TECHNICAL ACCESSORIES FOR CYCLISTS
We’ll be looking at brands such as Quad Lock, Beeline and others that produce tech to take your riding out to new places. The tech market is always changing and it’s too easy to spend a lot of money on something that will simply not perform as expected. Our aim is to keep it simple and to look for the best and most efficient options for you. For example, we’ve been using Quad Lock ourselves, for many years; and it’s our own default phone mount product – simply because, it has no equal. We want to tell you about the products that we trust so much, that we use them ourselves.
Anyway, take a look below and get yourself kitted out for your own global cycling trip or a simple day in the hills.
Ben in Nidderdale on Orbea, using Quad Lock
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SQLab Saddles for Prostate Problems and Back Pain
Now that we’ve got you sitting relatively comfortably on your new SQLab step saddle, we want to talk with you about those medical issues which some cyclists unfortunately have, and which can benefit from even more detailed technical thinking from those clever people at SQlab. Let's look at bike saddles for back pain and prostate issues
Effective ergonomics and choosing the correct bike saddle
Making sure that your bike saddle is comfortable and that it is the correct saddle for you, is more important than we usually give it credit for. It’s important to ask yourself the question: ‘am I sitting comfortably?’
Masham Moor Gravel Route
A superb introductory gravel bike route from the historic Dales market town of Masham. It takes you across high moorland, along tree lined lanes and through woodland, as you taste the gravel biking opportunities of this epic cycling location.
Cycling accident alert systems – crash sensors and locator devices
Heading into the hills on road or trail, especially when riding alone, can bring a wealth of risks to the ride. We want to be adventurous, but we also need others to know that we're okay - and more importantly, when we're not okay. Time to take a look at Crash Sensors and location devices for cyclists
Camelbak Podium Water Bottle Range
It's hotting up outside and it's definitely time to start looking at water bottles. Robert and Nadezhda take a look at the latest bottles from world leaders in hydration, Camelbak 🙂
Buying a bike that fits you properly
When sitting in a car for the first time, we adjust several aspects to increase our comfort. However, we frequently go to the same level of detail in buying a bike - yet we really ought to. Time then to examine the importance of identifying our own uniqueness when buying a new bike
Benefits of a professional bike fitting session
There are a number of ideas why all keen cyclists – and regular commuters by bike – should get a professional bike fit from a bike fitting expert. Most of us simply walk into a bike shop and try a bike for size without actually knowing what a correctly fitting bike feels like. SQ Lab have been creating products to help bike fitters to help out cyclists, since 1992. Time to take a look at the 6 key benefits of a professional bike fit
SQ Lab and the Appliance of Science in Cycling Excellence
SQLab is probably one of the most established and long-term technical brands within the cycling industry, that you really ought to have heard of. Since it’s infancy in the early days of the mountain bike revolution of the 1990s, this group of cycling scientists from Germany have been setting the standard for innovation and excellence that still defines SQLab today.
What’s the Best Mountain Bike Lights
Mountain biking at night adds a different and exciting dimension to trail riding. On late summer evenings and those warm autumn days; riding into the darkness with friends is food for the soul. Thinking about this, we wanted to share our thoughts with you about our favourite mountain bike trail lights
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.
Tailfin Alloy Rack with Pannier Mounts
Tailfin changed to way we look at bike racks, when they launched their first design only a few short years ago. With a system that fastens to any bike, without touching the frame, it gives everyone the opportunity to take on a 2-wheeled adventure. We decided to ask Bikepacking expert, Sam Huby, to take a look at their latest alloy rack, and see how useful it could be on a short trip to the Hebrides.
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.
Bike Box Alan EasyFit on Team Training Camp
It can be difficult to transport the bike abroad. It’s precious and important, our bike, and we don’t want it damaged . It’s often very difficult and inconvenient to disassemble the entire bike into pieces, and then to put it in a cardboard bike box. It’s not very well protected, and complicated to transport and takes up a lot of unnecessary space. - welcome to the Easy Fit, from Bike Box Alan
Verve Info Crank 2
The Metaverse already exists - especially for cyclists. How many of you guys love Zwift racing, where you meet up online, in avatar format and race against each other… often daily.
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.
