Cycle Commuter Issue 05

4 bikes tested l Handle wet roads l Essential winter kit l Technique tips Autumn/Winter 2010 Issue #5 ÂŁ1.95 where sold

85 Featuring

Skills and thrills!

How to stay safe all year round

Enjoy the Everything you need for the perfect commute:

Bike tests Gear guides Riding tips

Inside this issue...

Gloves Lights Helmets Locks

top cycling products

contents Issue #5 Autumn/Winter 2010

Bikes tested

All about...

5 Welcome to Cyclescheme

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

6 Cyclescheme FAQs

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

Features

24 Winter skills and thrills

18

30

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

36 Choose the

right lights

42

52

18 Kona Dr Fine

30 Trek Allant

42 Specialized Allez 16

52 Kansi 3twenty

A flat-barred urban flyer that is packed with high-quality components

A road bike that tackles the big weekend rides as well as your daily commute

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

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

Top products & essential kit 16 Stuff

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

48 Gearing up

for Welless

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

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

22 Locks

Eight great locks to suit every budget

34 Helmets

Protecting your head in style

46 Gloves

Keeping your hands toasty this winter

56 My life on

bikes: Kate Silverton

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

Produced, designed and published for Cyclescheme

by Farrelly Atkinson www.f-at.co.uk Prices correct at time of going to press. E&OE. All content © Cyclescheme 2010

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 3

BOO

in ad

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& SA e VE

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

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

TO BOOK VISIT CYCLESHOW.CO.UK/CSH Enter code CSH when prompted Mountain Bike Experience sponsored by:

Supported by:

Media Partners:

*Discount valid only on tickets bought in advance and calculated off the ‘on the door’ ticket price of £15 (advance ticket price £12). All tickets are subject to a £1 booking fee per transaction.

The price quoted above does not include the booking fee.

Welcome

Cyclescheme is the UK’s number one provider of tax-free bikes for the Government’s Cycle to Work initiative We offer big savings on the best bikes and safety equipment. Dealing with Cyclescheme’s network of over 1,600+ local bike shops also gives you the best experience, with the expert personal service, convenience and choice that larger multiple retailers just can’t match.

About Cyclescheme...

T

he Cycle to Work Initiative is a salary sacrifice scheme which gives you the chance to save on the cost of a new bike as well as security and safety equipment to go with it. The way salary sacrifice schemes work is that you give up part of your salary and receive an equivalent benefit that is exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance.

What does this mean in practice? Well, technically it’s your employer who buys the bike. You hire the bike and equipment from your employer, and you pay back the cost of the bike from your gross salary. You save on Tax and NI payments, saving you money over the hire period. VAT can also be claimed back, and this saving is usually passed on by employers, unless they are not able to – for example in the case of universities and NHS trusts.

Cyclescheme has partnered with over 1,600+ independent bike shops throughout the UK giving you access to a massive amount of choice and

The Cycle to Work Initiative is a salary sacrifice scheme which gives you the chance to save on the cost of a new bike as well as security and safety equipment to go with it. expert advice on equipment selection. To locate your local store go to www.cyclescheme.co.uk and use the postcode store locator.

You are not limited to any brand of bike or equipment and so you can choose the best for quality and value for money. This results in the best package of bike and safety equipment for you.

Cyclescheme runs schemes with the Department of Transport, Office of Fair Trading and Department of Health, as well as scores of police forces, councils, universities and blue chip companies. Hire agreements are written entirely in accordance with government guidelines and this service is free to employers, including an online tool to generate promotional literature and roadshows.

Who’s it for?

Want to take part? Great! If you’ve received this mag from your employer then they’re probably already running a scheme, so things should be straightforward.

There are some limits as to who can take advantage of the tax breaks, though. The most important ones are:

•

The scheme is open to all full, parttime and contract staff whose term of employment is more than the period of the hire (12 months) You need to be a UK taxpayer via the PAYE system You need to be 18 years of age or over to comply with Consumer Credit Act legislation You need to be earning more than the National Minimum Wage after your wages have been reduced to comply with UK tax law

• • •

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 5

Autumn/Winter 2010

FAQ...

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

Q A

How do I save money through the scheme?

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

Q A

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

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

Q

What happens at the end of the hire period? Why can’t my employer just give me the bike at the end of the scheme?

It’s your employer’s choice at the end of the hire period whether they opt to sell you the bike. Typically your employer will give you the option to buy the bike at market value: this is the amount that a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller, in this case to transfer the ownership of the bike to the employee.

This market value payment is essential if you are to legitimately own the bike after receiving tax benefits throughout the hire period. The market value amount cannot be stated before or during the hire period as this could be considered a benefit in kind, which does not warrant any tax-relief.

A

South-West based cyclist Vin Cox has broken the Guinness World Record for cycling around the World. Cox, 34, competed his 18,000 mile ride at the start of August after 163 days in the saddle, and came home comfortably in front of previous record holder Mark Beaumont, whose record of 195 days had stood since 2008.

Q A

Can I get a sale bike through the scheme?

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

Q A

Q A

Q A

Pedalling facts

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

Cyclescheme is partnered with over 1600 Independent Bicycle Dealers throughout the UK. Visit our website at www.cyclescheme.co.uk to find your nearest Cyclescheme Partner Stores Who’s responsible for the bike during the hire period? What happens if it gets stolen?

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

6

Pedalling facts

I’m paid close to or on National Minimum Wage (NMW), can I participate in the scheme?

Yes, you can. Cyclescheme has a process in place whereby you can make a saving on the hire of a bicycle via a net salary deduction. This arrangement has no effect on your gross salary. Please speak to your employer for further details

The London Sky Ride in September 2010 was officially the UK’s largest ever cycling event, attracting over 85,000 cyclists. Mayor Boris Johnson was there along with a host of celebrities.

