll into tight places. Note that for the smallest folded dimensions, you’ll also need to adjust the handlebar angle and position with the quick-release Andros stem.
The folding procedure is clever but always felt awkward to me, and the fact that the anchor bolt was insecure was a source of irritation. I thought it might have been worn but the same thing happened with a replacement bolt that Tern sent after the original fell off while I was riding.
Components
If the G in the G Line name stands for gravel, the tyres would explain that. They’re 54mm Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres with a dimpled tread that suits light
At Cycle, we are proudly independent. There’s no pressure to please advertisers as we’re funded by your membership. Our product reviews aren’t press releases; they’re written by experienced cyclists after thorough testing.
Tech Spec BROMPTON G LINE WITH ROLLER FRAME
Price: £2,499.
Sizes: S, M (tested), L.
Weight: 15.26kg (size M, as shown).
Folded size: 72×67×41cm (claimed), 77×70×38.5cm (measured).
Frame & fork: Hinged steel main frame with front carrier mount, 68mm bottom bracket and ports for e-bike power cables. Steel rear triangle with 135mm dropouts and fittings for mudguard, rear rack and Brompton derailleur. Aluminium fork with 12×100mm thru-axle and fittings for mudguards, lefthand pedal storage and one bottle cage.
Wheels: 54-406
Schwalbe G-One Allround TLE tyres, 406×22 aluminium, tubeless-compatible rims, unbranded Center Lock disc front hub, Shimano Alfine rear hub, spoking: 24×1 front, 32×1 rear.
Transmission: Brompton platform pedals (left-hand QR), 170mm Brompton
aluminium chainset with 54t chainring, square-taper bottom bracket, YBN 9-speed chain, 20-tooth sprocket, Brompton chain tensioner.
Shimano Inter-8 trigger shifter, Alfine 8-speed hub gear. Eight ratios, 29-88in Braking: TRP C1.8 (HD-EU818) hydraulic disc brakes, flatmount callipers and 140mm Center Lock rotors.
Steering & seating: Brompton ergonomic grips, 31.8×640mm riser bar, Brompton size M aluminium stem with bottle cage mounts, Brompton threadless headset. Brompton Superlight saddle with CatEye light mount, 31.8×595mm Brompton extended seatpost, G Line aluminium seat clamp.
Equipment: 72mmwide chromoplastic mudguards, Brompton rear roller frame, front luggage block, Brompton/ CatEye LED rear light, bell. brompton.com
Top: There’s one G Line frame with three different sizes of stem and seatpost
Bottom: The familiar Brompton luggage block
off-road use without dragging much on tarmac. Although the bike comes with tubes, tyres and rims are tubeless ready. It’s an upgrade worth making if you’ll stick with the G-Ones as, like other performance tyres, they’re relatively fragile. With innertubes, tougher Schwalbe Big Apples would be a better bet.
I suffered two flat tyres during the test, though neither was caused by thorns or glass. One was a faulty valve. The other turned out to be a scattering of swarf that had somehow been left in the tyre. This secretly scored the tube and ultimately caused a puncture.
Removing the rear wheel can be a bugbear with a Brompton. It is fiddlier to disengage/engage the G Line’s Alfine gear cable than a standard Brompton’s Sturmey-Archer, but the wheel itself goes on and off more easily as the chain tensioner stays in place. On the other hand, refitting this tubeless-ready, smalldiameter tyre was a stiff challenge.
The Brompton’s Alfine hub gives a good spread of gears, and it’s nice to be able to shift between them while stationary. But at nearly 1,700g, the hub adds a chunk of weight to what is already a heavy folding
bike. A 4-speed derailleur setup like the P Line Urban’s, which the frame has mounts for, would save around a kilo. Braking performance is excellent, thanks to TRP hydraulic discs and tyres with a large footprint. Contact points are comfortable and, befitting the longer rides you might do on a G Line, there are stem mounts for a bottle cage. To avoid increasing the folded size, I'd suggest a Fidlock or Monkii Cage bottle mount.
The Tern BYB P8 is £1,000 cheaper than the Brompton G Line so it would be unrealistic to expect equivalent components. Its 8-speed derailleur drivetrain works fine, however, and gives a comparable gear range to the Alfine hub. On wet or unsealed surfaces, the Acera derailleur picks up grime easily because it’s so close to the ground.
The Tern’s V-brakes are more powerful than a standard Brompton’s sidepulls, thanks in part to the Jagwire compressionless outers, but they’re no match for the G Line’s discs. The front brake is tucked behind the fork. Its pads aren’t perpendicular to the brake arms, so uneven pad wear could be a problem.
