Those all important items of the bike

Inspired by cycling friends

It’s been over two months since I rode a bike. To some people, that may not sound too bad. However, when I tell you that it’s because of a life-changing health issue that isn’t too good. Thankfully, I’m constantly inspired by some amazing people…

Yoga for Cyclists – The Bow Pose with Diane Vilarem

Hip Flexors can cause cyclists all manner of pain issues. Thankfully, our flexible French Yoga Teacher, Diane Vilarem knows the perfect pose for this – the Archer inspired Bow Pose. It’s time to get flexible for riding, with Diane

SQ Lab Cycling – Maximising Performance & Comfort

SQ Lab are a group of very clever scientists, based in the heart of Bavaria, who are passionate about helping you and all cyclists to find the perfect fit for your bike. Using their well-researched and detailed software and measuring tools, they’ll not only tell you what’s required; they also design and create innovative solutions to optimise your ride.

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.

Pirelli PZero TLR 26

It’s been cold and damp here in North Yorkshire recently. The leaves are lying on the ground and adding to the autumnal road dangers. Good tyres are critical are this time of the year, as they can compensate just a little for a lack of handling ability, which I’m modest enough to admit to having. Pirelli are a brand that are used to creating tyres for bad weather.

Pirelli PZero Race TLR SL 26

These Pirelli PZero TLR SL tubeless ready tyres have proved themselves to be impeccable at handling, as well as being a superb rolling tyre, meaning that I really have had some sublime rides on this particular example of 26mm rubber. So much so that it’s going to be difficult for me to replace them, as I move further into the Pirelli range on our tests.

Red Chilli WR1 – Sitting Comfortably

Ok, now that I got your attention, we can continue with some technical aspects about my bike:

There are two really important parts to my RedChilli WR1 bike; firstly, the carbon pedals by Shimano, as they fasten to my feet and prove superb power transfer and stability when riding. Then, it’s obviously my saddle…

Schwalbe Pro One TT Tan Wall Tyre

When the schwalbe pro one TT tan wall 25mm arrived here for a test, it was obvious that we needed to hand it onto a speed freak – thankfully Ben fits the bill, having a love of fixed gear urban riding and lo-pro bikes. This tyre however would be going onto his Giant TCR.

Schwalbe One tubeless tyre 30c

Schwalbe seem to sit in a select group of really sound tyre brands with consistently good products. Hutchinson and Panaracer occupy this space also. Well developed products that perform well. Time then to take a look at this tubeless offering.