Four-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy said: “Seeing the Capital’s streets traffic-free with so many people enjoying a day out cycling together is a great experience for everybody “

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

Autumn/Winter 2010

News

Save

space

with Cyclepods

If the bike facilities provided by your employer leave something to be desired, you might want to point them in the direction of Cyclepods cycle storage designs. There are several innovative products on offer, each of them providing compact bike parking and good security.

The flagship Cyclepod, for example, will shelter eight bikes in a space just 2m in diameter, with two separate locking points for each bike, while the Spacepod uses a broadly similar racking arrangement and can be sited either outside or indoors.

C

TC, the national cyclists’ organisation, has welcomed government research that it says shows that bicycle use has grown to the highest level in decades.

According to the Department for Transport’s annual National Travel Survey, in 2009, distance travelled per person by bicycle was 46 miles, compared to 42 miles the previous year, with the average trip distance rising from 2.4 miles to 2.8 miles.

The number of trips per person remained unchanged at 16.

Chris Peck, Policy Coordinator at CTC, said: “We expected that the recession,

8

along with high fuel prices, would lead to an increase in cycling. What is surprising is that the growth is particularly associated with those in the highest income bracket, which may be as a result of the boom in leisure cycling and commuting by bike. The upward trend has been most marked in the south of England, with 8% of inner London residents and one in 25 workers in the South East and South West now saying they cycle to work.”

“At the same time as cycling is increasing, car use is steadily falling.

Expenditure on new cars is down by 13% in three years, while sales of bikes have soared by 25% over the same period.”

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

News

STOP PRESS

New lights from Exposure...

Exposure have just launched a new rear bike light that’s ideal for keeping you safe on your commute. The waterproof Flare has been specially designed to get you noticed in highly lit urban areas and is even powerful enough to show up brightly in daylight. It mounts to your bike in seconds, offers good side illumination and costs £40. For more info go to www.exposurelights.com.

Drivers face workplace car park charges?

C

ommuting by bike could become more popular than ever with the news that people in some parts of Britain might soon face having to pay to park their cars at their workplace.

Two of the local authorities that are reported to be considering introducing a levy on employers providing more than 11 car parking spaces are York and Bristol, both of which enjoy Cycling City status.

Proposals for the implementation of the levy, which would see employers charged £250 for each parking space provided, with

P

Pedalling facts

the option of absorbing that cost themselves or passing it onto their employees, were thought to have receded once the coalition government came to power and promised an end to the so-called “war on motorists.” But faced with massive budget cuts, many councils are now reported to be considering implementing the measure, including Bournemouth, Devon, Hampshire, Leeds, South Somerset and Wiltshire.

n’s Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme in the More than 100,000 journeys were made on Londo that time, 44,000 people signed up to join first fortnight after it was launched in July. During to one of hundreds of docking it return the scheme. Users take a bike, ride it, then l. capita points spread throughout the

Naturist cyclist goes to court!

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

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

Altura Urban Dryline 17 briefcase pannier

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

For more info go to www.zyro.co.uk www.cyclescheme.co.uk 9

Autumn/Winter 2010

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

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

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

Or, if you’re looking for a fuss-free budget bike purely for getting around the city, the Urban Soul could be it.

Priced at £299.99, you’ll have to go a long way to find a machine as good for the price.

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

15

Happy birthday!

National Cycle Network is...

Created by Sustrans in 1995, the National Cycling Network has just celebrated its 15th birthday and the sustainable transport charity has highlighted some of the key facts and figures behind the Network, which was originally planned to cover 2,500 miles but now extends to more than five times that distance.

1. The National Cycle Network was officially launched on 11th Sept 1995 when it received £43.5million from the National Lottery Millennium Commission – with rock legend Meatloaf handing over the cheque on national television.

2. The Network now extends over 12,600 miles .

3. It carries 1 million walking and cycling journeys every single day.

4. There are more miles of National Cycle Network routes in the UK than there are of motorways and the Network is the most widespread construction project since the building of the motorways.

5. The Network passes within 1 mile of over 57% of the population.

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6. Per mile an average motorway costs a staggering £29.9 million (Hansard, 30 October 06), whereas the National Cycle Network costs around £45,000 per mile to build – not only more sustainable but cheaper too.

7. Urban traffic routes account for 26% of the Network but carry an astonishing three quarters of all trips – showing that the Network is a key resource for people making everyday local journeys.

8. There are around 2,000 bridges, 10,000 seats and 50,000 signs along the Network.

9. The first route to be created for the Network was the Bristol to Bath Railway Path – a 17-mile traffic-free trail along a disused railway.

10. The highest point of the Network is Black Hill on the famous Sea to Sea (C2C) route - 1,998ft above sea level.

11. The newest complete route is the ‘Way of the Roses’ – a 170 mile coast to coast ride from Morecambe in Lancashire to the seaside resort of Bridlington in Yorkshire, passing through magnificent landscapes including the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the Forest of Bowland and Nidderdale Areas of Photo by Tim Green, www.flickr.com

Outstanding Natural Beauty.

12. The three most challenging routes are Lon Las route which runs the length of Wales, the Pennine Cycle Way from Derby to Berwick upon Tweed and the Sea 2 Sea route which is a whopping 234 mile challenge.

13. Almost 3,000 volunteers help Sustrans maintain and promote the Network.

14. The Network hosts the largest collection of outdoor art and sculpture in the UK - over 2,000 pieces from over 300 artists over the last 20 years.

15. The Network even goes international – Route 1 is part of the North Sea Cycle Route, which travels down through Norway, Sweden, Denmark (through Odense - the Danish “cycling capital”), Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, across to England and up to Shetland. A staggering 6,000km through eight different countries and the longest signed cycle route in the world.

*Mixer

Tange Prestige double butted cro-mo frame | Eccentric BB | Charge Whisk disc Prestige cro-mo fork | Shimano Alfine 8 speed hub gear Shimano Alfine Hollow Tech II crankset Shimano hydraulic disc brakes | Continental City contact tyres

*Galvanised Mixer RRP: ÂŁ919.99 ( Black Mixer ÂŁ899.99)

Autumn/Winter 2010

VISIT THE UK’S

NEW FOR 2011…

BIGGEST & BEST CYCLE SHOW!

