68 Incredibly BEAUTIFUL Road Bikes For You To Drool Over (Rouleur Live 2021)
A ‘reportage’ of my day spent at Rouleur Live 2021 in London. Have a gander at a load of very expensive road bikes, some of which are covered in mud.
Archive
Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM Unboxing
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.
Garmin Edge 830 Unboxing
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.
Is The Garmin Edge 530 Waterproof?
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…
Bryton Rider 450 Review: Best Value Cycling GPS?
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…
Pongo Cycling Socks Review
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.
How To Upload A Route To A Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT
In this blog post and accompanying short video I explain how to upload a GPS cycling route to the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT bike computer.
Elite Race Workstand Review (Or How To Fix Your Bike Without Leaning Down)
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.
How to Remove A Crank From A Square Taper Bottom Bracket Using A Crank Wrench Puller Tool
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.
Vulpine Alpine Merino Wool Cycling Jersey Review: Is Merino Better Than Lycra?
Looking for a high performance merino wool cycling jersey? Find out if the Vulpine Alpine merino jersey can beat out the Lycra competition.
LifeLine/X-Tools Pro Torque Wrench Review
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.
First Look: Bryton Rider 750 Bike GPS
My ‘first look’ at the brand new Bryton Rider 750 bike GPS, a colour touchscreen device with onboard navigation.
Shimano Tiagra vs 105: Which One Should I Buy?
This post compares Shimano’s Tiagra road groupset with 105. What are the key differences? Which is better value? Find out here.
Trek Domane vs Specialized Roubaix: Which Is The Best Endurance Road Bike?
A detailed comparison of the Trek Domane vs the Specialized Roubaix ranges. Easily compare the spec and price of each model. Feature review. Fun!
How To Lubricate Speedplay Pedals On The Cheap
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).
Speedplay Zero Stainless Clipless Pedals: A Long-Term Review
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.
LifeLine Essential Clip-On Rear Mudguard (or Fender) Review
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.
Hybrid vs Road Bike: What Is The Difference?
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.
How To Fit A Bontrager Duotrap Speed and Cadence Sensor
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.
Rouleur Classic 2019: My Review (With A Video!)
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…
Road Cycling On The Côte d’Azur (The Bit Near Cannes…)
My guide to road cycling in the beautiful roads on the Côte D’Azur and specifically the roads in the hills behind Grasse.
Specialized vs Trek Road Bikes: My Comparison Guide
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.
Cycling The Col De L’Ecre: Length, Gradient and Difficulty (All The Usual Fandango)
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.
How Hard Are The Climbs On The RideLondon 100 Route?
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.
Best Socks For Road Cycling: A Magnificent Feet Of Research
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.
Aftershokz Trekz Air Bone Conduction Headphones Review: Safest Headphones For Cycling?
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!
Into The Light: CatEye Volt 800 and Lezyne KTV Pro Drive Rear 75 Review
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.
Monty’s Road Cycling Clothing Recommendations (The M-List)
My top clothing recommendations for road cyclists.
Garmin Edge 820 vs Edge 520: Which Is Better?
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?
Shimano Dura-Ace vs Ultegra: Clash Of The Groupset Titans
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.
Garmin Edge 520 vs Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT: Which Should You Buy?
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?
RideLondon(-Surrey…) 2018: My ‘Race’ Report
My full ‘race report’ of the 2018 edition of the RideLondon 100 closed road sportive through London and Surrey. Please to enjoy.
My Review of the Stolen Goat Bodyline ONE Bib Shorts
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.
Do You Always Wear A Helmet When Cycling (And Should You)?
My take on ‘the great helmet debate’. Assuming there is a great helmet debate.
The Climbs of Velo Birmingham
A guest post about the route, and particularly the climbs, of the Velo Birmingham sportive.
Polar M450 vs Garmin Edge 520: Bike GPS Comparison
A comparison of the Polar M450 bike computer with the Garmin Edge 520. To help you decide which might be best for you.
First Impressions Of TrainerRoad: Upgrading The Paincave
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).
Kask Vertigo 2.0 Road Helmet Review: Putting A Lid On It
My review of the Kask Vertigo 2.0 helmet. A good choice for the enthusiastic MAMIL? You betcha.
Garmin Edge 520 vs Edge 510: Another “10” – What Gives?
A post comparing the Garmin Edge 520 and the Edge 510. Neither are available new, so perhaps this article is one for the historians. You know, the bike GPS device historians…
RideLondon 100: Food, Drink, Toilets and Tackle (Some Logistical And Equipment Thoughts)
A post chock full of logistical information around RideLondon based on my actual riding experience. AKA are there enough toilets?
Garmin Edge 510 Long Term Review
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.
Fast After 50 by Joe Friel: A Book Review…
My review of this rather excellent booking on building and maintaining cycling fitness as you reach your half century.
How To Train On ‘RideLondon’ Hills When You Live Nowhere Near London
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.
Winter Cycling Gloves Review: Sealskinz Thermal Performance Gloves
They may be a bit bulky, but these gloves are WARM! I love them.
Book Review: Faster by Michael Hutchinson
My attempt at a book review of the altogether very good, ‘Faster’ by Michael Hutchinson (Dr Hutch). If you want to get faster, you’d do well to read it (the review and the book).
Garmin Edge 1000 vs Edge 810: Battle of the Bike GPS Heavyweights
Another delight from the archives: a detailed comparison of Garmin’s previous top end bike computers.
How To Create And Upload A Route To A Garmin Edge 510
Erm, this post does exactly what it says on the tin.
Garmin Edge 800 vs 810: Which Is Right For You?
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 …
Garmin Edge 500 vs 510: What Do You Get With The Extra “10”…?
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 …
What To Wear Cycling: Review
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.
Trek Domane 4.3 Review (Wherein The Grimpeur Attempts To Be Objective And Fails)
My review of the Trek Domane 4.3 endurance road bike. The short version: I love it.
RideLondon 100: Race Report (And A Brief Run-In With Authority)
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 Night Before RideLondon: The Perfect Preparation
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 …
What To Carry (And Wear) On RideLondon
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.
What Should You Eat During Your RideLondon Ride?
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…).
In Which Our Hero Finally Gets A Bike Fit
My experience getting a full bike fit involving video analysis and all manner of tech fandango. TLDR: You should definitely get a bike fit.
The Englishman Who Went For A Bike Fit But Came Back With a New Bike
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…
Sportive Cyclist’s Guide to Bike Frame Materials: Wood
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. …
Do You Need a Cycling Coach?
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 …
Sportive Cyclist’s Guide to Bike Frame Materials: Titanium
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 …
Garmin Edge 510: What’s In The Box?
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.
Sportive Cyclist Guide To Bike Frame Materials: Carbon Fibre
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 …
Sportive Cyclist’s Guide To Bike Frame Materials: Steel
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 …
Which Bike GPS Device: The Ultimate Buyers Guide
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 …
RideLondon 100 Route: Detailed Guide For Riders
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.