The MAMIL Channel
All the key differences and all the things that have stayed the same between the brand new V2 Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT and the original version. Most importantly, should you upgrade? Find out within.
My review of the Daysaver multi-tool. A very nice tool. Lightweight and easy to carry on a ride. A pleasure to use. But is it worth paying top dollar for? Find out my thoughts within…
Want to know the key differences between the Edge 530 vs 830 bike computers? More importantly, which you should buy? This post has all the detail you need.
My comparison of the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM and the new “V2” version of the ELEMNT BOLT. How do they differ? Which would I recommend? All that and more. (Ok, not that much more. Mainly ‘all that’).
I’ve bought a Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM. It’s a colour bike GPS. First impressions: it’s meaty, beaty, big and bouncy. Watch me unbox the ROAM in this handy little video.
No mystery in this title. In this post (mainly video) I unbox my recently-acquired Edge 830 (device only, as I’ve already got the sensors). Behold a nice, sleek touchscreen GPS.
My review of the Garmin Edge 530 after 5 months of extensive use. In summary, it’s a great bike computer. Read the review if you want a bit more detail…
Want to compare the Edge 1030 vs Edge 1030 Plus bike computers? What are the new features of the Edge 1030 Plus? This post has all the info (and jokes).
Want to compare the Garmin Edge 1030 with the Edge 830? Seek no more. All the key differences (and what’s the same) so you can decide which is right for you.
In this post I review the Garmin Varia RTL515 rear view radar and tail light: what it’s like to use, how it works with non-Garmin bike computers and whether I think you should buy one (hint: I love it).
Are you struggling to find the best cycling shorts for a long ride? You’re seeking comfort whilst still looking good on the bike (and in the coffee shop)? The Sportive Cyclist guide to cycling shorts will tell you everything you need to know (and some stuff you really don’t…)
Find the best road bike pedals for you with this detailed guide. Includes overviews of the Shimano, Look and Speedplay ranges. Confusion be gone!
Looking for a chain whip and cassette lockring tool for your bike? Find out what they are, who sells them and which is the best in this post.
What is a torque wrench, and which is the best type for your road bike needs? How much do they cost? This post has the answers (and jokes)…
Whatever your fitness level, riding up hills can be tough. Read my top 7 (relatively) easy to implement tips for getting better at climbing.
In the market for a new bike GPS – one with all the features you (and the pros) need, but won’t break the bank? Look no further than this detailed comparison of the Edge 530 and the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT.
In this post I use the distinctly unscientific approach of dropping an Edge 530 into a glass of water in order to find out if it is waterproof…
Want to find out how your local climb compares to famous ascents of the Alps and the Pyrenees? This post explains the method Strava uses to assign climb classification ratings to your favourite cote.
I like to write. I also like to read. I also like to cycle. I like to read cycling books. In this post I present a selection of my favourite books about bikes.
Are you looking to train using either heart rate or power meter data? In this post I explain both methods and help you decide which is best for you.
Find out the exact steps taken by one man to lose 6 stones in just one year (by road cycling).
My detailed review of the Bryton Rider 450. Offered at a good price with a decent range of features. But how does it perform? Find out within…
Want to understand how bike gears work? Confused about the terminology? This post has all the information you need, explained in simple terms (by a simple man).
Bryton’s brand new top of the range bike computer, with colour touchscreen and onboard navigation whizzbangery, set at a competitive price point. But how does compare with higher end Garmins and Wahoos? Find out here.
Need help choosing the right winter cycling jacket for your needs and budget? Let Sportive Cyclist help with this detailed guide. All the info you need on staying warm on the bike over winter.
I’ve owned a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT for a while now (like nearly 3½ years), so it’s about time I shared my thoughts in the form of a review. If you’re thinking about buying a new cycling computer, this post will contain all you need to know.
In this post, complete with video, I show you how to remove and fit a BB90 Bottom Bracket on a Trek road bike (in this case my carbon Trek Domane).
Looking for some new gloves for wet autumn and not-quite-deep-winter road cycling? Check out my review of the Castelli Perfetto ROS gloves, which might just fit the bill.
Want to add a bit of snazzy colour to your road cycling ‘look’? Or perhaps just have super comfy feetz? Check out this review of my Pongo cycling socks.
In this blog post and accompanying short video I explain how to upload a GPS cycling route to the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT bike computer.
Looking for road bike wheels that are strong, not too heavy and at a good price? Campagnolo Zondas might be the wheels for you.
A dedicated workstand makes bike maintenance a lot more pleasurable (or bearable, depending on your view). In this post I review the Elite Race Workstand.