Cycling for Disabled People of all Ages

Everyone’s going bike mad

Highlights not to be missed at the Cycle Show Tirol Mountain Bike Experience

Secure Bike Park

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

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

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

The Cycle Arena

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

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

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

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

Kid’s Test Track This track is a fun, educational and safe way for kids 5 years and under, to try out the latest range of pavement bikes, with fully qualified instructors and professionals on hand to give out advice.

If you are a parent this is your opportunity to get your kids inspired to become the future of cycling.

This feature will open your eyes to a whole new world of cycling – one which everyone can enjoy. If you’ve thought you can’t cycle, or you have friends who are not cycling because they think they can’t, do visit this stand.

There will be a range of cycles available and lots of advice on hand. There’s a handcycle competition in which you can participate and you can also try some of the cycles on the Commuter Test Track.

GO-RIDE 6 – 12 Year Olds Test Track This test track is specially designed for kids aged of 6-12 with Go-Ride sessions run by fully qualified coaches from British Cycling. Go-Ride coaching activities have been designed to introduce young people to a range of cycling disciplines, such as BMX, cycle speedway, cyclo-cross, mountain biking, road and track riding.

Triathlon supported by Horizon Fitness The Triathlon will be open to all visitors and will include rowing, cycling and running. This is your chance to participate and challenge your friends to a fitness test. There will be competitions taking place throughout the show and prizes for the winning male and female competitor.

Book tickets at:

Get your Cycle Show tickets!

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

£10.50*

Ticket price: (on the door price: £15)

*Discount only valid on tickets bought in advance and based upon ‘on the door’ticket price of £15.00. All tickets are subject to a £1 transaction fee per booking only, not shown here.

Featuring an all-new AluxX alloy frameset, Seek is the future of the city bike. Practical, but fun.

Brainy, but ready for adventure. Powerful disc brakes, fast-rolling tyres, durable frame guards and reective styling for visibility set it apart from the crowd. Learn more about Giant’s wide range of city bikes at giant-bicycles.com or visit us today at giant-stores.co.uk.

Autumn/Winter 2010

Stuff

Lezyne HP Drive mini pump £19.99

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

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

Juice Lubes Ceramic Juice £10.99

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

Abus Urban Exclusive £99.99

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

Altura Night Vision Evo Vest £34.99

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

Bicycle Maintenance £9.99

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

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Stuff Brooks Trouser Strap £14.99

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

Topeak Rescue Box £3.99

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

Proviz Electroluminescent Rucksack £44.99

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

Muxu Ride Stripe Polo Shirt £55.00

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

The Buzz Bars £1.50

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

Knog 20 function multi-tool £32.99

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

Finish Line 1-Step £x.99 Topeak Bar ’n’ Mirror £26.99

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

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

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 17

Autumn/Winter 2010

in detail...

Bike test

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

Continental Contact tyres shrug off road debris better than most

Jargon Buster

Butted tubes The walls of butted tubes are thicker at the ends than they are in the middle. This keeps the ends strong, where the stresses are higher, and saves weight elsewhere.

Other rated rides...

Kona Africabike Three

Cannondale Tesoro 700

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

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

£350.00

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£999.99

On test...

Kona Dr Fine £975

This flat-barred urban flyer is packed with high-quality components that make for an excellent ride

K

ona might be best known as a mountain bike brand but they do a whole range of road-going rigs too, including their Asphalt Commuter lineup that contains the Dr Fine. This cool-looking urban steed has some high-quality features that’ll take you there in style and make your commute a whole lot of fun.

Rather than the usual derailleur system, the Dr Fine comes fitted with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub gear. Eh? That means that all the mechanisms are contained inside the shell of the rear hub. The working parts are protected from the elements which is particularly useful if you’re going to be commuting in all kinds of weather.

If you have to brake suddenly at a junction and don’t have time to shiftdown before you stop, you can simply change gear before pulling away again The other key benefit, particularly for commuting, is that you can change gear even when you’re at a standstill. So if you have to brake suddenly at a junction and don’t have time to shift down before you stop, you can simply change gear before pulling away again, rather than jumping on the pedals with all your might to get moving. In a stop-start urban environment, that makes life a lot easier.

The Dr Fine’s disc brakes Tech Specs are excellent too. It’s great to know that you can stop Price: £449.99 Weight: 25.8lb (11.7kg) without any drama if someone Frame: Kona 7005 cuts you up or brakes hard in aluminum butted Fork: Kona Carbon front of you. It does wonders Race Disc Drivetrain: FSA Vero for your confidence. A Kevlar chainset, Shimano Alfine belt means the Continental 8-speed internal hub gears Contact tyres offer heavy-duty Brakes: Shimano M445 protection from punctures, so hydraulic disc/Alfine disc with Shimano M445 you won’t often find yourself hydraulic levers on the roadside grappling with Wheels: Shimano disc front, Alfine rear hub, a spare inner tube.

Freedom Ryder 21 rims, The heart of the bike, Continental Contact 700 x 32C tyres though, is the frame and the Other: VP-198 pedals, Dr Fine is built around a light, WTB Valcon saddle Sizes 46, 49, 53, 59, 61cm durable and attractive-looking aluminium design. It’s butted to cut the weight while maintaining strength, and the steeply sloping top tube means there’s tons of clearance when you’re standing with your feet on the ground at a red light. You can fit mudguards and there’s rear rack eyelets if you want to use panniers for carrying essentials to and from the office.

You can certainly buy cheaper bikes than the Dr Fine, but you’re getting yourself a reliable commuting option here with some first-rate equipment that really enhances the ride. If you can run to it, you won’t be disappointed. www.konaworld.com

Globe Haul 1

Ridgeback Avenida 8

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

The Avenida 8 is built around a lightweight aluminium frame with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub gear providing smooth shifting.