Camelbak Lobo Pack
I’ve always loved mtb rides in the mountains of Transylvania, but I also like to explore other parts of my country too. For example, Baiu Mountains with altitudes of 1700-1900 m, located in Prahova county. Transbai is an off-road trail and it is 38 kilometers long and will connect the cities of Azuga and Busteni to Valea Doftanei. In these kind of adventures, it is important to have an adequate physical condition and proper nutrition.
Camelbak Hawg Pro Backpack & Womens Luxe
There are so many options for biking backpacks these days. However, Camelbak have revisited the classic Mule pack, and they've created something rather special. We took a close look at the new Camelbak Hawg Pro and Ladies Luxe pack over spring and early summer.
Elite Ice Fly and Nano Fly Water Bottles
It’s the height of summer and it’s getting hotter, so hydration on and off the bike is critical. If you do become dehydrated, then it’s at least 24 hours to recover, which is why drinking off the bike is also important. And, you really do need that fluid to be refreshing, which is why Italian brand, Elite, have taken their award winning Fly bottle to new levels of technology with their latest range of bottles.
Bike Box Alan Premium
When you look at most bike boxes, the design, even of the newest models, often seems to follow the classic design from our own favourite brand - Bike Box Alan. Now, we’re based in Yorkshire too, so let’s get this out of the way immediately; yes, we see BBA as a partner, now and into the future. Why - well, simply because they cannot be beaten in terms of looking after your precious bike.
Look MTB Pedals S Track
Look make extremely beautiful bikes, and their pedals are renowned across the cycling world for their design and performance - let's take a 'Look' then 🙂
Elite Cycling Fly Bottles – Ride Routine
Before every ride I do the same things. Albeit that I'm 56 years of age, I seem to be no different from what I was racing track and field years ago, lining up my shoes, with the socks placed across them and a lucky jacket nearby.
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.
Pirelli Scorpion XC M 2.2 Mountain Bike Tyre
Yes, I know that many riders set things up with a 2.4 at the rear and 2.2 at the front – and we might try that next- but this test was all about the Scorpion XC M 2.2 and how lively and fun a ride it provides – and boy is this an exciting tyre.
Bike Box Alan Easy Fit
Modern bikes are expensive and difficult to protect when travelling. Thankfully, Bike Box Alan have developed their Easy Fit, which caters and looks after all manner of bikes with integrated handlebars and seat posts etc. Larisa likes it so much that she became an ambassador 😉
Yakima Front Loader Bike Carrier
Yakima make carriers all kinds of bikes, and their Front Loader is probably one of the most secure and well fitting bike carrier on the market. We tested it both in Romania and in the U.K.
Pirelli PZero Velo 4S
If you’re after a tyre for colder and wetter conditions, then the Pirelli PZero Velo 4S is probably an ideal choice. We’ve been using it in the harsh conditions of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and it’s proved itself to be a fast rolling, grippy and hard wearing tyre for all conditions.
Deuter Flyt 14 Mountain Bike Pack
Any mountain biking pack needs to first of all perform as a pack on the hills. After all, it’s pointless carrying anything on a bike that doesn’t perform in its basic function. Thankfully, the Deuter Flyt 14 backpack performs superbly in its base function as a mountain bacpack or for adventure days on a gravel bike.
Pirelli Scorpion MTB Mixed Tyres
When the trails are tough and technical and can change in an instant if the weather is feeling temperamental, tyre choice is vital. Thankfully, these Pirelli Scorpion MTB Mixed Terrain Tyres are just what’s required. Tested and developed alongside the world’s top teams, they’re made for days on the trail when you can expect the unexpected.
Yakima High Road Tyre Hold Bike Carrier
The Yakima High Road is a top of the range heavy duty piece of engineering, designed with typical Japanese effectiveness. The front wheel is locked into place by a moveable set of hoops that wrap around the wheel. Simply lift the bike up and place the front wheel into the front hoop, bring the second hoop in towards the wheel and tighten things up with a calibrated ratchet that clicks when the correct tension is applied.
Schwalbe Pro One 25mm Tubeless Tyre
Quite simply, the latest Schwalbe Pro One 25mm tyre is without doubt strong, light and agile. I have to say right off the bat that I’ve suffered not a single puncture and these tyres appear as good in autumn as they did back in June.
