Índex per June 2021 a Cycling Plus

Hands up if you’ve been following Dr Richard Freeman’s tribunal? Not following as in reading and watching the media reports on it, but understanding what was going on? I for one certainly found it hard to keep up with, such was the elephantine length of the hearing and the soapie story lines. There were times, as it limped into its third year, that it became simply an accepted, permanent fixture of British life, like the weather. Before I go on, a recap as to what the tribunal is and the crux of why it was held. Freeman, who was the former chief doctor of Team Sky and British Cycling, was alleged by the General Medical Council (GMC) to have ordered 30 sachets of Testogel - a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-prohibited…

The seaside town’s promenade path isn’t merely family-cycling fun, it also provides day-riders a magic carpet out to explore the fabulous Isle of Purbeck and Dorset coast. Gravel bikers can roam super trails, but pick your route (and ferries) carefully, while tarmac can show you the must-see places too. Cafes and pubs abound, as do bike clubs. ROUTE ONE WESTERN LOOP 67 MILES COASTAL CANTER Some moderate climbs here and there, but mostly a day of varied scenery on quiet gentle roads. Promenade and Sandbanks ferry to Purbeck, then views of coasts and rolling lush countryside as you circle back round to the ferry via NCN2. GET THE ROUTE: komoot.com/tour/324651543 ROUTE TWO NORTHERN LOOP 45 MILES GRAVEL GALLOP Flattish, scenic day on a range of gravel-bike-ready surfaces. Promenade and harbourside…

£229 Premium helmet for gravel riding The new Helios Spherical is the latest helmet from Giro to include MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), a slip-plane that vastly reduces rotational forces that can cause serious brain injury in the event of a crash. This thin liner usually sits between the helmet and the pads, which in our experience can decrease the volume of a helmet, altering the fit or impeding venting. With the Spherical, however, Giro uses two EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam liners held together by elastomer ‘anchors’ with a ball and socket. This design allows the two liners to slide independently of each other. Giro says the Helios is a premium design (with a price to suit) but one that’s not aimed at the professional rider ranks. Unlike Giro’s other…

£225 Smooth-action seatpost WE SAY… The dual-action remote is a game changer & seatpost performance is flawless New to the Crankbrothers Highline Series (and with the clue very much in the name), the Cross-Country/Gravel Dropper seatpost has a 27.2mm diameter and is available in four travel options: 60mm, 80mm, 100mm and 125mm. The 60mm is also available in a version with a shorter insertion length, to suit short or hard-to-fit seat tubes. There is a quick-connect mechanism for the cable, which attaches to the bottom of the seatpost for ease of installation. It is straightforward, but in our experience you do need to take your time over the setup to avoid mistakes with the internal cable routing; as always, don’t trim to fit until you are sure you’ve nailed it.…

£311 Off-road shoes from Switzerland WE SAY… A quality, well-constructed shoe but pricey and you need to check the fit Suplest says its Crosscountry Pro meets the needs for singletrack, gravel and cross-country riding. For gravel riders, the Suplest has plenty of plus points, with the sole being particularly suited to this type of terrain. At the heart of the sole is a super-stiff carbon base, onto which is bonded a toe-to-heel rubber covering. This not only protects the carbon, but also adds a high-traction pattern with pronounced heel and toe tread plus large block treads on the forefoot. There are also two threads in the toe for studs (included). This treaded covering shapes the shoe’s sole like a non-cycling shoe, thus making walking and running feel much more natural…

Throughout the pandemic the bicycle has reminded everyone of its value. We speak to workers who’ve found unique ways to use their bikes to support themselves and their communities… The nurse “I got back into cycling when Covid-19 first hit and I realised that after every shift in A&E, when I had been in contact with a lot of Covid-19 patients, I could potentially infect a lot of people sharing the tube with me,” says Mónica Reus Boccherini, 28, from London. “Cycling eliminated that risk of infection.” During the pandemic outbreak Monica has been working at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, in the Emergency Department. A little extra push to commute by bike came from Cycling UK, who was offering free membership to key workers. “I saw the offer via…

01 RELEASE TENSION Most pedals have a spring-release mechanism that allows the cleat to disengage when you twist your foot out. Commonly, it can be adjusted to be as loose or as tight as you like it. 02 CLEAT ALIGNMENT Aligning cleats on your shoes requires a bit of know-how and time dedicated to getting them perfect. A bike-fit specialist can advise if you’re unsure. Poorly aligned cleats can lead to knee pain. 03 FLOAT The movement of the cleat when engaged in the pedal, measured in degrees. It allows sideways rotation of the foot to prevent potential pressure on the knee. 04 STACK HEIGHT This is the distance between the pedal axle and the sole of the shoe, and it varies from pedal to pedal. Most are within a…

