It’s no wonder that it is such a buzzword amongst cyclists and it is a popular fabric choice in high end cycling clothing brands.

What is there to love about Merino?

• Merino is well suited to the UK weather. As anyone who has cycled in a soaking wet t-shirt and pair of jeans will tell you, it’s not a pleasant experience. Merino clothing It is designed to repel water on the outside. Whilst you can’t exactly call it “waterproof” it is certainly water resistant and enough to see you though a short bike ride in the rain.
• The odour resistant properties of Merino makes Merino tops excellent for meeting up with your friends at the cinema, pub, cafe or anywhere else where you can’t jump in to the shower after a long bike ride.
• Merino clothes are even flame retardant. Not that you should go out of your way to test this out by standing too close to a fireplace but it’s good to know!
• Perhaps the final big advantage of Merino is that it doesn’t look any different to every day clothing. This is good for those of us who prefer avoiding the lycra look where possible.

Merino tops for men

At the entry level, the EDZ Merino range is an excellent starting point for cyclists. A couple of these tops will mean that you’ll look good, smell good and feel comfortable on your next bike ride.

Similarly priced is the range by DHB sold on Wiggle. Their light weight tops offer excellent, slim fitting comfort and make good year round tops.

Of course, if you’ve been following London Cyclist you’ll have seen reviews of the Merino offerings by Vulpine. We’ve reviewed both the short sleeve Merino and the Merino t-shirt. These are more expensive at £70 and £55 respectively. This is a fair bump from the EDZ Merino range.

Rapha is another brand competing for your attention in this area, their Merino base layers cost around £60.

Merino Tops For Women

Fortunately, this is one of the areas where women are catered for just as much as male cyclists.

Here on London Cyclist we’ve reviewed offerings by Rapha and Merino tops sold on Velovixen. We loved the style of these tops, as well as the carefully thought out details. If you’ve got a little extra to spend then these are excellent options.

Fortunately, there are also more affordable options by DHB and EDZ that offer pretty much all of the advantages. The DHZ ladies Merino in particular, costs around £30 and offers good comfort, water resistance and sweat wicking properties.

Merino tops for cyclists are the perfect combination of fashion and practicality. The prices range from around £30 up to £70 or more. Take your pick and you’ll find that with a couple of these tops in your draw, you’ll be reaching for them more often than not.

The post Merino tops for cyclists appeared first on London Cyclist Blog.

This is a fairly laughable solution to the problem that highlights how Westminster isn’t prepared to take serious action on safe cycling by re-considering the way we design our roads.

Bicycle bells come with all new bike purchases by law. Yet, how many cyclists continue to use them?

To bicycle bell..

There are times when bicycle bells are useful. A canal towpath is the example that springs to mind. There are many blind spots where you can’t see what is around the corner so a gentle ring of the bell will let fellow cyclists know. Also, when you are behind a pedestrian, you can use a bike bell to let them know you would like to pass.

On the roads, pedestrians occasionally step in to the path of cyclists. The bike bell is a way of warning them.

In all of these scenarios you could just use your voice and shout out instructions.

Whether that is more or less polite, is up to debate.

Or not to bicycle bell..

Perhaps the most compelling reason to forego a bike bell is that on the road, it makes no difference at all. I mean, sure it’d be great to think that drivers are paying attention to cyclists and listening for safety cues but let’s be serious. Even a motorist with no ill-will towards cyclists is listening to the radio, the navigation system or has their windows rolled up.

You could ring your bike bell for as long as you want, they won’t hear you.

Another good argument against the bike bell is that they are not placed strategically on the cycle for safety. Most of the time you have to change your grip in order to sound the bell, which can slow your reaction time if your rung bell is ignored. In this instance the bell may do more harm to you than good to the person you’re trying to warn.

Probably the biggest reason many cyclists have either gotten rid of their bike bells or opted out of the bell system altogether is because people can be clueless, especially pedestrians. While pedestrians are the main reason to get a bell, they are also one of the biggest reasons for not getting one.

They tend to suffer from the ‘deer in the headlights’ syndrome where instead of moving quickly out of the path of a speeding bike, they stop directly in your path. Which defeats the purpose of having warned them since you now have to quickly change your course to avoid a collision.

