Category: Featured

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Books Featured Reviews

Mountain Higher

Mountain Higher

Mountain HigherSubtitled Europe’s Extreme, Undiscovered and Unforgettable Cycle Climbs, Mountain Higher is the sequel (of sorts) to Daniel Friebe and Pete Goding’s beautiful Mountain High: Europe’s 50 Greatest Cycle Climbs. Concentrating here on the continent’s lesser-known, but still challenging and spectacular mountain roads and passes this is a sumptuous large-format book (no cycling jersey pocket potential unfortunately) that gives both lucid and narrative accounts of each detailed climb along with all the stats and stunning photographs to boot.

 

The spread through Europe is good – even Belgium gets something of a surprise entry with the 111m climb over 2.2km of the Oude Kwaremont – although the UK gets just a single mention in the shape of Scotland’s Bealach ne Bà (626m). But this isn’t a book for stay-at-homes (assuming UK residency), but rather for those looking for truly remote adventure in the less-explored regions of the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland and more. Correction: This isn’t necessarily a trip-planners guide, it works equally well for those who daydream on the sofa…

 

Along with a smattering of lesser inclines, Mountain Higher details around 30 routes that rise above the 1000m mark and a dozen real monsters that top out above 2000m. Because the book is broadly organised lowest to highest each turn of the page reveals an increasingly lung-busting proposition until you finally reach the… No, we won’t spoil the ultimate climb; it would be like revealing that Rosebud was a sledge (with apologies to anyone you still hasn’t seen Citizen Kane.)

 

For those of you that find books made of paper a bit antiquated (tsk!) the free QuercusEye app allows you to hover over a selection of the photos and have them augmented with video and other detail. It’s a slightly fiddly affair and Cyclo found it distracted from the pure pleasure of flicking through such a gorgeously constructed ‘wish-list’ but horses for courses. You can take a look at the video guide to the app at the end of this review…

 

Mountain Higher is certainly amongst our favourite coffee-table books of the year (along with Tour de France 100th Race Anniversary Edition, review here), regardless if you are planning to use it for adventure prep or fantasy musings; if you love two-wheels, it belongs on your shelf.

 

Mountain Higher: Europe’s Extreme, Undiscovered and Unforgettable Cycle Climbs (ISBN-10: 1780879121) by Daniel Friebe and Pete Goding is published by Quercus, RRP £25.00 – available from Amazon.co.uk

 

 

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Extras Featured Reviews

Nite Ize LED

Nite Ize

In poor visibility and, of course, the dark good cycle lights are essential (a legal requirement in fact) but there are plenty of other ways to maximise your visibility and stay as safe as possible on the bike. Cyclo took a look at just some of the LED solutions available from the Nite Ize range…

 

Nite Ize Helmet MarkerFirst up for test was the Nite Ize Helmet Marker Plus. Weighing an unobtrusive 19g the Helmet Marker Plus is a thin, durable polymer strip encased in weather-resistant nylon fabric, which can be attached to helmets via hook-and-loop strips or with the rubberised twist tie to pretty much any part of the bike – seat post, baskets, panniers, etc. The replaceable (and included) lithium battery powers either a continuous glow or strobe option with a maximum battery life of 75hours. Cyclo really liked the (literal) flexibility of this product, being easy to attach and remove it proved equally useful for mounting on the back of the helmet as it did attached to straps on a commuter day pack; the fact that the nylon cover also featured passive hi-viz reflective markings was a bonus, adding an extra dash of safety. RRP £11.95.

 

Nite Ize SpokeLitThe Nite Ize SpokeLit is a commendable way of adding illumination from the side of the bike – something so often neglected. Press the unit between the spokes and slide it towards to rim until a tight fit is achieved (we found it stayed perfectly put once in place), press once for a continuous glow or twice for flashing mode and the supplied and replaceable battery gives up to 20hours of added side-on safety. Weather and shock resistant the Nite Ize SpokeLit retails at £7.95 with a choice of colours – green, amber, red, blue – or a ‘Disc-O’ option that cycles through a spectrum of colours in solid mode. A neat alternative, or indeed addition, to the SpokeLit is the button sized Nite Ize See’Ems, which come in packs of two (blue, purple, pink £6.95) and clip directly to the spokes to provide a continuous glow. Like the SpokeLit the See Ems produce an interesting, and attention grabbing, solid circle of light once you start pedaling.