Although there’s only one size of BYB,
The BYB is a tall but narrow package
Tech spec
TERN BYB P8
Price: £1,400 (£1,605 as tested).
Weight: 14.49kg (as shown, no bag).
Folded size: 52×81×35 cm (claimed); 57×82×35cm (measured).
Frame & fork: Tern BYB aluminium frame with two hinges, 68mm bottom bracket, 132.5mm dropouts, Combo Mount head tube luggage socket and fittings for Metro Transit Rack, other rear rack, mudguard, kickstand, LH pedal storage and one bottle. Tern Tarsus aluminium fork with 74mm dropout and mudguard fittings.
Wheels: 42-406
Schwalbe Citizen tyres, 406×15 doublewall aluminium rims, Kinetix Neutron Mini 74 front hub, Novatec 130mm rear hub, spoking: 20×2 front, 28×2/radial rear.
Transmission: MKS UX-D & MKS MT-E EZY pedals, 170mm aluminium chainset with 52t chainring, FSA cartridge square-taper
bottom bracket, KMC Z narrow chain, 11-32t Shimano CSHG41-8aw 8-speed cassette. Shimano 1×8 trigger shifter, Shimano Acera rear derailleur. Eight ratios, 31-91in.
Braking: Shimano Claris brake levers, Kinetix SpeedStop V-brake callipers, Jagwire compressionless brake outers.
Steering & seating: Velo ergonomic grips, 25.4×580mm aluminium flat bar, Tern Andros G2 adjustable stem, Tern Physis RF ‘handlepost’, Flux threadless headset.
Tern Porter saddle, 34.9/30.9mm diameter Tern Telescope seatpost, oversize seatpost clamp.
Equipment: 47mm SKS mudguards, Tern Metro Transit Rack, chainstay pedal holder, kickstand, chainguard, bell.
Extras: Luggage Truss CMT (£65), Tern Go-TBag (£140). ternbicycles.com
Top: The V-brakes work fine but the front may wear unevenly Bottom: Similar gear range to the Alfine hub and much lighter
it should fit a very wide range of rider heights as the seatpost is telescopic and the unusual twin-armed Andros stem is adjustable through a wide arc. The seatpost has height markings so can be set accurately if not instantly.
The BYB’s quick-release MKS pedal goes on and off easily but is worse for pedalling than the G Line’s. It’s a quillstyle pedal with only one flat side; the other is convex and provides an awkward footing. A different quick-release MKS pedal would be better.
There are lots of accessories available for the Tern BYB, ranging from bags, racks and baskets to lights and covers. I tried the Luggage Truss CMT (£65) and the Go-To Bag (£140), which provide the BYB with front-mounted luggage similar to a Brompton’s. I’d recommend them.
The ride
The G Line has better handling than a standard Brompton. Its slacker head angle and bigger wheels yield more trail, and the longer wheelbase and wider tyres improve stability further. I could just about ride it no-handed. It reminded me of the Tern Node D8 (cyclinguk.org/lessfamous-folders), in that it feels more like
a normal bike that can be folded.
The G Line’s off-road capability is comparable to a gravel bike’s. Technical singletrack is out, but forest fire roads and the like are fine. I took it along the Scarborough-Whitby Cinder Track, where it performed well as long as I kept an eye out for deeper holes and ruts; 20-inch wheels, even with wide tyres, are more easily balked than bigger ones.
I liked the G Line’s broad pedals for their more secure, more supportive footing. I was less keen on the unusually high handlebar. Switching to a size S would shave 10mm off the bar height, while a flat bar would reduce the height further.
The Tern BYB has a similar wheelbase to a standard Brompton but its head angle is less steep and the wheels are larger. With more trail, the handling is noticeably more stable. I wasn’t able to ride it hands free like the G Line.
I took the BYB down the Cinder Track as well. It coped OK as I rode cautiously. The frame hinges are solidly built and flex free, and the tyres are just wide enough. On tarmac, these Schwalbe Citizens felt stodgy and
The G Line’s off-road capability is comparable to a gravel bike’s
rather slow compared to the higher pressure Schwalbe Marathons on my own Brompton. The sportier BYB P10 gets Schwalbe Kojaks, which would surely transform the P8’s ride.
Like the G Line, the BYB has an upright riding position that’s fine around town and frustrating when you want to up the pace. While the Andros stem is adjustable, it moves the handlebar through an arc so you can only lower the handlebar by increasing the reach.
Verdict
The BYB P8 has an ingenious fold and a stable ride but lacks an obvious USP. As an urban folder for daily use, the lighter, more compact, better integrated Brompton C Line beats it hands down. And if you just want a 20-inch-wheel folder that rides nicer than a Brompton, a Tern Link B8 does that for half the price of the BYB P8.