Is the solution to go for a bike horn?

What if bike bells were more effective? I mean think about the power and jarring effect a car horn has. If a bicycle bell could be that forceful would they be a lot more useful?

Perhaps instead, Westminster should be handing out bike horns such as the Airzound.

These are more likely to be heard by drivers but they don’t exactly make for a very liveable city. Do we really want people sounding their bike horns all the time?

Do you use a bike bell?

Leave a comment below!

The post Do you use a bike bell? appeared first on London Cyclist Blog.

Love it or hate it – there’s no doubting modern technology is having a big impact on cycling.

The next big thing is wearable technology. In that particular category, it is Google Glass that is turning the most heads.

What is Google Glass?

The video above of Sergei Brin offers perhaps the most enticing explanation.

It’s a little like a weird, futuristic pair of glasses that you’ll be able to speak commands to and see the results in the corner of the glasses. For example, you can take a picture or record video, see your text messages or follow directions.

It all might see a little futuristic for now, but its probably the kind of technology we’ll all be walking around with in the next two to three years.

Love it: Google Glass + Cycling

How could you use Google Glass for cycling?

• Live maps – We’ve already gone from ordnance survey maps to iPhone maps, but with Google Glass we could see the map in front of our very eyes. That’s got to be a good thing in a busy city like London where everyone is (seemingly) always in a rush
• No need for a Go Pro camera on top of your helmet. With Google Glass you’ll simply be able to say ‘Glass, record’, and the glasses will start filming. This could be really helpful if you have any confrontations with drivers, or want to report bad driving etc. The same goes for taking pictures.
• Easily accessible maintenance apps like Bike Doctor – it’s easy enough getting your phone out to follow instructions for some roadside maintenance, but it could soon be even easier.
• Bike stats. You could find yourself literally staring down your personal best for a particular stretch of road.

For me, when I’m on my bike is when I do a lot of my thinking – I think about the novel I’m writing, the shopping I need to do or my plans for the evening. Theoretically, with Google Glass I can research aspects of my novel, do my shopping and find a pub to meet friends at. Although, not if I when I’m in need of my full concentration in traffic.

Google Glass isn’t the only option. Other manufacturers such as Recon Jet have products that are appealing for cyclists. In their demo they show a speedometer along with the position of your fellow cyclists in a race.

Hate it: Technology gone too far..

There are of course downsides, though many of these will simply be a case of getting used to new technology.

Probably the most obvious negative at this early stage is the fact that they are bound to impact on concentration levels. When you’re riding along, and concentrating on the map in front of you that tells you when exactly you need to turn left, will your brain be able to cope, simultaneously, with the fact that there’s a cyclist approaching on your inside, or that a motorbike is zooming past you at a worryingly close distance?

It would seem that there isn’t going to be much that Google Glass can’t do – and their sophistication is clear when you see that Google has had to ban developers from integrating facial recognition into their apps, because of the obvious security concerns.

Despite my excitement, it’s clear there is some concern and pessimism amongst other cyclists. When we tweeted about Google Glass recently, typical responses were along the lines of:

 “They look fun – but why would I need them?”

And that to me is a typical response ahead of technology that is new, and we will need to adapt to. Smartphones, tablets, Kindles… all technology that at one time didn’t exist, and there were many cynics wondering what the point was. Now they’re all engrained in our daily lives. Personally, I’m really excited about the prospect of Google Glass and think on the whole the technology will have a huge benefit on day-to-day cycling.

The post Google Glass and cycling – a match made in heaven? appeared first on London Cyclist Blog.

Step 1: Choose your bike locks wisely

I’ve always secured my bike with a Kryptonite New York 3000 lock.

In London, you need two bike locks. This secures your front wheel, your rear wheel and your bike frame. Thieves will typically not have the tools required to break through two different types of lock.

Primary lock

I’ve always relied on a Kryptonite New York 3000 D-lock as my primary defence against thieves. It’s heavy to carry around but its been well tested by cycling magazines and regularly tops their list of recommended locks. Equally good is the Abus Granit X Plus which provides the same security but weighs around a 1/4 less.