Hydraulic disc brakes – also Shimano – provide all-weather stopping power while a rack and mudguards come as part of the package. Also available as an open frame. www.ridgeback.co.uk

£549.99

£699.99

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 19

Autumn/Winter 2010

Example

Package

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

£97 5 Fine .0 0

Kon a Dr

+

9 £9ura.9Gravity.umk itt

+

£4.9 9

Rem www a TT02 .mad Punc ison.c ture K o.uk it

+

9ble lock £Abu9s.9 1950 ca s.de www.abu

Alt .zyro.co www

Total retail price

£999.97

Example† Cyclescheme savings for basic and higher rate tax payers

Price† after savings for basic rate tax payer

£551.97

Price† after savings for higher rate tax payer

£471.97

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

At the end of the hire period, under a separate agreement, the ownership may be transferred to the hirer for a market value payment. Savings will be affected by your personal level of taxation.

Not all employers can pass on VAT savings. Some employers use finance to purchase the bikes, which will affect savings.

Basic rate

Higher rate

20% Tax, 11% NI, 20% VAT††

40% Tax, 1% NI, 20% VAT††

Bike package retail price

£999.97

Bike package retail price

£999.97

Income tax, VAT & NI saved

£448.00

Income tax, VAT & NI saved

£528.00

Gross monthly repayments

£83.33

Gross monthly repayments

£83.33

Net monthly payments

£46.00

Net monthly payments

£39.33

Total cost of bike package

£551.97

Total cost of bike package

£471.97

††

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

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

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

essentials Autumn/Winter 2010

e kit you just can’t do without…

We give you the lowdown on the bik

Locks

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

OnGuard Bulldog Mini £25.99

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

W

hen it comes to bike locks, you get what you pay for. Spend a few hundred pounds on a bike and then lock it up in the street with something that cost a tenner down the market and you could end up taking the bus home.

Do yourself a favour and invest in some proper security.

When you’re choosing what’s best for you, look out for Sold Secure ratings.

These are independently assessed awards given to security products and they come in bronze, silver and gold flavours reflecting the level of protection on offer.

Jargon buster

Shackle The shackle is the U shaped piece of metal on a D-lock (sometimes called a U-lock) that fits into the barrel. Fill the shackle as much as possible when you lock your bike to stop thieves forcing a lever inside and prising it open.

22

Abus Bordo Granit XPlus £99.99

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

Essential kit: Locks Abus Granit X-Plus 54 £74.99

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

Squire Urban Protector £44.99

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

Kryptonite Evolution Mini £44.99

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

Master Lock Street Cuff £69.99

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

Master Lock Street Fortum £34.99

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

Trelock FS 455 £69.99

This lock comes with a Sold Secure Silver rating and the 85cm length means you can protect your wheels as well as the frame.

It folds down to a diddy 190 x 84 x 35mm, and it sits securely in a plastic mount on your frame when not in use. www.trelock.de

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 23

Autumn/Winter 2010

Winter skills and thrills You don’t need to stop riding your bike just because summer has come to an end Cycling through the winter isn’t as difficult as you might think. Yes, the temperature’s lower but you’re active when you’re on your bike so you’re constantly generating your own warmth. You need to layer up but you can still have a whole lot of fun out there.

Take on wet corners Pick your line

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

A wet road surface can be dicey, especially when you’re going round a corner and your centre of gravity isn’t right over your tyres. That’s when you’re most likely to slip. The best way to stay safe is to look ahead, decide whether you need to brake and, if you do, scrub off the speed before you reach the corner when you’re in your most stable riding position. Remember that most brakes are less effective in the wet so you’ll need to brake early.

Rather than leaning your bike into the corner, go around it more upright than normal. It’s not a disaster if you do need to brake while cornering but don’t lock the wheels – there’s a good chance you’ll slide off.

24

Brake early

Stay upright

Winter skills

Ride through potholes The perfect way to deal with a pothole is to spot it early, check over your shoulder for traffic, and steer around it. Trouble is, they tend to sneak up unexpectedly and there’s no time for that. Resist the urge to swerve out into the road at the last second – that’s plain dangerous.

Instead, keep your upper body relaxed with your arms slightly bent to absorb the shock, hold the bars with a firm but not white-knuckled grip and, if you have time, lift yourself out of the saddle slightly. If it’s a deep hole, pull up on the bars just before you reach the far lip to lift the front wheel and avoid getting a pinch-flat.

Easy peasy!

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

Avoid if you can!

Point toes down Don’t swerve

Front wheel first

Deal with metalwork Drains and manhole covers are slippery when they’re wet so you’re best off avoiding them whenever possible. Most drains are positioned right next to the kerb – ride further out in the carriageway and you won’t need to steer around them so often.

Occasionally, though, you’ll have to deal with wet metalwork and then you want your weight right over the centre of the bike so the wheels don’t slip from underneath you. Stay seated and freewheel, keeping the bike upright and moving in a straight line. If your tyre does start to slide, don’t panic. Chances are that it’ll regain traction as soon as it reaches the Tarmac and you’ll be able to ride it out.

Stay straight www.cyclescheme.co.uk 25

Autumn/Winter 2010

Climb damp hills Sometimes the rear tyre will spin on the road surface when you’re climbing a really steep, wet hill. This is most likely to happen if you’re using skinny tyres and you’re riding out of the saddle, particularly if there are overhanging trees that have left the road slimy.

The way to tackle this is to stay seated so you’ve got more of your weight over the back wheel to improve traction. You also need to make sure you pedal as smoothly as possible, keeping the pressure even throughout your pedal stroke without any jerky movements. Try shifting to a slightly harder gear too.

This will slow down your pedalling action and help keep everything smooth.

WinterTips

Stay seated

Smooth pedalling

1. Don’t overdress for winter rides. You can afford to

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

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

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

be a little cold for the first mile because the exercise will soon warm you up.

3. Your bike will need more attention in the winter.

Give it a quick clean and re-lube after a wet ride.