£59 User and pocket-friendly During pedalling, the Classic 3 Plus provided good security and a stable platform WE SAY… Technology from higher-end model shas trick led down to this easy-to-use, af fordable pedal DETAILS Chromoly spindle; composite body; stainless steel platform; 0 to 9 degrees float; Keo cleat 4.5-degree standard; 17.1mm stack height WEIGHT 280g (pedals); 64g (cleats) Look’s Keo Classic 3 Plus pedals are decent entry-level pedals that offer great ease of use and a stable pedalling platform, with the improved durability of two stainless steel plates over the lower-priced Classic model. The Plus’s pedal body provides a wide surface contact with stainless steel plates, serving to boost durability over the Classic 3. They have a low 11.5mm stack height, adjustable release tension and a composite body spinning on…

£99.99 ›Mountain-bike brand hits the road Power transfer feels good with the PK01 pedals, particularly when you get on the gas WE SAY… A light weight pedal system that looks good and works well DETAILS Injected carbon body; CNCmachined chromoly axle; Look Keo cleat system compatible; 4.5-degree lateral float; 17.1mm stack height WEIGHT 199g (pedals); 80g (cleats) ›HT Components might be a brand that’s more familiar to mountain bikers, but with the PK01 it offers a pair of lightweight carbon pedals for road cyclists. They are good for the money and easy to use with the familiar, Look Keo-style cleat system. The pedal body is constructed from an injected carbon material, which helps to keep the weight low. Inside is a CNC-machined chromoly steel axle with sealed cartridge bearings and…

£149.99 ›Pedals that like the lighter touch A self-centring design works with the natural movement of ankle, knee and hip joints WE SAY… Distinctive and unique peda ls that areex pensive and lack arange of adjus tment DETAILS Carbon body; carbon blade and hollow steel axle; angular float (+/-5-degree) and lateral float (2.5mm); 13.5mm stack height WEIGHT 228g (pedals); 89g (cleats) The Time XPro 10s are distinctive pedals that feature some interesting technology, including a carbon blade that offers the benefit of easy engagement, low weight and stack height. Durability is good and the bearings can be user serviced. ›The XPro 10 pedals are constructed with a carbon body and blade, a hollow steel axle, steel bearings and a smart carbon fairing over the bottom. They boast a very large…

The appearance of stomach issues can easily turn a successful ride into an unpleasant one. Yet if we can understand the principles of how much and when to consume carbohydrate, as well as the variables that can affect gastrointestinal discomfort (GI), we can solve these issues. Carb consumption is dictated by maximal absorption rates, the intensity of exercise, and the duration of the exercise. Maximal absorption rates relate to a fixed amount of glucose and fructose that you can absorb per hour, and anything over this will start to wreak havoc for your stomach. Individually, the amount you can consume of each is: • Glucose – 1g/per min or 60g/per hour• Fructose – 0.5g/per min or 30g/per hour “IF YOU’RE LOOKING AT CENTURY RIDES, OR AN IRONMAN TRIATHLON, THEN AN…

Downloading the routes Every route in this pocket guide has been uploaded to Komoot. If you want to put a route on your GPS bike computer, visit the link listed for each location on your desk computer, where you will find all three routes available to download to your desktop and upload from there. If you want the route information on the fly, we’ve also provided QR codes that you can scan with your smartphone to take you to the same location. Snap it… With iPhone scan codes with camera, for Android use Google Lens.…

LONG SCENIC SHOWCASE 74 miles › Main road out of centre, then 50 miles of glorious scenery on smooth quiet roads with mild climbing. Refuel at bike haven Innerleithen, back via Gladhouse reservoir. Time is short? Go from Eskbank station (regular trains, 20min from Edinburgh). komoot.com/tour/314277227 MEDIUM ENGINEERING MARVELS 51 miles › Past Haymarket and along good NCN1 to Queensferry (cafes). Back roads (500m track) to Linlithgow (palace, loch, cafes) then over the ‘Bathgate Alps’. Fly back with prevailing westerlies along good cycleways and Union Canal towpath. komoot.com/tour/314277435 SHORT CAR-FREE CRUISE 37 miles › Mostly off-road, mostly tarmac, some tracks. Smooth Union Canal towpath to Ratho then gravel path to Queensferry (cafes, bridges). Hug the coast back east, first gravel, then wide smooth promenade. Rail trails to Leith and back…