There are some newer options such as the Knog Strongman shown in the image above. We’ve not yet tested this on London Cyclist but it has some excellent features such as scratch protection for your bike frame and double dead-lock which means even if the thief cuts one side of the lock, they’ll need to cut the other before getting to your bike. However, the Strongman only has a 13mm shackle compared to the 16/18mm shackle on the New York locks.

Many people balk at the price of these bike locks, but when you consider they will last you many years and that it’s much cheaper than replacing a bike, you start to see the value.

Secondary lock

The primary bike lock should always be complement by a secondary lock. We’ve listed some of the best options here.

Step 2: Don’t make this mistake

In the video above Casey Neistat uses his Kryptonite Evolution Mini to lock his bike through the stem, instead of the frame. As he’s in a haste he makes the error of locking his bike by a component that can easily be removed. A more classic version of this error is someone who locks their bike only through their front wheel. The thief then comes along, removes the front wheel and walks away with the bike in seconds.

Don’t make this error or any of these common mistakes:

• Don’t place your bike lock near the ground where it will be easier to leverage for attack
• Don’t lock your bike to any object that it can be lifted over (This includes sign posts where the sign could easily be removed)
• Don’t lock your bike to old victorian railings that can be easily broken

For more horror stories take a read of:

• London Cyclist’s share their experiences of how their bikes were stolen

Step 3: Secure your components

A common story you hear is of how a cyclist returned to their bike to find that a thief had stolen their handlebars or saddle. The best way to prevent this is to use lockable components. There are a few options out there but Pinhead is the most common.

Read more about how to prevent your bike from getting attacked by piranha’s.

The post The three steps to a theft proof bike appeared first on London Cyclist Blog.

As Londoners we love to complain but we also hold a deep optimism. Surely, this year will be better than last?

Aside from your shorts and t-shirt, what other bits should you think about getting hold of for a sunny day’s bike ride?

Sunscreen

Let’s start at the obvious. Whether you are a factor 15, 30 or 100 kind of guy, make sure the sunscreen is at the ready. That lobster look is unbecoming and should be avoided.

Water

Whether you use a nifty hydration pack, a sporty bottle or a simple bottle of water bought from the corner shop, make sure you’ve got the H20 ready. A bottle rack is a good addition to your bike and it makes it easier to grab a drink while you are stopped at the traffic light.

Shades

Whilst you’ll be looking cool with a pair of Tom Cruise style aviators, they have been known to take a leap when riding too fast over an unseen pothole.

Look for a pair of cycling specific sunglasses like the ones shown above. They’ll fit more comfortably around your nose and ears and they won’t come over no matter how much of a speedy daredevil you are.

Backpack

The next big area to tackle is storage. We all like to put way too much stuff in our bags so having a good way to store them is important. We’ve reviewed the DHB cyclist backpack in November. Of course there’s no reason to even spend that. There are good bag options from sites such as Brantano.

An alternative option is a good set of panniers. Your back will thank you for it.

Pump

Ah, the classic cyclist mistake of being caught out without your pump – lots have done it … not many admit to it!  Getting a puncture in the summer is definitely preferable to a winter episode (Rain?  Snow?  Cold?), but neither are great if you haven’t got a repair kit and pump.  If you’re using your bike for the first time in ages, you’ll also want to make sure you’ve enough air in your tyres to make your cycling efficient.  There are tons of pumps on the market, Koo Bikes sell all kinds but, in a nutshell, hand pumps are easier to carry but require more work … foot pumps are the reverse.

Fingerless cycling gloves

Full finger cycling gloves get really hot, a nice pair of fingerless gloves will mean a good grip even if your hands are sweaty.

To flip flop or not to flip flop?

Every summer I always go cycling with my flip flops and immediately think I should have worn something a little more appropriate. The problem with flip flops is that it’s easy for your feet to slip and hard for you to push down on the pedals. If you are happy with a slow pace in return for breezy feet then by all means go for the full summery look!

Wine bottle holder

It’s summer. What is greater than the simple pleasure of a bottle of wine, a patch of grass in a London park and a good friend to chat to. These wine bottle holders are designed for just that occasion. Of course, they are far from a necessity, but a quirky accessory none the less.