Remember that road grit can be corrosive.

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

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

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

26

We ride bikes.

We want to be healthy.

We are trying to make a difference.

We want to enjoy our world.

We use planes, trains and buses.

This is why our bikes fold.

We are kansi welcome2the fold

to find out more about the brand new kansi range check out

www.kansi.co.uk

Autumn/Winter 2010

Must-have winter kit Flick through the pages of this magazine and you’ll see plenty of bike kit that’ll make your winter commute safer and more comfortable.

Here are some other essential accessories...

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

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

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

28

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

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

They might not be pretty but when it comes to practicality, overshoes are hard to beat.

Some are waterproof but most are made from permeable neoprene that acts like it does in a wetsuit, holding water inside where it warms up to keep your feet moist but comfy. Enclosed soles add a load more heat.

SAFE LIGHT DAY OR

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

Solid or flashing mode Fully waterproof Side illumination Cable free design

ACTUAL SIZE Match up a FLARE with the FLASH front light for the complete, efficient road / commuting system

No tools easy2use bracket Small & Lightweight Long burn times Disposable or rechargable batteries Length 60mm

SRP ÂŁ40

Exposure Lights are designed and manufactured in the UK by USE (01798 344 477) e.mail: info@use1.co.uk Trade Enquiries Welcome. For an exclusive first look at our new 2011 range come see us today: www.exposurelights.com

Autumn/Winter 2010

in detail...

Bike test

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

The ergonomic grips give a comfortable and stable hand position

Other rated rides...

Giant Chixie £499.99

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

30

Genesis Day One Flat Barred £549.99

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

On test...

Trek Allant £449.99

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

T

rek make some of the fastest bikes out there – Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France on Treks for years – but they know a thing or two about building reliable everyday bikes for the rest of us too. The Allant is one of these, combining strength and durability with a healthy dose of comfort.

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

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

You sit up on the Allant, your lofty head position giving you a good view of what’s going on around you and allows you to watch the world go by when you’re out enjoying the countryside.

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

Tech Specs Price £449.99

Weight 32lb (14.5kg) help there too, smoothing over bumpy roads Frame: Alpha White and even loosely surfaced tracks, and protecting Aluminum the wheels if you hit unseen potholes.

Fork: High tensile steel Drivetrain: Shimano When it comes to gears, the Allant is well EF51 7-speed trigger equipped. The triple chainset matched up to a shifters, Shimano 7-speed cassette allows you to choose from a M191 and Acera mechs, Shimano M131 triple wide range of ratios including some ultra low chainset ones. If you live in a hilly area, these will get you Brakes: Tektro linear pull up just about anything short of vertical even brakes with Shimano EF51 levers if you’re weighed down with a hefty cargo.

Wheels: Alloy front hub, Flicking between them couldn’t be easier thanks Shimano RM30 rear hub, to Shimano’s EasyFire shifters which give you 36-hole double-wall alloy rims effortless fingertip control, and their durability is Other: Nylon pedals with impressive too.

Kraton inserts, Bontrager The Tektro linear-pull brakes pack a decent Boulevard saddle performance too, whether you’re just scrubbing Sizes: 15, 17.5, 20in (+ 22.5in men’s) off a bit of speed for a tight corner or hauling yourself to a standstill at the lights. They’ve got more power than standard calliper brakes and they won’t let you down in an emergency.

Trek haven’t skimped on the details either. The Allant is fitted with full mudguards to keep you dry when the roads are wet, and they’re colour matched to the frame, which is a neat touch. You get a mini chainguard too, meaning that there’s a little shield ouside the biggest chainring to prevent your clothing getting oily or Lowrider rack This is a front caught up, and the alloy kickstand comes rack that attaches to your fork in handy without adding much weight. and carries the panniers low Taken as a whole, this is a relaxed down below the top of the bike that’ll get you to and from work in wheel. This makes for better comfort, and much more besides. The stability when you’re shifting price is good too – it’s a great buy. heavier loads. www.trek.co.uk

GT Traffic 1.0 £735.00

GT’s aluminium Traffic bikes come with a host of commuter-friendly features including protective rubber strips, rear LEDs integrated into the saddles, and eyelets for fitting racks and guards.

The top-of-the-range 1.0 gets tough Shimano Deore mountain bike components and powerful hydraulic disc brakes. www.gtbicycles.com

Jargon Buster

Marin San Anselmo Alfine£849.99

This is a strong, wellequipped and versatile piece of commuter fun.

The Shimano internal hub gearing, reassuring tyres and suspension seatpost come together with a quality frame and fork package to provide a great pick-me-up on those morning rides to work. www.marin.co.uk

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 31

Autumn/Winter 2010

Example

Package

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

£44 9.9 9

Trek Alla nt

£69 .99

£34 .99

Tre ww lock FS w.tr 45 eloc 5 lo k.de ck

Altu www ra Night .zyro Visio .co.u k n Evo ve st

9 £En3du4ra D.e9lug.ceoGmlove ndura www.e

Total retail price

£589.96

Example† Cyclescheme savings for basic and higher rate tax payers

Price† after savings for basic rate tax payer

£325.65

Price† after savings for higher rate tax payer

£278.45

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

At the end of the hire period, under a separate agreement, the ownership may be transferred to the hirer for a market value payment. Savings will be affected by your personal level of taxation.

Not all employers can pass on VAT savings. Some employers use finance to purchase the bikes, which will affect savings.

Basic rate

Higher rate

20% Tax, 11% NI, 20% VAT††

40% Tax, 1% NI, 20% VAT††

Bike package retail price

£589.96

Bike package retail price

£589.96

Income tax, VAT & NI saved

£264.31

Income tax, VAT & NI saved

£311.51

Gross monthly repayments

£49.16

Gross monthly repayments

£49.16

Net monthly payments

£27.14

Net monthly payments

£23.20

Total cost of bike package

£325.65

Total cost of bike package

£278.45

††

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

32

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

essentials Autumn/Winter 2010

e kit you just can’t do without…

We give you the lowdown on the bik

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

Y

ou don’t have to wear a bike helmet if you don’t want, but why wouldn’t you? They’re so lightweight and well ventilated that you barely feel you’ve got one on. For the level of protection you get plus the peace of mind, a helmet has to be a sound investment.