The G Line isn't a direct rival to the standard Brompton, although it can fill the urban commuter role. It’s more of an all-rounder like the Birdy – and a good one. Standout features include the wider tyres, hydraulic disc brakes and much improved steering geometry. Yet the sizing of the bike feels off, like it’s been designed for the Dutch, and at 15kg it’s a weighty folded package. I’d like it more if it were 2-3kg lighter.
Top: The axle hook and seatpost lock the folded G Line together Bottom: The Tern’s Anchor Bolt should do the same. It didn’t
Grouptest Balance bikes
A pedal-less bike is an ideal introduction to cycling and a great Christmas present. Sam Jones and his son (aged two and a half) test four
SAM JONES
As a keen bikepacker, Sam has already fitted a small handlebar roll to his son’s own balance bike. “He carries his toy cars, acorns, pine cones, stones and so on.”
For riders who learned to cycle more than 20 years ago, stabilisers, their removal and the inevitable stumbles were an awkward and often painful rite of passage into cycling life. The next generation won’t have to go through this thanks to balance bikes.
Balance bikes, which are essentially bikes without pedals, teach young riders balance and steering – skills we take for granted as older riders – but not pedalling. Stabilisers, by contrast, allow riders to learn to pedal but with unnatural turning motions and minimal balance skills. When it’s time to remove the stabilisers, these latter skills have to be unlearned and can make the transition to independent cycling harder.
For balance bike graduates, the only skill they have to learn is pedalling as they will already have mastered balance and begun developing a more natural steering style. Balance bikes are also better suited for the youngest of riders, with some more adventurous toddlers able to ride almost as soon as they can walk.
For more about teaching your child to ride, visit the website cyclinguk.org/ditching-stabilisers. If you’d like to hire a balance bike rather than buying one, Cycling UK members get their first month free with a Bike Club subscription. See cyclinguk.org/bike-club
Cycle’s test promise
At Cycle, we are proudly independent. There’s no pressure to please advertisers as we’re funded by your membership. Our product reviews aren’t press releases; they’re written by experienced cyclists after thorough testing.
Details WHAT TO LOOK FOR
1 Steering lock
A handy safety feature on modern balance bikes (present on the Frog and Boardman), this prevents oversteering and bigger falls.
2 Hand grips
Horror stories abound of the damage handlebar ends can do when landed on. Sturdy grips prevent this, and disc-like ends can protect small hands when riding close to walls.
3 Brake
You can adjust the reach of most balance bike brake levers to suit smaller hands. Teaching your child to use the brake is another matter, but it will come in useful as they gain confidence and ride faster.
4 Adjustability
Look for a bike with growing room and easy-to-adjust components. Quick releases and Allen keys are your friends, especially for trailside adjustments and fixes.
5 Weight
Proportionately a balance bike will be heavier for a child than most bikes for an adult. Get the lightest bike you can afford. Your child will enjoy it more and it’ll be easier for you to carry home.
6 Wheelbase
A longer wheelbase bike will have a less cramped reach. The bike will also be more stable, especially on downhill and bumpier tracks. The bikes on test all had a long wheelbase.
1 Frog Tadpole
£195 frogbikes.com
THE TADPOLE WAS an instant hit with its reviewer due to its vibrant colour scheme and ease of rolling straight out of the box. My scales said this aluminium-framed bike weighed 3.86kg, against the manufacturer’s 4.17kg. Pocket a 5mm Allen key and you’ll find it easy to adjust both at home and away. The green spoke to locate the valve is a nice touch. With steerer spacers, a mini BMX handlebar and the widest seat height range in test (320-430mm), it’s highly and easily adjustable as your rider grows. Price is relatively high but Cycling UK members get 10% off (cyclinguk.org/frogbikes). The only downsides are the delicate hand grips, which lack wide ends to protect little hands.
Verdict
All these bikes offer that important gateway into a lifelong habit for the smallest people in your life. They will likely love any of them until it’s time to start pedalling.
The Tadpole and JNR 12" are two bikes with similar designs: they’re lightweight, well thought out, adjustable and suitable for the youngest of riders. Your choice is likely to be determined by gut feel and the availability of stock. In our case, the Tadpole trumped.