With sunnier days ahead of us, don’t forget to grab your copy of the London Cycle Routes eBook or app which will guide you to the best cycling routes in London.

What other essentials are you looking forward to bringing out for another summer of cycling in London? Leave a comment below.

The post Here comes the sun: Summer cycling gear appeared first on London Cyclist Blog.

Rapha’s lead product designer, Graeme Raeburn, has been working with his brother, Christopher Raeburn, to produce a special edition capsule collection for city cyclists. Christopher Raeburn heads up his own design studio in the UK which is famed for using repurposed fabrics and handcrafted construction. All hand made in England, the collaboration is focused on quality and functionality.

The collection consists of a lightweight merino henley, a cycle ready jean and the wind jacket that I’ve been lucky enough to test. In this collaboration Rapha and Raeburn went all out to make a packable, light and highly reflective jacket – in other words something perfect for the city cyclist – and it is certainly striking! The jacket is remade from a British issue parachute canopy. These nylon canopies are coloured orange, green and white which enables pilots to either camouflage themselves or signal from the ground. The parachutes have been deconstructed, cut and reworked to produce the jackets making features of the original seams. Reflective tape is added as part of the print which provides added functionality for the city cyclist.

The jacket in use

I’ve worn this jacket both on my daily commute and on longer rides on my road bike at weekends and I have to say it is ideally suited to both duties. For something so thin and lightweight it really does keep the wind and cold out effectively. Part of this effectiveness is down to the very close fitting cuffs which are made from wear-resistant Lycra. The jacket is ideal for cold early morning starts and will protect well enough in sudden showers – in short it’s pretty much perfect for riding in the changeable climate of the UK.

The jacket packs up small enough to keep it permanently in your rucksack without losing valuable space ensuring you always have a layer for when the weather changes, but doesn’t feel like a typical stowaway wind layer – which in my experience feels a bit like wearing a bin bag. No, this is a hand made, unique and exceptional high quality item and as you’d expect such quality and exclusivity comes at a cost – £300 to be precise. Now that’s a lot of money for a wind jacket, but you won’t find anything to compare this too on the market, after all how many repurposed parachute jackets have you ever seen?

The fit of the jacket is just tailored enough to not flap about on the bike, but not so much that it feels like wearing race gear on the commute. The fit for me is about perfect on and off the bike (I wear a medium for reference). It has the typical long-cut back for good coverage on the bike.

The jacket has 2 discreet side pockets with easy to use hoop pulls that are perfect for a phone or your tube pass. In use these are perfectly positioned for the contents to not interfere with your riding in anyway.

The Rapha & Raeburn wind jacket also has a stowaway hood. This can be rolled up and secured via a strap and popper when not in use – which for me is most of the time. In fact the only time I can imagine using it is off the bike if I am caught in an unexpected downpour, but even then it seems a little superfluous.

As mentioned, the jacket is certainly not to everyone’s taste from a styling and colouring point of view, but the fact that it’s so striking makes it the ideal jacket to stand out on the increasingly busy city roads. The large polka dot pattern is very reflective and pops out at the slightest exposure to a car headlight. There is a Rapha & Raeburn numbered panel on the rear of the jacket with an individual “race number” which is also reflective. All in all this is a jacket which stands out – whether this is for the right reasons depends on your individual view point, but for me it stands out in a positive way (but then I also own an orange bike….)

More information and where to buy

Rapha recently posted a typically stylish video and some images of the jacket’s production on their blog, if you like Rapha’s style as I do it’s worth a few minutes of your time. You can find it on the Rapha website.

The Rapha & Raeburn Wind Jacket, which is a very limited edition (just 600 will be made – 300 available in white, 200 in green and 100 in orange) is individually numbered has just launched and be available directly from Rapha for £300.

4/5 – Exclusive and effective, but very expensive

The post Rapha & Raeburn City Wind Jacket review appeared first on London Cyclist Blog.

Now as I am sure you know I am a fan of all things Vulpine, having previously reviewed their Merino Polo and Lightweight Harrington. This time I am reviewing the staple of the Vulpine range – the Merino T-Shirt. In essence this is is the same as last years model, but is available in some new colours – Claret, Astral Blue, Fern Green and Grey.