All the lids on the market meet the relevant safety standards so you just need to decide what features you’d like.

These days there are even some designed specifically for commuting with integrated lights to make sure you’re seen in traffic.

Proviz Saturn £55.99

If being seen is top of your list of priorities, this is the helmet for you.

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

Jargon buster

Vents All helmets have vents to let cool air in and moist air out but some have more than others. If you have a long commute or do sports-type riding, the more air-conditioning the better in the warmer weather. If you have a short, steady commute through town, less ventilation is fine.

34

Scott Watu £39.99

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

Essential kit: Helmets Abus Urban I £49.99

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

Bell Muni £59.99

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

Specialized Echelon £49.99

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

Met Falco £44.99

The Falco is designed for mountain biking but we reckon that it’s just as suitable for riding on the road. With great venting from all angles and Met’s Safe-T Lite sliding adjustment device, this helmet is one of the comfiest around. A reflective sticker at the rear alerts other road users to your presence at night, the CoolMax pads are anti-allergic, and the peak comes off if you prefer it that way. At 260g, this is a lightweight choice and it’s available in a whole range of different colours. www.met-helmets.com

Las Settantuno £44.99

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

Giro Skyla £34.99

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

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 35

Autumn/Winter 2010

Choose the right

lights

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

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

Do you need to light the way rather than just be seen?

No

Yes

Would you prefer lights you can recharge?

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

No

Off-road rechargeable You need some serious firepower if you’re thinking of heading off-road at night. These lights are expensive but they’re strong enough to show up all the irregularities in the trail so nothing will take you by surprise.

You’ll sometimes get two lamps – a floodlight and a spotlight – and different beam settings so you can choose the level of light you need for the conditions. For example: Nuke Proof Reactor £199.99 36

Essential kit: Lights

Mains rechargeable commuter These are usually more expensive than non-rechargeable equivalents, but use them regularly and you’ll end up paying less in the long run because you won’t need to shell out on replacement batteries. Plus, rechargeable lights are so much more convenient – just top them up regularly from a wall socket and you’ll never find yourself plunged into darkness on your trip home from work. For example: Cateye HL-EL600 Single Shot £74.99

Yes

USB rechargeable commuter

Will you always be able to recharge from a power socket?

No

No

Are you looking for a main light for your bike?

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

Yes

No

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

Battery operated commuter These come in all sorts of designs ranging from the cheap and cheerful to the highly technical. If you’re going to be riding in all weathers, check that yours is at least water resistant – some are completely waterproof. And if your commute is a long one, go for a decent runtime. Swapping batteries a lot can soon become a bit of a chore. For example: Smart Lunar 25 £54.99 www.cyclescheme.co.uk 37

essentials Autumn/Winter 2010

e kit you just can’t do without…

We give you the lowdown on the bik

Lights

Cateye EL-020 Hybrid £49.99

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

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

SuperNova E3 Pro £165

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

Also available as a battery version. www.supernova-lights.com

Exposure Maxx-D £325

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

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Essential kit: Lights Smart LED Mini Front £10.29

This little LED is definitely one for getting you seen rather than lighting the way, but it’s lightweight and has a runtime of up to 120hrs so you won’t often have to mess about with batteries.

It’s waterproof too and the curved window means you get good visibility from the sides. www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

Blackburn Flea 2.0 £24.99 Knog Boomer £24.99

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

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

NiteRider MiNewt Mini-USB Plus £129.99

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

Electron Terra 1 £74.99

This new, rechargeable commuter light is an absolute bargain. You can select from three different modes depending on where you’re riding, and on the highest setting it pumps out a beam that’s easily strong enough to show the way on roads without streetlamps.

Unlike many high-power lights, the lamp unit has side windows that ensure you get spotted as you pass junctions and make it roadlegal without the need to use a supplementary LED, while a low battery indicator ensures you’re never caught out in the dark. www.madison.co.uk

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 39

essentials Autumn/Winter 2010

e kit you just can’t do without…

We give you the lowdown on the bik

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

Cateye SL110 Loop £9.99

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

NiteZone Redeye Micro LED £8.29

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

Light and Motion Vis 180 £99.99

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

40

NiteRider Cherry Bomb £21.99

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

Autumn/Winter 2010

in detail...

Bike test

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

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

Jargon Buster

Double chainset This is the crankset (the arms the pedals are attached to) and the chainrings (the front cogs). A double chainset is where you have two chainrings, giving you two sets of gear ratios

Other rated rides...

Genesis Flyer £649.99

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

42

Scott Contessa Speedster 25 £699.99

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

On test...

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

T

here’s a good reason why the Specialized Allez is one of the most popular bikes bought through the Cyclescheme – it’s a solid all-rounder without any real weakness.

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

Specialized have been making good, affordable alloy bikes for years and they’ve got it down to a fine art. The Allez is made from their A1 Premium Aluminium and comes with the same design that you’ll find on more expensive models. It drops down steeply along its length to avoid any uncomfortable encounters if you need to get your feet down to the road in a hurry when you hit a red light.

The Shimano drivetrain runs smoothly and reliably providing a spread of gears that’ll get you up most climbs Specialized are big on rider comfort – it’s a brand obsession. The snaking chainstays provide a little give over rough road surfaces while the carbon fork legs help to dampen out vibration at the front end.

The Allez is built to a racy geometry but the reach is reasonable, the head tube isn’t ridiculously low and you get a good stack of spacers below the stem. In other words, it’s a position you can sit and pedal in comfortably… for hours if you want to do sportive rides at the weekend.

Specialized have added several features that

GT GTR Series 3 £799.99

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

should keep you rolling. The Tech Specs tyres come with Flak Jacket protection below the tread Price: £499.99 Weight: 21.6lb (9.8kg) to help prevent punctures.

