Getting Interactive with Elite

The Elite Justo and new Rizer indoor interactive cycle set-up brings a whole new level of realism to cycling at home. Time to take a look as winter hits hard outside

Indoor Cycling Inspiration – Ben Ralston

Indoor cycling isn’t just for elite athletes and keen amateur riders. When you consider the technology these days and what it can replicate from the real roads, then it’s also a way in which ordinary and some quite extraordinary people can stay cycling. As we begin another autumn season of indoor cycling blogs, read the account of Ben Ralston and how having access to an indoor interactive training allowed this inspiring man to keep turning the pedals in his last few months of his battle with cancer

Pirelli Scorpion XC RC Mountain Bike Tyre

we decided to put a set of latest Pirelli race ready Scorpion tyres on our test bikes this year. Not only did we choose their super fast and flighty, Scorpion XC RC, but we then went for the 2.2 widths – just to add a bit more spice. True to form, the Orbea Oiz XC bike that we ran these tyres on, became an unleashed trail beast that required careful handling, and harping back to those halcyon days where flat pedals on a hard tail taught you the necessary skills of foot control.

Pirelli PZero Race 4S All Weather Tyre for cycling

Once in a while you test a tyre that seems to have it all. I’m quite fussy with my road tyres too, as I live and ride in the Yorkshire Dales, where the gravel edged roads are tight and twisty and take no prisoners. I want to feel safe, and it’s not always possible when you’re testing tyres. However, these new Pirelli all-weather tyres in the 26 mm size are the cycle tyre equivalent of having Belgium Chocolate Cake from Jervaulx Abbey – they’re simply irresistible.

Designing Cycle Shoes for Women

In case you haven’t noticed it, women are built differently from men – it’s a fact. All too often, historically, brands have simply produced downsized products for women, and have failed either deliberately or otherwise, to recognise the physiological differences. Yes, the cycling world simply used a ‘Pink it & Shrink it’ mentally, failing to understand the specific needs of women as athletes.

Our Favourite Coffee Stops – Lumos Cafe in Sibiu

As far of Coffee shops and cafes go, Lumos sets the bar very high indeed, as we start to share our own list of favourite cafes for cyclists with you. I don’t know if it can be matched…

Hill and Ellis Saddle Bag

Stylishly modern vintage

There’s a whole new movement of cyclists, all over Europe, who love vintage bikes of all genres, especially fxed wheels. Add to this, the cyclists on Brompton’s and other more modern city bike for cool commuters, then this high-quality leather saddle bag from Hill & Ellis is the perfect gift.

Cycling to Paltinis and the city of Sibiu

It’s a year now, since I was cycling upwards, in the hills close to the historic city of Sibiu, deep in Transylvania. I returned again in winter, visiting people I regard as family, and the wonderful Sibiu Christmas market. It’s a city that’s easy to fall in love with, filled with amazing architecture, a warm ambience and some of the most beautiful mountains in Europe.

Pink it and shrink it – a male perspective on sexism in cycling

Working in the cycling industry as a man, I was shocked when I first heard the phrase ‘we simply used to pink it and shrink it’, in relation to ladies cycling clothing. Seriously! Yes, women who wanted cycling clothing etc, were expected to buy and wear smaller versions of a men’s design – just in pink.

Countdown to Adventure – Transfăgărășan Challenge 2023

If you still don’t know where the Transfăgărășan Highway is, and that it’s described by many as ‘the best road in the world’, then give your head a shake please!
This epic ribbon of tarmac, winds its way chaotically across the mountains, close to the historic city of Sibiu, in Transylvania, Romania – itself a World Heritage Site.