 

Nite Ize Sport VestFinally, Cyclo took a look at the Nite Ize LED Sports Vest a lightweight black mesh vest made with 3M Scotchlite reflective material, which features two illuminated flexible polymer strips (one to the front and one rear) that can be set to either a solid illumination or strobe effect mode. The universal fit uses an elastic side strap with adjustable hook & loop closure, but regrettably is likely to still prove too big for most children – a missed trick as this lightweight vest would be perfect for tucking into a schoolbag for use on those school afternoons where the light is drawing in. Still, an excellent option for commuters that combines well advised reflective strips with the added benefit of flashing LEDs. The Nite Ize LED Sports Vest retails at £24.95.

 

Full details and online purchase of these (and other Nite Ize LED products) at niteize.co.uk

 

Cyclo is supporting the Child Brain Injury Trust’s Child Safety and Awareness Campaign to get kids clearly visible on their bikes – find out more here.

 

 

 

Categories
Extras Featured Reviews

Children’s Cycle Helmets

Children's Cycle Helmets

Who knows what word today’s kids are using to describe things that are ‘cool’ (sick? phat?) – it’s entirely possible Cyclo has just made itself deeply ‘uncool’ by even posing the questions. Either way we agree with the Child Brain Injury Trust that ‘wearing a helmet is a lot cooler than getting a brain injury’ – and they should know as they help over 5,000 people a year affected by injuries that are often the result of road and cycle accidents. But how do you pick out children’s cycle helmets that are cool/sick/phat? Cyclo took a look at two of the latest brands to arrive in the UK.

 

Raskullz & KrashFirst up for test was the Raskullz & Krash range. At heart these are traditional cycle helmets (also suitable for skating, etc.), which feature a shock-absorbing EPS inner shell for protection, aerodynamic cooling vents and adjustable nylon retention straps for easy adjustment. What sets them apart from the norm is their adornments – for the younger children (4+) the Raskullz range features everything from dinosaurs to pink cat creatures and ladybirds, whilst for the older (7+) kids the Krash range keeps things exciting with mohawks, skulls, psychedelic swirls. All helmets feature substantial rubber 3D elements (cute ears and noses or blood tipped horns for example) that will certainly have the offspring standing out in the peloton.

 

The straps adjusted well and stayed put once fitted and our young Cyclo testers found them comfortable and light despite the additions, which on paper we had feared would add too much weight. They also found them ‘fun’ to wear (so we guess ‘cool’ wasn’t the word we were looking for.) Regardless, these proved hugely popular and Cyclo was suitable impressed by the amount of fitting and safety instructions included too. The only further addition we might consider useful would be a foam chin guard around the strap clip because we’ve lost count of the amount of times our children have curtailed an otherwise enjoyable ride by pinching skin when putting on their helmets. Though it’s possible we just have clumsy children around Cyclo HQ…

 

EGG HelmetsAn alternative when it comes to ‘fun’ (as that’s the word we’ve settled on) children’s cycle helmets comes from EGG. Suitable not only for cycle and skate but also snow and water sports, the EGG is an incredibly solid piece of kit that allows for almost infinite configuration and personalisation. Pick a helmet – small at 48-52cm or medium 52-56cm, add a ‘skin’ – anything from union jacks (or union flags for the pedants amongst you) to daredevil ‘dante’ flames or Cath Kidston-style flowers then add 3D adornments such as horns, fruit stalks or mini-mohawks, which can be snapped onto the helmet even once on. With an ABS outer shell, a flexible EPP safety core, and an EVA comfort core the sandwich design offers maximum protection, whilst an integrated finger-press air pump adjusts everything for ultimate comfort.

 

Cyclo’s mini testers adored EGG not only for their comfort (arguably they might suit slightly older kids as they are undeniably heavier than traditional helmets), but because of the amount of personalisation they offered. The only downside we experienced was trying to get children out of the door and onto the saddle when they just wanted to add ‘one more’ adornment… For adults that feel they are missing out on the fun, the manufacturers promise adult sizes coming soon too.