LONG SCENIC SPECIAL 62 miles › Some of England’s most thrilling cycling views with stiff but rewarding ascents and glorious downhills. Vault into Swaledale, arguably England’s grandest dale, then up to Tan Hill Inn. Reeth (cafes), climbs to and from Askrigg (cafe), and Buttertubs Pass as the grand finale. komoot.com/tour/270251274 MEDIUM BRITAIN’S VENTOUX 41 miles The smooth access road to Great Dun Fell radar station, 850m up, is closed to vehicles, but it’s also a bridleway so cyclists can use it. Lanes to Appleby, then a four-mile steady climb up 1738ft to the summit and awesome views, then six and half miles of downhill, dropping 2200ft. Fine foothill scenery back. komoot.com/tour/270251633 SHORT PENNINES TASTER 34 miles › Grand range of ever-changing scenery in one compact ride: valleys, moors, rivers, villages,…

LONG DALES DEMON 88 miles Tough day (for the pros, make that half a day) combining highlights of Men’s Elite TT, Men’s Elite and Junior Road Race routes. Takes in Otley and Ilkley (cafes) and mighty Wharfedale, over the 8 per cent Kidstones Pass to Wensleydale and via Masham (cafes, pubs) through hilly country back. komoot.com/tour/314270604 MEDIUM SELFIE SPECIAL 62 miles Half the Women’s Elite Road Race course, with some decent climbs, superb views, but cafe opps too. Goes via Pateley Bridge, thrilling Nidderdale, the tough ascent from Lofthouse and over to Masham, then back through hills via historic Ripon past splendid Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage Site. komoot.com/tour/314270817 SHORT CITY SLICKER 9 miles Cycle the time trial circuit – rolling, varied, challenging – that ends almost all the UCI…

LONG GOSPEL JOY 77 miles Big day, big challenge, big scenery, almost all on untrafficked back lanes. Rolling hills to Brecon (cafes) then past reservoirs and along major A-road, Heads of the Valley. Up over wild moorland to Crickhowell, then the tick-box climax: Gospel Pass. komoot.com/tour/224473869 MEDIUM WYE OH WYE 50 miles Climbs and descents to start, on back lanes with fine moorland tops and small valleys; second half mainly flat riverside stuff. Through Rhosgoch and Glascwm, up and over to Newbridge, then follow lovely Wye Valley to Builth Wells (lunch) and back via hedgerow-filled lanes to Hay. komoot.com/tour/224474580 SHORT GREEN AND BLACK 32 miles Practically car-free back lanes through remote villages. High hedgerows come and go to reveal dramatic green hills, wild moors and Black Mountains views. Big climb…

LONG HEART OF HERTS 65 miles Country lanes to Ayot and (George Bernard) Shaw’s Corner. Through Harpenden to Redbourn (cafe/bike shop) and long, pleasant semicircle to avoid Luton (glimpse the airport). Cake in Whitwell and more rural charm round to Hitchin’s characterful centre. Lanes back to Stevenage Old Town. komoot.com/tour/314286250 MEDIUM HERTS DIAMONDS 49 miles Easy country lanes without much in the way of climbing, past quaint Dane End and Barwick (optional ford) to Much Hadham (garden centre cafe). Pretty Furneux Pelham and more lanes to Barkway and Reed (transport cafe). Lanes and B-roads back to Stevenage Old Town. komoot.com/tour/314286547 SHORT GLAD HERTS 24 miles Easy, traffic-free cycleway dawdle through lovely Fairlands park and back to station/town centre. With small kids? Shortcut back from here (six miles total). Otherwise, carry…

LONG GRAND TOUR 60 miles Epic back-lane circuit of hills, coasts, views, quaint villages – and short, steep climbs aplenty. Ferry over the Fal and the weird ex-mining scenery round St Austell. Then from Foxhole’s high point down to Newquay (cafes, beach) and little lanes back to Truro. komoot.com/tour/314549221 MEDIUM ESTUARY EXPLORER 45 miles Three exciting ferries – King Harry over the Fal, the glorious St Mawes–Falmouth (a few steps), and Helford (Apr-Oct only) – and lots of splendid, scenic, hilly back lanes and fishing ports (and cafes and pubs). A hatful of short, sharp climbs, with a bigger beast out of Gweek and before a graded descent to Truro. komoot.com/tour/314549913 SHORT TRAMWAY TRAILS 31 miles Easier half-day of fewer and more gradual climbs (for Cornwall, anyway!). Riverside paths and…