The Dirt Hero is a bold vision of what everyone’s first mountain bike should be. It’s just missing suspension to make the complete package. Those thinking that this is overkill will appreciate the simpler package of the heavier and more robust Scoot, which is just over a third of the Dirt Hero’s RRP. 1 2 4 3
2 Boardman JNR 12" Balance
£180 boardmanbikes.com
CUT FROM THE same cloth as the Tadpole, the aluminium JNR 12" is both cheaper and lighter (3.77kg). It comes in a teal-like blue. Unlike the Frog’s, the Boardman’s brake sits under rather than above the chainstays, which feels a neater setup. Some initial brake adjustment was required to prevent drag on the rear wheel, which dampened the enthusiasm of a reviewer eagerly wanting a go. Seat height ranges from 345420mm, meaning that smaller toddlers might have to wait until they can get riding. Grips are good and solid, with fatter ends, and come with an adjustable if hard-to-pull brake. A standard multitool is all you need to make adjustments.
3 Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero 12"
£290 kidsrideshotgun.co.uk
THE ALUMINIUM DIRT Hero attempts to rewrite the balance bike with its 2.25in knobbly tyres, thru-axles, 460mm wide handlebar and hydraulic disc brake(!). As a mountain biker, I loved it; my reviewer less so. It’s relatively heavy (4.37kg) and the wider stance made him stand astride it like a mini John Wayne. Little legs grow, however, and so will the Dirt Hero (it can also take 14" wheels), so this should be less of an issue over time. Length of service might also justify the high cost for some. In the 12" version the seat height is 320-400mm; 14" wheels will start you at 437mm. It comes with stickers (a win), and in a delicate white. The price was down from £360 at time of writing.
More online
For more reviews of bikes, kit and components, as well as how-to guides, visit... cyclinguk.org/advice
4 Ridgeback Scoot
£124.99 ridgeback.co.uk
THE ONLY STEEL frame in the review, the more wallet-friendly Scoot is also the heaviest at 5.11kg, but it’s built to last. The quill stem and traditional wheel nuts hark back to an earlier age, which will make it more difficult to adjust for those parents accustomed to modern bikes. Once the brake was properly adjusted, the 12×2.0" Vee speedster tyres rolled well and fast. There’s plenty of room to grow on the bike, thanks to the height-adjustable stem and an additional longer seatpost. Seat height with the smaller post ranges from 350-460mm. The almost comical grips promise to protect wee paws as your child grows with the bike. It comes in eight colour options.
A heavier, wallet-friendly steed with growing room. Built to last
British Isles
Folding freedom
Using ferries, trains and his Brompton, David Mytton toured Wales, the island of Ireland and Scotland
I’ve had a Brompton for years but belatedly decided to try it for touring because it works so well with trains.
From Bangor in North Wales I followed the west coast of Anglesey round to Holyhead: quiet, flat lanes with Snowdonia in the distance.
I took a relaxing ferry to Dublin, where I admired the architecture and then Phoenix Park, where I saw deer and a half marathon. Further north it was misty, which felt appropriate for the ancient Hill of Tara and Newgrange, a site older than Stonehenge. Other highlights included a pleasant cycle track by the River Boyne into Drogheda. Between Dundalk and Newry I was surprised by the lack of any border post, despite all the recent EU-related talks. Signs were simply no longer in kilometres and post boxes became red. The Mourne Coastal Route had views to the Isle of Man and the Lakeland Fells.
A short ferry ride brought me to the Ards Peninsula and Donaghadee, which was the main port for Portpatrick in Scotland until 1826. From Bangor (County Down) I went by train to Larne. Today ferries don’t go to Portpatrick nor Stranraer, which came after it, but to Cairnryan. A pavement and then a cycle track link the two, with about a mile
gap between. It’s worth letting the lorries leave the ferry first!
The next day was one of my best in over 50 years of cycle touring, thanks to the Kirkpatrick C2C. Views all around, quiet lanes and a pause in Wigtown, Scotland’s book town. Finally Dumfries, trains home and the only mechanical issue: a slow puncture, caused by a thorn.
Would I tour on the Brompton again? Sometimes, yes. It was slightly slower, but landscapes and people are as enjoyable as miles covered. I averaged 40 miles per day. A big advantage is the ease of using trains. I also took it into my hotel room most nights, suitably protected in its bag.
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Lincolnshire
The Water Rail Way
Barry Barton sings the praises of a riverside cycle track through the Lincolnshire fens
IF A LONG-DISTANCE off-road trail like Rebellion Way were to be established in Lincolnshire, it would surely include much of the existing Water Rail Way. This route closely follows the River Witham for 34 miles between Lincoln and Boston.
The first half, from Stamp End in Lincoln to Kirkstead Bridge, follows the line of the old Great Northern Railway, which was built along the left bank of the river – and was for a couple of years around 1850 part of the East Coast Main Line between London and Doncaster. Apart from 400 yards on the B1190 through Bardney and just over a mile of farm track nearby, the whole of this section of trail is traffic-free tarmac.