 

Raskullz & Krash helmets are widely available (RRP £19.99 – ££22.99) including from Argos, for further details and other product information see recreationltd.co.uk

 

EGG helmets are available online from (amongst other places) johnlewis.com, helmets £59.95, skins £12.95 and add-ons from £7.95 – further details at egghelmets.com

 

For further information about the Child Brain Injury Trust (Registered Charity No. 1113326) see childbraininjurytrust.org.uk

 

Categories
Featured Features

Child Brain Injury Trust

Child Brain Injury Trust

Child Brain Injury TrustThe Child Brain Injury Trust is a national charity, registered in 1991, providing information, support and training to anyone living in the UK who is affected by a child’s brain injury. In the lead up to the end of British Summer Time, they will be running a Child Safety and Awareness Campaign to encourage school children to embrace the use of helmets, lights and reflectives – Cyclo will be supporting the campaign with a series of features and reviews – but first we spoke to Andrew Tee, the Community Fundraiser at CBIT behind the campaign, to find out what they had planned…

 

Cyclo: Firstly, can you tell us a little more about what the Child Brain Injury Trust does…

 

Andrew Tee: We currently work with over 5,000 people each year – not just injured children but their family (both immediate and extended), and any professionals who come into contact with the child from teachers to healthcare and social care workers. We ensure that we are accessible at every stage to provide practical support and solutions to the many complex issues surrounding a child with an acquired brain injury

 

Cyclo: And the campaign?

 

AT: The Child Brain Injury Trust is committed to providing practical and up to date advice on road safety and the prevention of head injury. So we are planning a week-long child safety and awareness campaign to launch on October 21, which is the week leading up to when the clocks go back. It’s a time of year when suddenly children can find themselves traveling to and from school not necessarily in the dark, but certainly in worsening weather and lower lighting conditions. The campaign will be aimed at school-age children, and will focus on staying safe on the roads whilst cycling, scooting, and skating, and to encourage children to wear a helmet and hi-vis clothing. We really want to get the message across that wearing a helmet is a lot cooler than getting a brain injury!

 

Cyclo: What activities are planned for the week?

 

AT: Our Child and Family Support Officers and Fundraisers across the country will be visiting schools to spread the safety message, and handing out reflective ‘slap wraps’ with the slogan ‘Be seen not hurt’ to children to really encourage them to think about being seen and staying safe during the winter months.

 

We’ve also developed a wide range of National Curriculum based activities and worksheets all based around education and awareness of brain injury, child safety and injury/accident prevention. These school packs will be used in conjunction with the school visits. The campaign will culminate with a sponsored cycle ride from the Charity’s head office in Bicester on Sunday October 27, along with other rides from our offices in Belfast and Glasgow. The campaign aims to engage as many groups and individuals as possible during the week, and we are already getting offers of support from people involved in the sporting/cycling world, and companies who design safety equipment.

 

Cyclo: And how else are you planning on getting your message across?

 

AT: We’re planning to post blogs each day throughout the campaign week, from people who can inspire young people to get active, but do it safely. We have a number of seasoned adventurers who have completed amazing journeys by bike and skateboard already signed up to support the campaign and write these for us; they will help us to spread the message via their social media channels.

 

We will also be dedicating pages on our website to promote the campaign, with safety/prevention information and regular updates from our guest bloggers. We aim to run competitions throughout the week, with prizes from UK cycle and safety companies. Social media will certainly play a big role in this campaign, driving traffic to the website and encouraging our followers to share our activities with their friends and followers.

 

Cyclo: So your key messages would be?

 

AT: Wear a helmet! – Our mantra really is that wearing a helmet (and also using lights and reflectives) is a lot cooler than getting a brain injury… We absolutely want to promote that enthusiasm for children to be active, but equally to be safe; so to encourage more children to wear a helmet is fundamental. As a charity we certainly want to raise awareness of childhood brain injuries and highlight the common sense approaches to avoiding them when it comes to road safety.

 

For further information about the Child Brain Injury Trust (Registered Charity No. 1113326) and the latest on the campaign (check back regularly for updates) see: childbraininjurytrust.org.uk and take a look at their video below.

 

Read Cyclo’s latest reviews of children’s cycling helmets here and our reviews of the Nite Ize LED range here.