Chrome’s Lako Tote is a lightweight 900g bag built using a lightweight, super-tough fabric that’s constructed to Chrome’s usual high standards and comes complete with a lifetime warranty. This mid-sized hybrid comes in at 42x29x14cm. The heavyweight waterproof base provides plenty of stability giving it a boxy shape that, despite its light weight, holds its load superbly well. You can secure it further using the compression straps: two per side on the bag’s flanks. With a 21-litre capacity (expandable through the roll-top to 25 litres) it’s big enough to carry your daily commute gear, plus there’s a wet compartment to store rain wear or post-gym kit. Externally, there’s a large slip-pocket on the rear that’s big enough to house a substantial U-lock with a snap-closure roll-top and strap to secure…

STOP FOR CAKES VELO DOMESTIQUE An independent cycle-cafe and shop with a classy menu and workshop. Deliveries are made by bike! WHERE: Bournemouth BH5 2JB GET SPARE TUBES BOURNEMOUTH CYCLEWORKS Big, well-stocked bike shop with experienced staff that does everything from fits to puncture repair outfits. WHERE: Bournemouth BH7 6BW FANCY A PINT? GOAT & TRICYCLE Traditional real-ale pub in the centre with a big range of beers, food and a handy patio garden at the rear. WHERE: Bournemouth BH2 5PF HAVE BREAKFAST NAKED COFFEE From light/healthy breakfasts to full traditional English, fine coffee and pastries, daily from 8am in the centre WHERE: Bournemouth BH1 3LT WITH FAMILY? PROMENADE, PIER, BEACH Miles of wide, flat promenade path for safe kids’ cycling, with all the usual seaside entertainment and facilities WHERE:…

£99 WE SAY… The comfort and finesse of the Zipp Service Course won us over Getting things in proportion It’s hard to miss the plethora of gravel-specific bars available. They usually feature a shallower drop and some degree of sweep with the promise of more stability and control on rougher terrain. Both the Spank and Zipp bars have the same hood-to-hood length of 440mm, but the Spank has a generous 25 degrees of flare, making it 582mm end to end. That’s 59mm more than the Zipp and it emphasises transitions from the hoods to drops. Getting down Coming from a mountain biking background, that extra width feels very comfortable. It puts your wrists and elbows in a naturally shock-absorbing position and makes for more confident handling from the drops on…

£299 Adjustable saddle comfort WE SAY… The first saddle to have adjustable-stiffness but it still favours those who like it firm Dutch brand Ere Research has launched an innovative take on the short saddle. At first glance, this unisex 240mm-long, 145mm-wide saddle with its full-length channel, carbon hull and carbon rails is like other high-end saddles; however, it has rather a unique trick up its sleeve… The Genus saddle boasts Ere’s patented ‘Comfort Trigger’ red lever mounted underneath the nose, where it’s easily reached while you’re riding. The trigger has three positions that alter the stiffness in the hull by 10Nm, from stiffest to most flexible. Ere claims that, by being able to alter the hull’s rigidity, you can tune the comfort level to the riding conditions. About to hit…

£185; £150 Quality cool-weather kit WE SAY… Good-looking clothing that’s perfectly suited to British riding conditions Designed for Sportful’s pro teams and the rigours of the Belgian Classics, this new range from the Italian brand will appeal to British riders with the UK’s temperate climate and grimy rural roads as the Fiandre Pro Medium jacket is perfect for cool, damp conditions. Featuring Polartec NeoShell at the front, this light yet warm wonder-fabric is both wind and waterproof. On the rear, it uses Sportful’s light NoRain material, which is highly water-resistant and beads well, yet is still very breathable. However, we found that in persistent downpours it can be overwhelmed and is suited to lighter showers. The fit is close and, like most other Italian brands, we’d suggest sizing up. The…

The bicycle has really changed the nature of my job,” considers Amadu Meja, 40, from Malawi, a community volunteer in the town of Thyolo in the south of the country. “I am now able to visit many more households than I could before I received the bicycle. People in my community can also borrow it and take someone to hospital if needed because it just so strong.” Amadu volunteers in the Adolescent Girls and Young Women project at Norwegian Church Aid, an organisation that aims to help communities in the struggle to overcome poverty. As part of his work Amadu visits households in his community, providing education on issues relating to maternal health, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Norwegian Church Aid Malawi launched a…

£47.99 Entry-level pedals without the frills WE SAY… Cheap and cheerful pedals using the Look system so they’r e good for beginners › The pedals have a secure feeling that gives confidence when pedalling hard up hills DETAILS Plastic body; stainless steel plates; chromoly axle; sleeved bearings; 4.5 degrees of float; 17.1mm stack height WEIGHT 284g (pedals); 81g (cleats) The ETC pedals use the popular Look Keo design, which has been widely adopted by many companies as a way of offering a clipless pedal system. The benefits of the Look design are better ease of use, wide cleat availability and a low price, which is all ideal for beginners, although they are on the heavy side. ETC has designed these pedals with a plastic body to help keep the cost…