Frame: Specialized Allez The wheels are built strong to A1 Premium aluminum Fork: Specialized Allez spread the load, and a chain carbon Drivetrain: Shimano catcher stops you overshifting 2300 levers, mechs and inwards, saving you struggling chainset Brakes: Dual pivot to get an oily chain back on on Wheels: Alex S500 rims, your way to work. Speaking of forged aluminium hubs, work, if you want to fit a rack for Specialized Mondo tyres Other: Specialized Body commuting duties, the Allez Geometry Rival saddle Sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, comes with eyelets that make 58, 61cm it a simple job.

The Shimano drivetrain runs as smoothly and reliably as far more costly setups, the double chainset and 8-speed cassette providing a spread of gears that’ll get you up most climbs without too much trouble. At 9.8kg (21.6lb), the Allez is a decent weight too which makes those hills just a touch more manageable, and acceleration is snappy when you want to get a shift on. Just as important, the dual pivot brakes will stop you quickly and reliably.

All in all, the Allez is a very impressive road bike for the money. It’ll handle urban commutes fine but it’s at its best when you hit the open road. If you want a sporty machine that’s fast, reliable and capable of eating up the miles, take a good look. www.specialized.com

Cannondale CAAD 8 105 Compact £999.99 Nipping in just below the £1,000 mark, the CAAD 8 is built around a fabulous aluminium frame that’s stood the test of time while the Shimano 105 groupset components offer an excellent level of performance.

This is a really high-quality bike for the cash. www.cannondale.com

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 43

Autumn/Winter 2010

Example

Package

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

499 .99

Spe cial ized Alle z 16

£29 .99

+

99 £Ka8sk9K-5.0 h.ietlmet

Mas www ter Lock .mas Stree terlo ck.co t Fortum m pack

+

+

ghts .99&R LED li £K4no5g Boonmoge.croFm.au

.kask www

Total retail price

£665.96

.k www

Example† Cyclescheme savings for basic and higher rate tax payers

Price† after savings for basic rate tax payer

£380.04

Price† after savings for higher rate tax payer

£324.96

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

At the end of the hire period, under a separate agreement, the ownership may be transferred to the hirer for a market value payment. Savings will be affected by your personal level of taxation.

Not all employers can pass on VAT savings. Some employers use finance to purchase the bikes, which will affect savings.

Basic rate

Higher rate

20% Tax, 11% NI, 20% VAT††

40% Tax, 1% NI, 20% VAT††

Bike package retail price

£665.96

Bike package retail price

£665.96

Income tax, VAT & NI saved

£285.92

Income tax, VAT & NI saved

£341.00

Gross monthly repayments

£55.50

Gross monthly repayments

£55.50

Net monthly payments

£31.67

Net monthly payments

£27.08

Total cost of bike package

£380.04

Total cost of bike package

£324.96

††

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

44

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

THE KONA JAKE

THE ONLY BIKE YOU WILL EVER NEED.

FAST AND LIGHT ON THE ROAD, STABLE AND FIRM OFF ROAD. COMMUTE ACROSS TOWN FASTER THAN A MOUNTAIN BIKE, STRONGER WITH MORE GRIP THAN A ROAD BIKE. LIGHT & TOUGH WHEELS 700c, FAST ROLLING WITH REINFORCED RIMS TO TACKLE THE UK’s POTHOLES , BRIDLE WAYS AND TOWPATHS

WIDE RANGE OF GEARS TRIPLE CHAINSET, LOW GEARS FOR STEEP CLIMBS AND 50 TOOTH BIG RING FOR BLASTING DOWNHILL

MULTI- FUNCTION TYRES GRIP AND TRACTION FOR OFF-ROAD BALANCED WITH SLICK TREAD FOR SPEED ON ROAD

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VERSATILE FRAME PANNIER MOUNTS FOR YOUR GEAR AND TOURING, THE JAKE IS ALSO READY FOR MUD GUARDS

RACE BRED FRAME KONA 7005 ALUMINIUM BUTTED CROSS FRAME, BASED ON THE SAME GEOMETRY AS THE RACE WINNING MODEL

WWW.KONAWORLD.UK.COM

essentials Autumn/Winter 2010

e kit you just can’t do without…

We give you the lowdown on the bik

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

G

ood cycle-specific gloves make all the difference to your commute when the temperature falls. Simple fleece gloves won’t cut it on the bike because the cold air will blow right through when you’re going fast, robbing you of all your heat. You need a windproof layer at least, and if you’re hoping to ride to work whatever the weather, waterproof gloves are a must.

Look for palms that’ll provide plenty of grip on wet handlebars and, if you’ve got a long ride and don’t want to wear summer mitts underneath, padding to keep your hands comfortable.

Jargon buster

Waterproof breathable fabric Some technical fabrics stop water droplets getting in but allow water vapour produced when you sweat to escape outwards. This helps to keep the atmosphere inside dry so you stay warm and comfortable.

46

Gore Bikewear Countdown III GTX £49.99

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

Altura Shield £34.99

These waterproof gloves – which are available in a women’s and men’s version – come with low-bulk Thinsulate insulation that keeps your hands surprisingly toasty when the temperature drops.

The fleecy liner is soft next to your skin, the textured palms don’t slip on wet handlebars, and good gel padding makes for a comfy ride even over rough, frost-damaged roads. Reflective logos add to the safety and the overall build quality is really high. www.zyro.co.uk

Giro Proof £59.99

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

Essential kit: Gloves

Pro X-Pert WP £34.99

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

Bspoke Boston £30.99

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

Specialized Sub Zero £39.99

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

Endura Deluge £34.99

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

Scott Airtech £32.99

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

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 47

Autumn/Winter 2010

Wellness Gearing up for

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

W

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

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

‘wellness’ policies and using specialist companies who provide wellness services to satisfy their employees’ newfound enthusiasm for health and fitness. And this has a knock-on effect for their businesses.