CAMELBAK Rogue Light Hydration Pack
In Camelbak's marketing material, they say that the Rogue lightweight pack is everything that you crave for on the everyday trail, by being: minimal, durable, cool and comfortable. They sent one to us here at Pedalnorth.com, in a lovely teal colour for us to try out and see if their marketing spin is true. It certainly looked the part on first impressions.
Schwalbe Aerothan Tube and 28mm Pro One Tyre
Schwalbe are working hard to bring new developments to your cycling. We fitted their new Aerothan tubes to their latest Pro One tyres - and the bike danced with joy... find out why.
Walmer – Wide Drop Bars
Finding the correct size drop bar for a road bike has always been straightforward. Measure the distance between the acromial arches (the bony protrusions on the anterior shoulder) and that is your centre to centre bar width. Following the evolution of gravel and adventure bike geometry, the choice of bar shape and width is expanding with width and degree of flare being the most significant differences.
Indoor Cycling in Winter
Winter can be beautiful. The snow falls deep and lies like a blanket. It’s super for skiing, which I love, but it means that I cannot ride outside so much. I still need to train though and I now have Elite to help me.
Elite Fly Water Bottles
Elite Cycling from Italy don’t just make great indoor cycle trainers. They also make the most technologically researched water bottles for cyclists. We thought that we’d take a look at this critical item of cycling kit.
Indoor Cycling – Not Hibernating
Indoor cycling isn't about hibernation. Instead, it's all about developing your performance to be better equipped to tackle those hills outside, bringing you more smiles when the snow and ice thaws. Elite provide the very products and apps to help you to make the most of indoor cycling.
Rotor Q Rings on MTB And Gravel Bike
Rotor Q Rings can be a great addition and upgrade for mountain bikers and for Gravel Bike users, helping those with knee pain issues in particular. The technology and science behind them is constantly developing. Time then for us to take a detailed lookat them with Scott Cornish.
Elite Suito Interactive Trainer Introduction
The Elite Suito Smart Trainer is described as an “out of the box” solution, and it really is. For all the technology and science that has clearly gone into developing this high performance indoor cycling trainer, it’s simply itself in setting up. When the parcels arrived from Italy, I was eager to get started, making room for the myriad of trainers and accessories and planning the cycle area in the bike store.
Elite Tuo Interactive Indoor Trainer
I've owned the same turbo trainer since I met Noah in the harbour one day. A huge piece of analogue iron with steel roller and a cable attached to a gearing mechanism to provide a little change in resistance. The future I thought to myself and to be honest, back then, it probably was. It has done me proud over the years but along came my Editor one day recently, lugging a heavy box from Elite Cycling. Time for an upgrade he told me and indoor cycling life has not been the same since!
Elite Indoor Cycle Training
I like a challenge - I’m still a competitor at heart. But the distance involved in travelling to practice and, the onset of colder weather means my training has to be adapted. Yes, I can go out into the smaller hills in my local National Park, the Dales. They’re truly beautiful, but the winter is coming. Yesterday we had snow! My wife’s parents sent a picture of it.
Yes, I’ll be back onto the rollers again I guess, spinning away and wiping away the sweat, as I try to retain my legs in readiness for spring or a crisp winter day. It won’t give me the strength though, just the stamina, which as a former distance athlete God or my parents already gave me.
Yes, I’ll be back onto the rollers again I guess, spinning away and wiping away the sweat, as I try to retain my legs in readiness for spring or a crisp winter day. It won’t give me the strength though, just the stamina, which as a former distance athlete God or my parents already gave me.
Pirelli PZero Race TLR 28
Pirelli returned to road cycling just a few ago, going back to their heritage and using their knowledge and skills developed in a formula 1 to great effect. Now sponsoring UCI World teams at both road and mtb disciplines, their latest tyre ranges take things to a whole new level, like the new 28mm TLR road tyre.
Ladies Bike Saddles Review
A bike saddle is the most personal part of your bike, and it can make all the difference in the world. That’s why getting the right saddle for road cyclists and triathletes is so important. While a good saddle is barely noticeable, the uncomfortable one will make you beyond miserable. Unless you want to make your best friend’s thigh chaff and lower parts numb, you need to find the right saddle. But what exactly does that mean?
Well, to put it simply, women-specific saddles usually have a cut-out to relieve soft tissue pressure. The use of a wider saddle helps to accommodate a woman's wider-spaced sit bones. Sit bones are the bones that make up the area in your buttocks that are the most likely to feel pressured during a ride.