The Ultimate Cycling T-Shirt?

Is this the ultimate cycling t-shirt? I certainly think so – it wicks sweat like a demon, is soft like a cloud and is cut perfectly for both on and off bike use. It’s in no way a body hugging Lycra-style fit so it doesn’t look out of place in the pub or in the office.

The merino used in this T-shirt is the highest grade wool from the best Tasmanian sheep and really is the softest I’ve felt. It’s so soft and light it’s almost possible to forget that you’re wearing anything at all – sadly another company has coined the “better than naked” line already but this T certainly fits that description.

I am fortunate enough to have 2 Vulpine merino items and I alternate these for my commutes to work – the merino does a mighty fine job of resisting odours so I am as fresh on the 3rd day of wear as I am on the first.

The T-Shirt has a single buttoned pocket on the rear which I’ve actually found quite useful for carrying my Oyster card on the days where I’ve been able to cycle without a jacket and have thrown my wallet in my bag. There’s also some subtle reflective detail on the rear to help you be seen when the light starts to fade. Talking of being seen, I have the Fern Green colourway which is a lovely vivid colour, and close to the Vulpine signature green.

If you follow the care instructions – cool wash, don’t use conditioner and dry flat – the t-shirt washes well and doesn’t bobble (which I have experienced with cheaper Merino items in the past).

I’ve been so impressed with this T-shirt that I’ve just ordered the Vulpine Alpine Jersey to wear on my upcoming End to End ride, and I am sure that will perform as faultlessly in that environment as this has in the city.

Pricing and availability

The T-Shirt is available from Vulpine’s website and also at select retailers and is priced at £55.

5/5 – cycling t-shirts don’t get better than this.

The post Vulpine Merino T-Shirt review appeared first on London Cyclist Blog.

You may or may not know – I certainly didn’t – that a Harrington jacket is a lightweight waist-length jacket, typically made of cotton, and that Harrington jackets have been made by British Clothing companies since the 1930s. That gives the Vulpine Lightweight Harrington a big pair of boots to fill as far as British Tailoring goes. I am happy to say – that in my eyes at least – it succeeds. The style of the jacket is understated and simple, yet laden with lots of discrete hidden features that make it a reliable partner on the daily commute. These bike specific features are what set this jacket apart from myriad other lightweight cycling jackets and include a higher than usual collar, the longer cut back and the almost obligatory rear pocket. 

When would you wear this?

The Vulpine Lightweight Harrington is substantial enough to be worn all year round, either as a windproof and shower proof outer layer in Spring/Summer/Early Autumn or as a base for a more substantial winter jacket when the weather turns colder. As mentioned the jacket is billed as “shower proof” – it’s made from silicon impregnated cotton – and while I am certain that it won’t stand up to a full battering by a heavy downpour, it has kept the drizzle out well on a recent unexpectedly damp evening ride.

The windproof qualities of the silicone impregnated cotton make the jacket feel warmer than it’s weight would suggest on blowy days, but being cotton it should breath well when it does eventually get warmer – the open back (with mesh liner) will no doubt assist in this regard also.

I’ve had many jackets that make claims to be waterproof and windproof, but then use cheap quality zips that leak like a sieve as soon as the rain hits your front and leave a cold stripe where wind penetrates the zip, thankfully the Vulpine Lightweight Harrington suffers from no such problems. The zips are high quality waterproof items which keep your shirt dry and your front uniformly warm when even when you’re cycling into a headwind in the drizzle.

Features and attention to detail

As with all of the Vulpine gear that I’ve experienced so far, the attention to detail is fantastic. This is no mass produced cycle-fashion wear, this is highly tailored, well thought out, handmade cycling gear looks good on and off of the bike. I’ve been using this jacket for everything since I’ve had it, from commuting to work, going to client meetings, and even walking the dog and it’s felt perfectly at home in every situation. 

A particular hit feature with me are the magnetic closures on the rear pocket and the soft collar. This might seem like a gimmick, but it makes it really easy to keep things in the rear pocket without worrying that you’ve not zipped it closed, or struggling to do so with gloved hands. The collar magnets are great in use, but also help to create a nice shape to the collar when you don’t have the jacket zipped up by weighting it down slightly. Just another illustration of the thought and craftsmanship that goes into the design of these clothes. 