It’s teeming with riverside birdlife, and there are short detours to the ruins of Bardney, Tupholme and Kirkstead Abbeys. This section of the trail has been given a Tennyson theme, with some rather good trailside artwork, referencing specifically the Lady of Shalott and the river itself. On either side of the river there were once ‘long fields of barley and of rye’. Today the rye has given way to the far less romantic potatoes, sugar beet and oilseed rape.
I’ve described the first half of the route as traffic free but straying farm animals can be a hazard. After Kirkstead Bridge, the Water Rail Way follows minor roads for the next 13.5 miles, rejoining the River Witham at Langrick Bridge for the final 4.5 miles.
The scenic route from Newry to Belfast
Between Portavogie and Ballyhalbert
Sixteen miles of quiet riverside views
Celebrating barley and rye
Wales
Lots to Offa
The Welsh Marches are great road-cycling country, as Malcolm Joyce and his son Thomas discovered
Since our son Tom started at Cardiff University, I’ve harboured plans to cycle a road route that accompanies Offa’s Dyke. I was inspired by the tantalising views from the train and happy memories as a Midlands teenager, cutting my cycling teeth in and around the Welsh border in the 1980s.
We set off from Chester, travelling light with just a Carradice saddlebag each. My father did most of his cycling with the Wolverhampton Wheelers, riding out to Lake Vyrnwy and Barmouth in the 1950s, so I was looking forward to retracing some of his pedal strokes as we headed south.
From Chester railway station you’re out into the countryside almost immediately. We kept to the B-roads and lanes as much as possible, through Tattenhall and on to Malpas, where the limit of the Cheshire plain is quite noticeable. Our route was quiet and dry in the July sunshine, but leaden skies above suggested we had no time to linger.
After lunch in Northwood, we continued to the west of Shrewsbury, enjoying the deserted lanes amid high-sided hedgerows. The weather was close, with a refreshing drizzle starting mid-afternoon, but there was no need for waterproofs. From Pontesbury, the route lifts to meet the Long Mynd –familiar countryside, sparking memories of the Dawes Fox of my teens. The climb is unrelenting for several miles but rewarded either side by the spectacular countryside
just south of Ratlinghope, the Stiperstones to the west and lots wildlife.
After a comfortable overnight in Knighton, we were greeted by blue skies, bright sunshine – and the climb out of the valley. Bacon sandwiches awaited in Hay-on-Wye, and there’s a choice of route: the Golden Valley or the Gospel Pass. We chose the latter. This spectacular climb is followed by the long descent to Capel-y-ffin, a place of tranquility and where Offa’s Dyke crosses. On then to Abergavenny, accompanied frequently by buzzards swooping from side to side between the hedgerows. The character of the ride began to change yet again as we followed good-quality cycle paths and then a canal towpath for many miles. Our journey culminated in a long and relaxing descent into the centre of Cardiff, where we had a well-earned beer.
Night ride to the coast Southern England
Portsmouth CTC organised a night ride home from London. Phil Beed was there
FRIDAY EVENING: 15 cyclists boarded trains from Portsmouth, converged on a Westminster pub, enjoyed an evening drink, then headed out of London. Canal towpaths provided a traffic-free route and, in one rider’s words, “turned up the adventure dial”. This was followed by Richmond Park, where we saw badgers and deer. Leaving the suburbs, our night ride continued to Woking and a 24-hour McDonald’s, where we had food and drink and warmed up. Cycling along in the small hours, the group’s experienced audax riders were able to support and encourage others less used to riding through the night.
After Woking the ride followed quieter roads. We climbed over the Hog’s Back, followed more lanes, then had a 5km climb towards Hindhead. The final kilometre of the climb is a cycle track; motor vehicles take the A3 Hindhead Tunnel. The cycle track emerges into a National Trust car park at the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Here a fellow Portsmouth CTC member was waiting with a campervan. Under the awning were lights, chairs, tea and coffee, cakes and biscuits. A very welcome sight! Dawn was breaking as we left Hindhead, the wiser ones adding a layer of clothing for the descent to Liphook. Then it was onwards on increasingly familiar roads to arrive at Portsmouth and the Langbrook Farm Restaurant, where stories of the night’s adventures were shared over coffee and breakfast. Then the group split up and headed home to bed – or in one case on to watch Pompey playing at home.
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The Gospel Pass –the highest road pass in Wales (549 metres)
Leaving London via canal towpath
Capel-y-ffin in the Black Mountains