 

 

Categories
Featured Nutrition Reviews

Elivar

Elivar

ElivarThe sports nutrition market is a crowded one and barely a couple of months pass without a new contender fighting for shelf space. Elivar is the latest offering, claiming to bring something new to the mix with products aimed squarely at the 35+ age range.

 

Elivar is a complete three-part system for pre-, during and post-exercise (the Holy Trinity of sports nutrition) with unique blends to support the needs of older athletes, undoubtedly a smart move given the rise in numbers of so-called MAMILs (Middle Aged Men In Lycra) and equally their female, non-acronymed, equivalent. The range – Prepare, Endure and Recover – comprises of a variety of blended carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals that have been tailored to ensure that even during intense workouts and rides all bases are covered with fortification and the use of low GI (slow release) carbohydras.

 

Taking each in turn: Prepare, for use around 90minutes before exercise, uses a blend of fast and slow proteins – 27g per 65g serving – for muscle mass maintenance (and, in part, to begin the recovery stage even before training), combined with an equal quantity of carbohydrates, only half of which are sugar derived, 3.1g of fibre and vitamins B6 and B12 to aid the immune system. The flavour, chocolate, is perfectly palatable and the mix blended, we found, quickly and without clumps clogging our bottle, although retaining a slightly gritty texture.

 

Endure in Orange and Mango flavour – personally less to our liking, with a somewhat artificial aftertaste – is a 45g serving, which again mixed quickly to a relatively smooth drink for use on the bike. It delivers 32g of carbohydrates (13g from sugars) balanced in a 4:1 ratio with 8g of protein. The inclusion of thiamine, riboflavin, biotin, vitamin C and B12 all help to promote energy metabolism, with the addition of calcium and vitamin D for bone strength (an increased necessity for older athletes) and, again, vitamins B6 and B12 for the immune system.

 

Back to chocolate again for the Recover (ditto for the blending, non-clogging qualities) and a mix of whey powder and cassein to extend the ‘recovery window’ with 27g of protein and 28g of carbs (50% sugar derived) per 65g serving hopefully making quick work of getting you ready for the next ride. Again this is fortified with B6 and 12 for the immune system – which ironically can be somewhat compromised by endurance exercise – and calcium and vitamin D for the bones.

 

Because we often know so little about how our food is produced, harvested, stored and transported even those paying close attention to their diet could certainly do well to consider both food/sports nutrition fortification and vitamin supplementation and Elivar certainly addresses this admirably along with bringing a good range of additional benefits to boot.

 

The RDA (Recommended Dietary/Daily Allowance) percentage of vitamins varies throughout the range but taking vitamins C, D and E as a fairly representative example they are: 21%, 47% and 30% respectively for Prepare, 21%, 35% and 26% for the Endure, and 39%, 48% and 33% for Recover. Although all three products do contain sodium it was a surprise not to find the inclusion of potassium (possibly zinc and magnesium too) to aid hydration and replace the ‘salts’ lost through sweating during endurance exercise, especially as these form part of the complete package offered by the likes of Apres (review here) and For Goodness Shakes (review here)

 

 

Possibly this will be addressed in time along with the flavour (and flavour range); but for now Elivar is an excellent choice for those 35+ year-olds with a lust for life and desire to put in the miles on the bike.

 

Elivar Prepare and Recover are available in boxes of 12 individual 65g servings at £24.99 or 900g tubs (13 servings) for £34.99 and Elivar Endure in boxes of 12 individual 45g servings at £19.99 and 900g tubs (20 servings) at £24.99. For further details on Elivar and online retail see elivar.com

 

Categories
Featured Features

The Breeze Revolution

The Breeze Revolution

The Breeze RevolutionThe rise in popularity of cycling in the UK over the last few years has been undeniably phenomenal and it’s been heartening to see that the increase in the number of women taking to two-wheels has been as sustained and impressive as for men, with an estimated 63,000 more women cycling regularly during the last 12 months alone. In no small part this trend has been encouraged and supported by Breeze, set up in May 2011 by British Cycling and designed to: ‘…tackle barriers facing women and provide as many fun and free opportunities to help them get back on their bikes.’

 

Whilst the equally commendable Cycletta events – staged by Human Race – focus more on semi-competitive (and sometimes downright competitive) sportive-style rides, Breeze’s more relaxed approach has helped thousands of women regain, or discover for the first time, the thrill of the bike with the mantra: ‘Cycling is all about the unbridled joy of butterflies in your tummy and the wind in your face as you freewheel down a hill.’