Do you want to know how to remove pedal cranks from a square taper bottom bracket? Good news. It’s pretty straightforward. You just need a crank wrench and puller tool. Watch this video to learn how to do it.
Wahoo ELEMNT vs ELEMNT BOLT – A detailed post comparing Wahoo’s two flagship cycling GPS devices. Find out which is the best cycling GPS for you. Make sure you don’t waste money by buying the wrong one!
Looking for a high performance merino wool cycling jersey? Find out if the Vulpine Alpine merino jersey can beat out the Lycra competition.
My detailed video review of the LifeLine (or X-Tools) Pro Torque Wrench Set. It’s a well-made torque wrench at a good price. Recommended.
My ‘first look’ at the brand new Bryton Rider 750 bike GPS, a colour touchscreen device with onboard navigation.
Trying to choose between Strava vs MapMyRide? Find out how they compare: features, usability, cost and which is better for your cycling needs.
Trying to pick between Shimano 105 and Ultegra for your next road bike? This post gives a detailed comparison and tells you which I would get.
Find the best winter cycling tights to keep your nether regions warm on the bike. Detailed guide with all you need to know, including product recommendations.
This post compares Shimano’s Tiagra road groupset with 105. What are the key differences? Which is better value? Find out here.
A detailed comparison of the Trek Domane vs the Specialized Roubaix ranges. Easily compare the spec and price of each model. Feature review. Fun!
Trying to decide between tights and leg warmers when road cycling? Or wondering what leg warmers are? This post has the answers.
Want to know whether to wear tights over or under your cycling shorts? I’ll give you the short(!) answer: Yes. Now read this post for more details.
A series of videos showing how I stripped down my Trek Domane 4.3 road bike to a bare frame and then rebuilt it.
In this post I demonstrate how to replace the grease inside a Speedplay Zero pedal using a low-cost (but effective) grease gun. Note that these are ‘old-style’ Speedplay pedal, before the Wahoo design revamp (the new designs apparently don’t need to be re-greased any more).
Want to get maximum fitness from the right amount of effort? In this detailed post I tell you everything you need to know about ‘proper’ cycling fitness training.
A detailed review of the Speedplay Zero Stainless pedals. Do they still work after 7 years of ownership? Did they solve my chronic knee pain? Find out here.
Do you need a cheap and effective solution for riding in the rain and mud? Look no further. This mudguard/fender is easy to fit and great value. Read my review.
All the key differences between a road bike and a hybrid bike, wrapped up in a tasty blog post, with a little ribbon on top.
My review of the Elite Crono Fluid Elastogel trainer. A robust ‘non-smart’ trainer that has served me for at least 7 years.
This post contains a detailed description of how to fit the Bontrager Duotrap speed and cadence sensor to a Trek road bike, with photos and a video.
Castelli Perfetto review – a detailed post on the Castelli Perfetto ‘foul weather’ cycling jersey, the long-sleeved successor to the famous Castelli Gabba. Read my review to find out how it performed and (most importantly) is it worth the money!
Should you your next road bike from a bike shop, whether that’s a local independent or one of the large retailers, or over the internet? Here are my thoughts.
My account of a hugely enjoyable day spent at the Rouleur Classic bike show in London in November 2019. When we could still do these things…
Do you wear prescription glasses and ride a bike? You should read this post. Find out about my new cycling sports glasses, plus tips for varifocals.
My guide to road cycling in the beautiful roads on the Côte D’Azur and specifically the roads in the hills behind Grasse.
Can’t decide between Trek vs Specialized for your next road bike? Confused by all the models, options & prices. This post has all you need.
All the information you need in order to ride, and enjoy, the Col de l’Ecre, a particularly beautiful (and long) climb in the south of France.
I could have written a blog post about how hard the RideLondon 100 climbs are. Instead I made a video. You should probably watch it.
Are you looking for the perfect socks for cycling? Read my detailed sock guide to get all the information you need (and some you don’t…). Enjoy.
Detailed review of the Aftershokz Trek Air bone conduction headphones. How do they sound? Are they loud enough? Are they safe on the bike? I’ve got answers!
Not all trainers are smart trainers with in-built power meters. In this post I look at how you can measure, or estimate, your power when using a dumb, or non-smart, indoor trainer.
Is there skill involved in planning a great cycling route? If you know an area then its quite intuitive, or habitual. But what should you think about when planning a great route. This post explores the topic.
The top 6 tools that I use to make my bike maintenance activities a pleasure (or at least satisfactory…).
I bought some new lights: front (Cateye Volt 800) and rear (Lezyne KTV Pro Drive 75). Should you buy these lights? Read this post to find out.
