Tips For Returning Cyclists
Tips For Returning Cyclists
With the rise of cycling, a lot of people are getting old bikes out of sheds, starting to use bikes they haven't before or using bikes that could do with an upgrade. Here are our tips to help you feel great on and get the most out of your bike. Starting with the tools, it's worth having on hand to maintain your bike and get as much out of it as possible.
First Things First
The fundamentals, starting with the kit it's worth having to maintain your bike and get as much out of it as possible. here are six things you will find useful to have in your bag:
- Tyre levers for changing a tyre
- Pumps (read the repair a puncture everything you need to know blog for more info on pumps)
- Puncture repair kit
- A spare innertube
- Allen/Hex keys most screws on bikes use the hex key, so if you change your saddle or want to adjust it, you'll need a hex key.
- Torque driver if you have a carbon bike you need to be careful not to overtighten screws on the bike this is when a torq driver is vital.
If you ride a bike regularly changing an innertube is as essential. Here's our blog Repair a Puncture, Everything You Need to Know. It will to help you identify the size of your wheel and tips to help you get to grips with changing a tyre.
While we encourage you to take an interest in your bike and it's maintenance, your bike must remain road safe. For this reason, we advise your bike is serviced at least once a year and any mechanical repairs completed by a professional. So give your local bike shop a ring and book your bike in for a checkup or service.
So Your Bikes Sorted What About You?
You want to feel good on your bike that could be about comfort, safety, convenience or aesthetics or all of these elements. Here are some suggestions we think will help you refresh or create the right look for you
Helmets
Possibly the most vital safety element while on your bike and most importantly helmets should be replaced every 3-5years and immediately after an impact crash.
Bontrager Solstice helmets are £34.99 and available in White, Blue, Black and Hi-vis Yellow. As you can imagine there are more elaborate and higher-priced helmets out there that have: more options to adjust the fit, feel lighter, have more points of ventilation, the ability to mount a light or camera on and extra safety elements like Specialized angi (read more here) or the Bontrager WaveCel range which features a leading technology in the protection against cycling-related head injuries. The range includes commuter, road and mountain bike specific helmets in a variety of colours.
Clothes
Clothing wise it's not all about lycra, you probably will want to wear dedicated cycling clothing to help reduce sweat and keep you comfortable. There's plenty out there
Evoke Technical t-shits are sweat-wicking with Polygiene® odour control to keep you smelling fresh.
Quantum Range features Technical T-shirts with Polygiene® odour control and a convenient locker loop to hang your top to air. They also have a baggy fit short with lots of pockets and a removable padded liner so you can wear them on or off the bike. There's also a Quantum helmet range.
Rhythm Range includes technical t-shirts, shorts and gloves to match/compliment. The t-shirts also have Polygiene® odour control, and a locker loop and the shorts are lightweight, breathable with lots of pockets.
Jackets
We all know UK summers can change in a flash so a lightweight jacket, is a must. Something easy to pack away, light, breathable and stylish to wear. Altura Firestorms are a decent choice they are lightweight easy to pack down, and they're reflective meaning even if the sun disappears you're still visible.
Sunglasses
While you're out there, some decent sunglasses are a must too
the Tifosi Swick and Tifosi Swank ranges are both useful, stylish and available in a wide range of designs
Bags
Carrying your stuff around if your commuting can be a drag but the Altura Grid Pannier Backpack gives you the flexibility to pop the bag on the bike and remove and use it as a bag when you get to work. We also have a great selection of saddlebags for storing those six essential items.