 

With support from the National Lottery – via Sport England’s Active Women’s fund – a local network of trained female Breeze champions was created to provide local opportunities for women. British Cycling has already trained over 950 passionate and enthusiastic female volunteers to become Breeze champions (if you’re interested in becoming one click here) and so far, they have helped deliver almost 5,000 bike rides and inspired over 26,000 women to get involved; impressive for a scheme barely two and a half years old. Natalie Justice, the Women’s Network Project Manager for British Cycling says: ‘Our Breeze champions are at the heart of everything we do and are a real inspiration to women in their local communities. Getting into cycling doesn’t have to be a daunting experience and our champions are there to support participants and start them on their cycling journey.’

 

So how does a Breeze ride work? Designed to suit all ages and abilities, the majority of the rides are on traffic-free routes designed to be ideal for busy mums and anyone who hasn’t been on a bike for a while. Led by women, for women, the rides usually start or end at a local café, where cake and conversation reinforce the informal, friendly nature that has made them such a success. In addition because many of the rides are designed to embrace riders’ children too they represent an opportunity for ‘quality time’, whilst actively encouraging the next generation of Laura Trotts and Joanna Rowsells

 

Last year saw a growing number of successful Breeze cycling events for women. From informal bike riding events like the Big Breeze Bike Ride and Breeze in the Park, through to a partnership with the aforementioned Cycletta and collaborative work with a number of other sportive organisers to provide more challenging rides for women.

 

But it’s not all about the ride. Buying a bike or getting one repaired can also be something of a daunting experience and Breeze campaign for and promote female-friendly bike shops, and their partnership with the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) promotes independent bike shops who support women new to bike riding with straightforward advice, a range of women’s bikes and family kit, and information on local rides and bike hire facilities. These partnerships have already helped accredit over 300 independent bike shops and is continuing to influence some positive changes for women within the industry.

 

Breeze has proven an integral part in the rise of UK cycling and it continues (with your help) to go from strength to strength. To be a part of the Breeze network please visit breezebikerides.com

 

Categories
Apparel Featured Reviews

Buff Cycling Jersey

Buff Cycling Jersey

Buff Cycling JerseyBuff have long been the go to manufacturer of seamless multi-use headwear – the name comes from ‘bufanda’, Spanish for scarf, so now you know – and in our opinion their tubular-knit hat/bandana/muffler is one of the most versatile bits of kit a cyclist can own. With this in mind our expectations were high when we took delivery of their brand-new tech cycling jersey…

 

As you would expect from Buff there’s nothing in the design that could realistically be called ‘understated’ – not a square-inch of fabric is left unadorned, with a combination of jagged geometric shames, spider webs and logos making a bold ‘look at me’ statement. Assuming you’re not the shy, retiring kind of rider what does it offer beneath the surface sheen?

 

Slim-fitting and made from 95% polyester, 5% elastane (the generic name for Spandex), the jersey is naturally longer in the back for fit, warmth and to prevent ‘riding up’, something further halted by the inclusion of rubberised tape around the hem/waistband. On test it felt warm enough on cool rides and breathed well and wicked away sweat when the heat was on, not least due to thinner ventilation areas incorporated through the armpits and sides (basically the spider web areas). The addition of Silver Plus® – a silver ion technology incorporated into the fabric – makes the jersey effectively antibacterial, so if sweat does build up it won’t become a breeding ground for stench.

 

The level of comfort impressed us too: flatlock seams throughout are compliment by bonded seams across the shoulders – all of which reduces the risk of chafing and a nice touch is the tiny ‘zip garage’ at the top so when things are zipped to the max there’s no snagging or catching.

 

Additions include three generous lumber pockets for gels, bars and general cycling detritus and a fourth, zipped, pocket on the lower back big enough not just to house keys and change but a full sized wallet should you be heading for the bike shop… Reflective seams around the shoulders add a dash of safety – but a little more across the back probably wouldn’t have gone amiss.

 

A practical, well-made and stylish (if slightly hallucinogenically branded) jersey – in short, everything we might expect from Buff. Available in sizes S – XXL and tagged at £69.00. More information and online purchase at buffwear.co.uk

 

See the Cyclo review of the original Buff here and the Helmet Liner Pro Buff here.