Nine different ways to approach improving your cycling fitness, from ‘just ride more’ to ‘get a coach’ with many other options in between.
My top clothing recommendations for road cyclists.
How I’m going to approach riding in the dark this year (having bought bike lights…).
A detailed and enjoyable post comparing the key differences between the Garmin Edge 520 and Edge 820 (and what they both do well). Which is best for you?
A detailed post comparing the Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra groupsets. Find where each sits in the range. What are the differences. Which offers the best value.
Detailed post comparing the Garmin Edge 520 and Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT bike GPS devices. How do they differ? Which is better? Which should you buy?
What is a cycling ‘go box’? In short, somewhere to store all your ride gear so that you don’t waste time faffing before a ride. This post has all the details.
My full ‘race report’ of the 2018 edition of the RideLondon 100 closed road sportive through London and Surrey. Please to enjoy.
A long term review of the Stolen Goat ONE bib shorts, written by a keen amateur cyclist with a talent for writing amusing words about lycra. In short, these shorts are excellent. Read my review for more indepth analysis and to see photos of me wearing them.
Is a bike fit worth it? Short answer: yes. You’ll go faster (all else being equal) and suffer fewer injuries. It’s a no brainer. Read this post if you need more convincing.
If you’re a ‘time-starved’ cyclist and you want to improve performance, it’s vital to know the difference between training volume and intensity. This post has you covered.
We all know MAMIL stands for ‘Middle-Aged Man In Lycra’ but what does it *mean* to be a MAMIL? Is it a badge to wear with honour or mild embarrassment? This post contains my thoughts.
Understanding periodisation will help you to build a cycling training programme that improves your fitness and performance on the bike. Here’s how it works.
How to build good cycling habits? You just need to repeat a series of simple actions every day. This post will tell you how.
There are few things worse for a cyclist than a persistent painful knee. In this post I recount what I did to resolve my own knee pain and get back to fitness,
My take on ‘the great helmet debate’. Assuming there is a great helmet debate.
Building a cycling habit during the summer is easy. Maintaining it during the winter is hard. Here’s how I do it.
In this post I describe a glorious day spent cleaning my drivetrain (of my bike). Perhaps you’ll pick up a few tips (or see what NOT to do). Who knows…?
Some top tips from a professional bike mechanic on how to set up your bike to get maximum performance and enjoyment in your next sportive.
Can’t face an outdoor ride in poor weather? Or you only have limited time on the bike? Here are all your indoor cycling options.
Road cycling and coffee seem intrinsically linked. But why? And why do pro cyclists all seem to want jobs as baristas? Your intrepid velo-reporter finds out.
A guest post about the route, and particularly the climbs, of the Velo Birmingham sportive.
How do professional road cyclists achieve such magnificent feats of speed and endurance? And how can you apply the lessons to your training? This post explains all.
Detailed guide to road cycling in Majorca from a base at Puerto Pollensa, including routes, bike hire and where to stay.
Interested in buying a power meter for your bike. This post contains all the information you need to make the right choice.
A post on how to work on your pedal stroke in order to improve your efficiency and speed on the bike.
Some frequently asked questions about RideLondon, answered by a barely competent cyclist who has completed the event twice.
A comparison of the Polar M450 bike computer with the Garmin Edge 520. To help you decide which might be best for you.
Want to know if Trainerroad works without a smart trainer? This is how I used Trainerroad with the Elite Crono Fluid (AKA a ‘dumb’ indoor trainer).
Do you need a road bike to complete the RideLondon 100 sportive? If you’re buying a bike, what should you spend and what should you be looking for at each price point? Answers within…
Confused by all the different Garmin Edge bike GPS computers on the market? Want to find one to suit your specific needs and budget? Look no further, this post has all the information you need.
My review of the Kask Vertigo 2.0 helmet. A good choice for the enthusiastic MAMIL? You betcha.
A post on how I cycled every day for 35 days in a row. Read if you want some tips on how you can do the same.
My guide to what I wear when I am road cycling in winter.
Which is an aspirational title for a blog post, if ever there was one. My thoughts on how to make cycling (and staying fit through cycling) a permanent habit, rather than a chore.
This post does exactly what it says on the tin. It tells you how to build a structured, periodised cycling training programme. Get fitter the right way!
Way back in the mists of time, I conducted a survey of Sportive Cyclist email subscribers, asking them for their biggest frustration with cycling. There were complaints about the state of British roads (and those of Azerbaijan) and the standard of cycling when riding as a group, but the main …
So you’re in the market for a mid-range Garmin cycling GPS device and are considering whether to go for the Edge 520 or the 510? Good, well you’ve come to the right place. The Garmin Edge 520 is, as the ‘520’ number-clature suggests, similar to the 510 (and with an …
A post chock full of logistical information around RideLondon based on my actual riding experience. AKA are there enough toilets?