Healthy, happy employees who know how to take care of themselves mean fewer days taken off sick and increased productivity. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

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

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

What is wellness?

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

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

If left untreated, these conditions can lead 48

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

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

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

“For example, people who attend our Stress & Fatigue workshop report better quality of sleep and marked improvement in energy levels after following our recommendations.

This not only helps the individual, but because it means their productivity at work increases, then it benefits their employer too.”

Wellness

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

Graham is well known to the founders of Cyclescheme, Richard Grigsby and Gary Cooper.

The three have cycled together for more than 25 years and the Cyclescheme duo have both benefited from Graham’s expertise.

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

The services offered

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

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 49

Autumn/Winter 2010 EST. CALIFORNIA 1974

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

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

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

“If companies do nothing else about their employees’ wellness, subscribing to this newsletter is a cost-effective way to demonstrate that they care about their staff,” says Graham. “We know that it has a positive effect on so many levels.”

For further information on Wellness Works and to sign up for a free taster Wellness Newsletter for your business, go to www.wellnessworks.org.uk.

Why wellness matters l Absence due to sickness directly cost the UK economy over £13.2 billion in 2006 l 24.6 million working days were lost in Britain due to workrelated ill health in 2008/9 l Of these, an estimated 11.4 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety l And 9.3 million working days were lost through musculoskeletal disorders – such as low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries – caused or made worse by work 50

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

www.khsbikes.co.uk

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Autumn/Winter 2010

in detail...

Bike test

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

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

Other rated rides...

Ridgeback Envoy

Montague Boston

The steel Envoy comes with a 7-speed drivetrain to keep you spinning up the climbs while mudguards and a rear rack mean it’s commuterready right from the off.

The folding pedals are a valuable addition if space is at a premium. www.ridgeback.co.uk

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

£399.99

52

£599.00

On test...

Kansi 3twenty £699.99

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

K

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

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

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

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

The Kansi folds small enough to fit into the boot of your car, take on the bus or train, or hide away behind your desk at work you turn the pedals backwards to slow down. Pure simplicity.

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

Dahon Cadenza P18 £849.99

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

Tech Specs Price: £699.99 Weight: 23.4lb (10.6kg) Frame: Alu Folding Fork: Alu Drivetrain: Truvativ Isoflow Chainset, SRAM 3 Speed internal hub Brakes: Avid linear pull brakes and levers Wheels: Sram T3 rear hub, Alex rims, CST tyres Other: resin pedals, Kansi saddle Sizes: One size

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

The brakes do a good job too. They’re a linear pull design from Avid and they’re more than capable of bringing the 20in wheels to a halt quickly if Foldable and removable someone unexpectedly steps pedals Foldable pedals stay onto the zebra crossing in attached to the cranks but front of you, while Kansi’s own you can flip the pedal body saddle provides a comfortable, up when you’re not riding so forgiving perch. As an added your bike takes up less space. bonus, after you’ve bought your MKS make ingenious EZY Kansi and registered the code removable pedals that allow you get, they’ll send you a box you to take the pedal body off of colour-coded components via a quick release collar. and frame decals so you can customize your bike.

Jargon Buster

www.kansi.co.uk

Brompton S2L £849.99

The Brompton design is a classic, folding down to a super-compact size (58.5cm x 54.5cm x 27cm) in seconds.

You can choose your own build or opt for a key model like this nimble two-speed that comes with a flat handlebar, mudguards and battery lighting. www.brompton.co.uk

www.cyclescheme.co.uk 53

Autumn/Winter 2010

Example

Package

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

£69 9.9 9

Kan si 3 twe nty

£30 .99

bsp ww oke B w.b osto spo n ke.c o.uk

£1 Cate 9.9 www ye Loop 9 Lig .c

ateye .com ht set

99 t £G4iro9Sur.fac.ceohmelme .giro www

Total retail price

£800.96

Example† Cyclescheme savings for basic and higher rate tax payers

Price† after savings for basic rate tax payer

£442.14

Price† after savings for higher rate tax payer

£378.06

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

At the end of the hire period, under a separate agreement, the ownership may be transferred to the hirer for a market value payment. Savings will be affected by your personal level of taxation.

Not all employers can pass on VAT savings. Some employers use finance to purchase the bikes, which will affect savings.

Basic rate

Higher rate

20% Tax, 11% NI, 20% VAT††

40% Tax, 1% NI, 20% VAT††

Bike package retail price

£800.96

Bike package retail price

£800.96

Income tax, VAT & NI saved

£358.82

Income tax, VAT & NI saved

£422.90

Gross monthly repayments

£66.75

Gross monthly repayments

£66.75

Net monthly payments

£36.84

Net monthly payments

£31.51

Total cost of bike package

£442.14

Total cost of bike package

£378.06

††

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

54

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

the website for pedal powered people

www.road.cc

Autumn/Winter 2010

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

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

56

Interview

What sort of cyclist are you?

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

Do you ride throughout the year?

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

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

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

How do you find riding in the London traffic?

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

Have you cycled abroad?

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

When did you start cycling?

I have always ridden bikes – although much more so recently as I discovered that the commute to work would not be as painful as I thought it might be! I also trained for triathlons so have done a fair bit of road cycling, which I loved. I really enjoyed the triathlons – I use the past tense as a back operation put paid to any more running, but I would love to take part in a relay triathlon in the future. I could not choose between the swim and the cycle as I enjoy both disciplines now equally. www.cyclescheme.co.uk 57

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URBAN Take control of your commute

for a list of marin dealers visit: www.marin.Co.UK

ride more +

your perfect ride.

© 2010 TREK BICYCLE CORPORATION

Trek Women’s Specific Design® (WSD®) pavement bikes are the ultimate marriage of form and function. Why shouldn’t practical be beautiful? For fitness, transport, fun, or all of the above, we’ve got your perfect ride.

Learn more about Trek Women at trekbikes.com/women