Category Archives: reviews

Review – Abus Combiflex 202 cable bike lock

There is a bewildering choice of locks on the market each with their own advantages, or disadvantages.  Some of these are seriously secure and seriously bulky, heavy and awkward – and just what any weight conscious roadie doesn’t need.   … Continue reading

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Thorn Audax Mk3 5000 mile review

Earlier this year I clocked up 5000 miles on the Thorn Audax and that’s time to review my investment in cycling. In brief, the Thorn Audax is a fairly traditional steel frame bicycle, aimed at cyclists who are looking to … Continue reading

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Aldi cycling clothing – why I’m a convert

  What’s your view of the budget priced Aldi supermarket?  Is it just for people who can’t afford to shop at Waitrose or M&S?  Is it for people living in deprived areas where poverty looms along with all the usual … Continue reading

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Quick review – Park Super Patch GP2

You might wonder whether these pre-glued puncture repair patches are any good.  I have tried quite a few different brands and these are the ones I like the best : Park Tools Super Patch.  In the grand scheme of things, … Continue reading

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3rd Rule of Saturday Cycling

This week’s 3rd Rule of Saturday Cycling is: Share the Slipstream Lurve It turned out to be my friend Robin who was today’s cycling companion.  With Robin being one of my friends also doing the 2014 Coast to Coast, most of … Continue reading

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Early review – Trek Bontrager Ember USB rear light

Rear facing lights like the Bontrager Ember USB which are fixed to helmets are gaining popularity and it’s not hard to see why.   It is an effective way of being seen sooner in some situations and as I’m trying … Continue reading

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2nd Saturday cycle ride rule

2nd Saturday cycle ride rule: when dealing with a flat tyre, always have a supply of nakd wholefoods gluten free handy This is about the next nakd (handle) bar and another puncture.  It is just as well I am not … Continue reading

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iPhone 5c review

I know this iPhone 5c review is a bit of a departure away from more explicit cycle related reviews, however, this does have a connection and I think it’s worth a mention.  The iPhone 5C is a big step for … Continue reading

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Review – Shimano BR4600 brake pads

Time to replace brake pads and tell you about these Shimano BR4600 pads, fitted as original equipment on Tiagra and Sora brake sets.  On this occasion I’m fitting like-for-like for ease and because I know they work fine. The Good … Continue reading

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Trek Elite 8.5 2013 model

My friend Robin has invested in one of these Treks this year.  It’s a mid range hard tail retailing for about £1000 so pitched well for those considering a Cycle to Work purchase scheme.  Last Sunday we went for a … Continue reading

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Frank Bars

  We have just completed a review of these interesting snack bars, which included our super picky, dubious and questioning eldest teenage daughter.  We talk about the company, their range of flavours, whether they are excellent or absolute garbage and … Continue reading

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Quick review – Shimano PD-M424 pedals

My daughter is not having too much luck with SPD pedals.  Last year we had the disastrous Raleigh Outback SPD pedals which are never getting fitted to any of our bikes again.  While most converts to SPD pedals experience few … Continue reading

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Quick review – Dawes Century SE

One of my colleagues has one of these, albeit a 2012 version.  After work one day we cycled for about 15 miles until we went off in our separate directions and during that time I picked up quite a few … Continue reading

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Review – Specialized Allez 2013

Technicalities Frame: Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium, fully manipulated tubing with smooth welds Fork: Specialized Aluminium fork, alloy steerer and crown, 1-1/8″ Front and rear Derailleur: Shimano 2300 Number of Gears: 16 Shifters: Shimano 2300 STI Chainset: Shimano 2300 Compact with 50/34T chainrings Bottom Bracket: Sealed cartridge, square taper, … Continue reading

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