A long-term review of the Garmin Edge 510 bike computer. Which you’ll struggle to buy these days. So not that useful. Still… history.
It’s a perennial question (and sometimes a perineal one). If, broadly speaking, consuming too many calories and not burning them off leads to increased body fat storage, surely training without taking in any calories is going to tip the scales in your favour? I’ve been asked about the subject of …
I have hit the big time. I have been sent a book to review. By a publisher. For free. (For now, let’s ignore the fact that I contacted said publisher myself, fragrantly exploiting the Sportive Cyclist readership, in order to procure this freebie.) The book in question is ‘Fast After …
Tackling the RideLondon climbs ahead of the event is a great way to dispel your fears. But what if you live miles away? Here are some thoughts on how to recreate them closer to home.
Want to know how the Strava Fitness & Freshness chart can help your cycling training? This post tells you all you need to know.
All you need to know if you are new to the world of road cycling, but keen to learn (and ride) more.
The weather in the UK turned quite abruptly earlier this month. September was surprisingly warm and dry. October came along, the switch was flipped and winter began (or at least a chilly autumn did). This time of the year tends to see me make a wardrobe gaffe. Thankfully (for both you and …
Hello and welcome to the Newsnight Review. I’m Kirsty Wark. I jest. But I am wearing women’s clothes. I jest again. (Or do I…?) This is a slightly new feature on Sportive Cyclist. I’m going to review a book. You’ll be pleased to hear that it’s a book about cycling. …
I’m sorry to be the one that has to break this to you, but winter is approaching. The opportunities for riding outside start to dwindle. Work day evenings become dark and cold. Day time riders will gamble with rain, wind and, before too long, dangerous icy roads. But fear not. …
Welcome to the fourth in my series of posts, ‘Get Lean For Performance’. Originally intended as a July series, I seem to have crept into stomped all over August. Whatevs. This is my final post on the topic for the time being. My next ‘thematic series’ will look at training …
Are you looking to shift a few extra pounds and think the bike may be the tool that helps you do that? Good news – you’re on the right track. And I have a reader success story to prove it. (Yeah, yeah, a sample size of 1 does not prove …
In this post, I compare the Garmin Edge 1000 and the Edge 810 bike GPS computers. If you’re not lusting after your next bike (I know you’ve got your eye on something), chances are you’re lusting after a bit of bling to attach to your handlebars (no, not a diamante-encrusted …
Boom! It’s 20 days until the 2014 running of the RideLondon 100 kicks off (pedals off) from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Are you excited? You should be*. (* Unless you’re not doing it, in which case, “meh”.) In this post I’m going to rehash share some of the stuff I’ve …
Hello campers. Welcome to the second post in my series looking at weight loss for cyclists. Together we’re getting lean for performance (that’s right, me and you). Last time we looked at what we’re hoping to achieve, namely: 1. Improving our cycling performance through achieving our optimal ‘racing weight’; 2. …
Want to lose weight and maintain performance? Read my key learnings from ‘Racing Weight’ by Matt Fitzgerald, which tells us how.
As you may know, I’ve owned a Garmin Edge 510 for over a year (here’s when I ‘unboxed’ it; here’s where I compared it to an Edge 500). In that time, I have been woefully bad at learning how to use all but its simplest features. I’ve done little more …
I’ve bust my saddle bag. Which is a bit of an (under) arse (storage issue). So, since I’m researching my buying options for its replacement, I thought I’d write a post to share my findings. To be clear, I’ve not seen any of the following bags in the synthetic material …
A guest post from an ex-pro cyclist turned coach (i.e. not me) on how to get maximum fitness bang from your limited time, er, buck.
I sometimes wonder if bike manufacturers get slightly embarrassed about making road bikes for those riders of a more ‘recreational’ persuasion (which is you and me, duck). They wrestle with promotional language to try to make it clear that whilst a bike might look like a professional racer’s bike, it …
In this post I compare the Garmin Edge 810 cycle computer with its older relation, the Edge 800. The older model is still being made by Garmin, and is available for less of your hard-earned Dollars/Pounds/Other (delete as applicable) than the newer 810. It certainly remains a viable choice for …
My post on how to train when the weather is not playing ball. Warning: one of the suggestions is just to suck it up.