Well, to put it simply, women-specific saddles usually have a cut-out to relieve soft tissue pressure. The use of a wider saddle helps to accommodate a woman's wider-spaced sit bones. Sit bones are the bones that make up the area in your buttocks that are the most likely to feel pressured during a ride.
Ladies Bike Saddles
Whether you’re viewing the rolling greens of the countryside, conquering the mountains or planning a cycle across the bustling streets, the bottom line is – your bottom is in the line. No matter what the scenery might offer, without the right saddle and perfect padding for your tush it isn’t fun and you won't be able to push as much power as possible. There’s no reason to tolerate aching muscles and pressure points when you can find a seat that goes the extra mile.
Know your body
Know your body
Cormet de Roselend France
Sitting at an altitude of 1968m the Cormet de Roselend connects Beaufort(744m) in the Beaufortain valley in the west and Bourg-Saint-Maurice(840m) in the Tarentaise Valley to the east. The climb has a rich TDF history. It was first featured in the 1979 Tour de France and ten times since. In 2019 the climb was cut from the tour as a mudslide rendered the climb impassable. It returns in 2020 for stage 18 and just happens to follow our preferred route over the Cormet!
Aeropress Coffee
I used to be a bit of a philistine when it came to coffee, coffee was just coffee and instant tasted okay. That was until I started drinking freshly ground and freshly made coffee. What a revelation and how bad instant now tastes. Far from being any kind of connoisseur, but I can now appreciate the subtle undertones of flavours in different coffees, although this has created a bit of hole for myself, demanding good coffee wherever I travel, even bikepacking.
A few thoughts on bikefitting
Riding a bike seems a simple process. However, it's not until we start to look at the technical aspects, that we can really begin to reap the full benefits. Steve took a reluctant trip for bike fit and came back a changed rider... with lots of bikes to change too 😉
Choosing a triathlon bike
There is a lot to think about in triathlon for beginners, three sports to master, the fitness levels needed to finish a race, the mental pressure and so on. However, equipment is also important, and while the right swimwear and running shoes are crucial, the biggest investment for most new to triathlon is the bike.
How to choose a triathlon suit
For triathlon athletes, everything matters and can have a significant impact on overall performance. Not just training and mindset, but equipment too, and an important part of that is the triathlon suit itself, as it is worn throughout the entire event.
3T Super Ergo Team Comfort Handlebars
3T make excellent cycles and finishing kit; oh, and great wheels too. For the past year we’ve been testing their Superergo Team bars on our bike build series road bike here at Pedalnorth and they’ve been spot on in all aspects.
Cycling Safety
These days when road cycling, were faced with the growing battle between cars and bikes for space. Whilst some countries embraced cycling as a general form of transport many years ago: Holland, Belgium, parts of Germany and France; elsewhere in the world you can take your life into your hands by riding the roads.
Absolute Black double chainrings
Some riders swear by them, others aren’t so convinced. Oval chainrings can be a bit marmite, but are certainly here to stay, with Absolute Black dedicated to the cause.
Build Your Road Bike 5
Time to finish off the perfect bike build and get ready to ride the Bianchi. Setting up the bike and taping the bars
Build Your Road Bike 4
Fitting hydraulic brake systems is no easy task. We guide you through the process on our build
26 mtb wheel
Let’s take a look at wheel sizes and try to convince you to let common sense and your riding style take over, by simply choosing the wheel that suits you and not the one that marketing wants you to ride.
Bike Box Alan
They keep things plain and simple in Yorkshire; nowt is wasted, including unnecessary words or titles. It’s a bike box and guess what ... it’s made by Alan.
Pirelli Scorpion mtb Tyre
Living in the mountains, I need good tyres. Testing the latest ones from Pirelli was intersting, as they were new to me. The Pirelli MTB range is born from Pirelli's experience and know how in the world of off-road competitions. Let's see how they do...
Beeline Navigation Device
Everybody in cycling seems to talk devices these days. Strava has become a pain, yes a pain, Garmin is a close run second and there are a plephora of other devices that cyclists seem lost ... literally without. I'm no technophobe, but I do believe that you should first learn to use a map and compass, and in truth, with great devices like Quad Lock which allows you to pop you mobile phone onto the handlebars, Google Maps simply can't be beaten - or can it 😉
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