As well as the rear pocket the jacket also has 2 zipped side pockets and a buttoned chest pocket. The side pockets are nicely positioned to be a little higher than a regular jacket which adds to the comfort on the bike if you have bulky items in them. These pockets are sizeable enough to fit most items you’d carry around town and deep enough to not worry that things will escape if you fail to zip them up. The pockets zips are also waterproof meaning you shouldn’t arrive at your destination with a pocket full of wet things. Due to the clever manner in which these pockets are made, they also create 2 deep secure internal pockets which you can stash your valuables in for even greater security. 

The jacket also has reflective detail around the wrists and waist adjusters which light up like a floodlight at the slightest hint of a light making it a very visible jacket whilst not appearing overtly ‘hi-viz’. 

Cost, fit and availability

The jacket retails at £135 which is not too bad for a bike jacket generally, but especially good when you consider the quality. The jacket is available in 2 lively colours – Sage and Sky Blue (which is what I have) which make a nice change from the typical black on black cycling attire that seems to be the current thing. 

I have this jacket in a Medium which fits me perfectly with the waist adjusters in the tighter of the 2 positions, I am a 36-38 chest so it fits true to the size guide on the Vulpine website – it’s a tailored fit, but by no means a skinny racer fit which means it remains comfortable with a range of layers underneath.

My one criticism of the jacket is the sleeve length. On the bike they are good, not riding up and keeping my wrists covered and warm, but off of the bike they seem a little long and bunched up. While I appreciate that this is a worthwhile compromise, some additional adjusters on the sleeves may have helped to avoid this.

The Vulpine Lightweight Harrington is available from the Vulpine on-line shop at www.vulpine.cc and through a select number of retailers (which now includes four London branches of CycleSurgery) 

5/5

The post Vulpine Men’s Lightweight Harrington Jacket review appeared first on London Cyclist Blog.

Depending on how much you are carrying, you may be able to get away with just a frame bag. You’d be surprised how much some of them can carry.

Not only can you relieve your back but you can also get quicker access to the items you need.  

The right frame bag should be made from a durable material that is weather-resistant to handle all the elements, fixes firmly to your bicycle at several attachment points and have enough space to hold your extra gear.

When searching for frame bags there are 3 from which you can choose: rear frame bags, full frame bags and front frame bags. The style you choose is based solely on your needs and your cycle.

We’ve handpicked a few bags we’d recommend..

Topeak Aero Wedge Pack

This lightweight (just 130g!) frame bag by Topeak sits neatly under the back of the seat for easy access and it has an expandable compartment for those times when you need more than a few items to carry. With reflective strips and durable polyester, this rear frame bag could be just what you need to store your goodies on the go. It’s available in a number of different sizes.

M-Wave Frame Corner Bag

For quick access, this £3 triangle frame bag is a great option. The fixings are Velcro and adjustable so you can make it as snug as possible in the frame triangle. The reflective trim will heighten your visibility while also keeping your precious cargo safe.

Available from Amazon for £3.29.

Topeak Tribag All-Weather Handlebar Bag

Keep your valuables close to you with an internally weather-proofed handlebar bag. The Topeak Tribag is out of the way of your legs and knees (no chafing) and you can always look down and know your money, iPhone and other important items haven’t fallen off. The included rain cover keeps everything dry on the outside, and the sturdy build means it doesn’t sway as you ride.

Available from Amazon for £12.84.

Carradice Barley Saddle Bag

If you’re looking for a heavy duty frame bag—550 grams to be exact—to carry tyre pumps, spare inner tubes, cycle tools and essentials then the Carradice Barley Saddle Bag is worth a second look. It’s big, but with two additional side pockets you’ll never suffer for storage space.

If space is what you crave rather than a lighter load, this saddle bag can get the job done.

Available from Wiggle for £49.50.

Bontrager Seat Pack Pro

This slick looking seat pack by Bontrager provides cyclists with an ‘outta sight, outta mind’ method of storage. It’s secure safely under the seat with a Velcro fixing with an extra elastic strap for bike pump storage. This seat pack by Bontrager comes in several sizes ranging from extra small to extra large with a maximum capacity of 1,966 cc’s.