To finish a long sportive, and finish it well, you only need to train three times a week. The same applies for a shorter sportive over a hillier course. What, you thought you’d have to do more? Well I’m pleased to be the bearer of good news. If you can …
January is upon us. Not quite the traditional time to get into road cycling, at least in the northern hemisphere (what with the ice, snow, surprising new lake locations etc). Still, you want to rid yourself of that pesky extra tyre. You want to get fit. You want to get …
My analysis of Box Hill from a cycling climb perspective. Whilst not long, and not particularly steep, it has a couple of nice hairpins and is a key part of the Surrey cycling scene. Check it out.
In this post I’m going to compare the characteristics and features of the Garmin Edge 510 versus its predecessor, the Edge 500. The eagle-eyed (or perhaps elephant-memoried) amongst you may recall that I am the proud owner of the 510 version. I did seriously consider purchasing the 500, despite the …
As a Grimpeur Heureux reader, I’m sure you’ve already achieved your optimum cycling body fat percentage, so this post is going to look at how you can make your bike lighter. Let’s face it, for finely-honed athletes such as ourselves, the weight of our bike (and associated equipment) is the …
In this post I look at Leith Hill as a cycling route. As well as discussing its ‘vital statistics’ (length, gradient, elevation), I cover how to get there and how the climb might fit into a longer ride in the area.
This is an app that gives cycling clothing recommendations based on the weather where you are. I tried it out and here are my thoughts.
In this post I look at the features that turn a road bike (a fairly broad category) into a ‘sportive bike’ (one that you’ll enjoy riding on a long, hard sportive).
In this post I’m going to look at how Strava calculates the power generated over the course of a ride, specifically where the rider (like me) doesn’t have a device attached to the bike for measuring power. Dedicated power meters are still an expensive addition to your bike. Is it …
In this post I give some tips on how to select your next sportive event. If you’ve never ridden a sportive, but you’d like to, this guide should help you select the right one to start with – one that you’ll finish, enjoy, and which can lead on to bigger …
My review of the Trek Domane 4.3 endurance road bike. The short version: I love it.
My account of completing the inaugural RideLondon 100 closed road sportive in 2013. I doubt there are any lessons to be learnt from this…
The key to maximising your performance in Sunday’s RideLondon 100 is to get smashed the evening before. Not just a little drink to settle the nerves. The whole nine yards (100 miles?). In this post I’m going to espouse my considerable wisdom on how to make the final finishing touches …
The clue is in the title. This post spells out what I carried and wore when I rode the RideLondon closed road 100 mile sportive.
I outline my plans for what I will eat, and when, during the 100-mile RideLondon sportive. Take what tips you will (ignore the rest…).
My experience getting a full bike fit involving video analysis and all manner of tech fandango. TLDR: You should definitely get a bike fit.
In this post I attempt to get a bike fit with my old bike but instead end up being fitted for a new bike. Find out which one I bought…
Er, pardon, wood? Surely no-one makes bikes out of wood any more. But, of course, they do. And not just the sorts of people that make dresses out of meat (fireplaces out of cheese, whatever…). Wood is an entirely viable, albeit unusual, material out of which you can fashion a bike. …
I am in no doubt that employing a cycling coach would lead to an exponential improvement in my performance on the bike. Yet, whilst I frequently consider hypothetical scenarios for spending thousands of pounds to ‘build out’ my portfolio of bikes, I have tended to dismiss coaching as being too expensive or …
Welcome to the third post in my series looking at the materials used to build bike frames. Here are the links to the previous articles: Sportive Cyclist’s Guide to Bike Frame Materials: Wood Sportive Cyclist’s Guide to Bike Frame Materials: Steel Sportive Cyclist’s Guide to Bike Frame Materials: Carbon In …
An ‘unboxing’ of the Garmin Edge 510 bike GPS. Which is quite old. You probably can’t buy a new one. It is what it is.
Welcome to the second in my series of posts on the materials used to make bicycle frames. Readers of my previous article will no doubt have been shocked, intrigued and ultimately delighted by my razor-sharp insights into the world of steel manufacture. Now it is the turn of the young …
Most people with any interest in bikes will have at least a passing familiarity with the materials that are used to make them. The sculpted, wind tunnel-honed lines of pro peleton bikes are unmistakably formed from carbon fibre. The skinny road bikes of old evoke images of bespectacled engineers in oil-stained …
In this post I will describe what a bike GPS device is and what it can do for cyclists. I’ll talk about the difference between a dedicated device and using the GPS functionality of your phone. Finally, I’ll share with you a table that I have compiled, which compares the …
In this post I take a detailed look at the route of the RideLondon-Surrey 100, a 100-mile closed-road sportive that takes place at the end of July/start of August.