 

Categories
Featured Reviews Tech

Boardman Performance Hybrid Team

Boardman Performance Hybrid Team

Boardman Performance Hybrid TeamA frequent question posed when buying a new bike is ‘what do I get, road or MTB?’ – which might well beg the response ‘a hybrid’. And that jack-of-all-trades was a simple answer for some time, until the hybrid split into two further camps, the classic/comfort style or performance/sports. With winter is just around the corner (again) our attention turned to the latter with a decision to look at the Boardman Performance Hybrid Team, in part because in each price range the Boardman bikes are generally competitively spec’d out, but also because we are unashamedly fans of Chris Boardman – partially for his racing exploits, but more so for the commitment off-peloton for cycling in general.

 

We decided to order the Boardman Performance Hybrid in its box having had mixed experience with build quality in the past, and figured if we were going to spend an hour checking everything over before the first ride, we may as well assemble the bike in the first place.

 

It was a pleasant surprise to unbox the bike and find it nearly assembled; apart from needing to align the bars, fit the saddle, aftermarket SPD’s and front wheel, everything else was done, even the gears were indexed, and there was a nice thin layer of lube on the chain. At first look the frame appeared a little chunky, the tubes looked like they belonged on a straight MTB, even the seat stays and forks were chunky, but looks, of course, can be deceptive – weighing in just a little over its claimed weight, but still under 10kg. So far, so good…

 

Elsewhere the drive train came as a bit of an initial shock; reminiscent of the early 80’s when all except from the top of the top end bikes came with a real mixed bag of components. Our first thought was that the team over at Boardman were starting to consider margin gains when it comes to component costs, and this is probably partly true. The Boardman Performance Hybrid comes fitted with FSA Gossamer Compact 50x34T chain set, Microshift front mech, SRAM Apex rear mech, both controlled by SRAM S700 shifters, and a Shimano 105 11t-28t cassette; we had half-expected to see a sun tour BB but luckily this was also a FSA external – however it was all surprisingly well matched and gear changes proved silky smooth.

 

Its not all perfect however; even for someone with broad shoulders, the bars are a little too wide, this is where the bike starts to feel more mountain bike than performance hybrid. We’re slightly perplexed with the cassette choice too; as zippy as this bike is we think the 11t is overly ambitious, and would rather have seen the Shimano 105 12-30T with a mid cage rear mech capable of overcoming just about any hill the UK could throw at it. Also the tire choice also left us disappointed; the Vittoria Zaffiro 700 x 28c is a cheap option – an okay tire, but for the price of the overall package it felt somewhat… lacking.

 

Finally on the list of lows were the brakes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Avid Elixer 1 set (we actually quite like them) but on the test rides it was difficult to stop and felt very spongy. Having the same setup on our MTB we knew how well the Avid brakes can work and figured a quick bleed would sort them out – but were shocked when we pulled 3/4 of a ml of air out of the rear and about 1/2ml out of the front; this is comes down to attention to detail in the factory rather than component quality, and being that many consumers won’t have the tools (or perhaps knowledge) to bleed hydraulic brakes it really is something of a crucial oversight.

 

It’s fair to say that most products’ websites will normally over sell the performance or quality, so reading ‘Sprinting from the lights, braking for the next set, cornering and weaving around the traffic, then it’s out into the lanes pushing hard up the climbs and descending fast down the other side…’ we anticipated a degree of exaggeration but for once this was not the case. For a bike with a sit up and beg position, sitting on basic quality 28c tires, the Boardman Performance Hybrid really does move. Perhaps it was the thrill of the new ride, perhaps we had a slight tail wind, but comparing average min-per-mile for the year on a road bike, it was a mere one second per mile slower.

 

Our minor grumbles aside, the Boardman Performance Hybrid Team is still a great package with a good mix of components, topped off with the expected Boardman quality finish. This is a fast and agile bike that actually does what it claims and at (just) under £750 it remains a truly solid option when it comes to hybrids.

 

For full details on the Boardman Performance Hybrid Team see halfords.com

 

This review was written by Cyclo contributor Jason Jones – you can follow him on twitter @DRJtJones