The one glaring problem with the Bontrager Seat Pack Pro is that it doesn’t appear to be constructed of weather-proof materials.

Available in different size for £15.99 from Evans Cycles.

Topeak TourGuide Handlebar Bag

Keep your bag front and centre with the handlebar bag from Topeak. With a click mounting system you can be sure your cargo is secure and right where you can keep an eye on it. This TourGuide bag comes with a rain jacket and Teflon coating to protect it from the elements, and features reflector stripes so you’re seen during night time cycling.

This frame bag may be a bit bulkier but it provides the perfect alternative to carrying a heavyweight rucksack on your person.

Available from Wiggle for £49.49.

Raleigh Avenir Handle Bar Bag

The Raleigh handlebar bag has lots of bells and whistles that may scare new cyclists, but with reflective details, shoulder straps and map & GPS holder this is a serious bag for the serious cyclist. The quick-release fitting system uses a clip to keep it affixed to the cycle, but it is on the flimsy side so you may need a secondary clip to put your mind at ease.

The bag Raleigh handlebar bag also comes with a rain cover and tons of storage pockets so you don’t have to leave any essentials behind.

See also: What’s in a typical cyclists backpack

The post Quick to reach bags to attach to your bike frame appeared first on London Cyclist Blog.

Many cyclists also own cars!

You heard it here first. Many cyclists enjoy using said cars for heading off to far flung places to ride their bikes.

Transporting them involves some kind of bike rack. Whether that’s a trailer or an attachable rack that fits on the top or rear of your car.

The biggest problem with shopping around for a bike rack is knowing which one is suitable for both your bike and your car.

As this is a big purchase, it’s a good idea to ask ahead and get advice from the company selling them. They’ll be able to answer questions about compatibility.

Fortunately, many of the best bike racks and trailers out there have a lot of build in flexibility, so they should be able to adjust most vehicle designs.

Aside from compatibility, when shopping around you should also look for:

• Scratch free surfaces: You don’t want your car or, heaven forbid, your bike getting scratched. Look for bike racks that feature this kind of protection.
• Security of the bikes: If you are going to be away from your bike for even a short period of time you want to be sure someone can’t just run away with it.

When shopping around for a suitable solution for transporting your bike ask yourself:

• How many bikes am I going to need to transport?
• Will I use it often enough to justify the cost?
• Is it a bike that doesn’t fit the typical dimensions – e.g. tandem?
• Check your car manual – do they recommend only a certain type of rack or a maximum load?
• Will you be using the bike rack on different cars or just one?
• Do you already have a rack on your roof that you can attach additional components to?
• Check how high you can lift your bike – you don’t want something that will go on the roof if you won’t be able to reach.
• Will the rack have multiple uses? Are you using it only to transport a bike or will it have other uses.
• How much space do you have to store the rack when it’s not in use? Do you need something that packs down to a small size?

Types of racks

Rear car door carriers

These fix on to the back of cars. Although they are often promoted as “universal”, that’s not always the case so it’s best to check whether it will fit your car.

Advantages:

• Can typically fit between 2 to 3 bikes
• Affordable
• Easy access to your bike – you don’t have to reach too far
• Doesn’t take up too much space when not in use

Disadvantages:

• Can be a little fiddly to install the first couple of times

Tow bar mounted

For cars with a tow bar this is an excellent option. A 4×4 is likely to be able to carry more bikes than a typical car. It’s useful to know the tow bar nose weight of your car when shopping around. This will tell you the maximum number of bikes you can carry.

Advantages:

• Can find models that fit up to 5 bikes

Disadvantages:

• Only for cars with a tow bar

Roof mounted carriers

These carriers fit on to your roof racks if your car has them. If not then you’ll need to fit roof racks first and then choose a bike carrier to attach.

Advantages:

• Can typically fit up to 4 bikes but can find models that fit up to 6
• Secure option if you use a lock

Disadvantages:

• It can be strenuous to reach up on the roof of the car
• Need to be careful to avoid low bridges and multi-storey car parks

Indespension sell the type of racks I’ve discussed in this post.

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