£74.99 ›Aiming high for a low cost The range of float is enough to help you find a comfortable and natural pedalling rhythm WE SAY… All the essential performance from top-end pedalsma kest hese good for beginners DETAILS Composite body; stainless steel body plate; sealed cartridge bearings; 6 degrees of float (yellow); 2 degrees (blue); 0 degrees (red); 13.7mm stack height WEIGHT 310g (pedals); 70g (cleats) ›The Tiagra R550s are a step up from Shimano’s cheapest entry-level pedals, but they still feature the design and performance that’s present in the brand’s top-end models. Their composite body echoes the shape and style of the range-topping Dura-Ace pedals, and features a wide stainless steel plate across the centre of the pedal body to improve durability. This metal plate is also removable which,…

£119.99 Stellar performance from Shimano The release tension can be easily adjusted with a wide range, from loose to incredibly tight WE SAY… Intuitive and versatile with good power transfer, the sepedal sticked all the boxes DETAILS Carbon composite body; stainless steel body plate; sealed cartridge bearings; 6 degrees of float (yellow); 2 degrees (blue); 0 degrees (red); 13.7mm stack height WEIGHT 265g (pedals); 70g (cleats) ›As the name suggests, Shimano’s R7000 pedals are a 105-level product that strikes a good balance of weight to price, featuring reliability and solid performance, as well as ease of use and excellent power transfer. At this level, Shimano’s SPD-SL pedals all share the same fundamental pedal body design, shape and styling – so you’re getting a lot of key benefits from the more…

£156.99 ›Sleek-looking high performers The carbon composite body looks sleek and is impressively light on the scales WE SAY… A good fit-and-for get pedal that’s a happy balance between Dura-Ace and 105 DETAILS Carbon composite body; stainless steel body plate; sealed cartridge bearings; 6 degrees of float (yellow); 2 degrees (blue); 0 degrees (red); 13.7mm stack height WEIGHT 248g (pedals); 70g (cleats) Shimano’s Ultegra pedals, like their namesake groupset, hit the right notes when it comes to performance for the pound. They’re not much heavier than the top-end Dura-Ace pedals and the similar design offers simply excellent performance. ›At this price you get a fancy carbon composite body that looks sleek and reveals an impressive lightness on the scales, helping to split the difference between the Dura-Ace and 105 models.…

DEATH RIDE “I commute 16km each way then try and do a ride of between 70 and 110km at the weekend. When I’m fit, I have a training loop that I call The Christian Death Ride, because I took a friend called Christian on it once and it pretty much killed him. If I have a lot of writing on, then the cycling tends to suffer; you can write about cycling or do some cycling but generally not both at the same time.” PORTISHEAD TRIP “I live in the south of Bristol. My default is a long loop heading out to Portishead then along the coast road to Clevedon – the views across the channel are lovely. From there I climb to the top of the Mendips via one of…

1 EASY RIDER? Riding an ebike is not dissimilar to a regular bike, claims research by the Division of Sports and Exercise Medicine of the University of Basel. A study of 101 workers found that while the perceived exertion was lower in ebike riders, their weekly energy expenditure was higher. 2 KIT INSURANCE Accidental damage was responsible for just as many insurance claims (49%) as bike theft in 2020. The majority (31%) claimed for both bike and accessories, such as bike computers, helmets and clothing. bikmo.com 3 PAVE THE WAY Avoiding motor vehicles, poor cycling infrastructure and a smoother riding surface are the main reasons cyclists ride on pavements, according to researchers in the Swedish city of Linköping. 4 CYCLE SEARCH In the UK, over three million average monthly searches…

LONG AWESOMENESS 69 miles › Easy but rewarding climbs and varied scenery. Past Culloden Moor (cafe) and Clava Cairns on lanes, then deserted old A9 past distillery to Tomatin (cafe/shop). Glorious moortop road from Garbole to Farr Loch (wild swimming). Foyers (falls, cafe) and back alongside Loch Ness. komoot.com/tour/258217017 MEDIUM LOVELINESS 51 miles › Alongside Loch Ness’s quieter bank to Foyers (falls, cafe) and climb up delightful zig zag to ridgetop-views road (2km patchy surface, road bikes are okay). Winding empty lanes (no cafes or shops) past lochs and minimountains, and panoramic downhill back to town. komoot.com/tour/258217445 SHORT EASINESS 29 miles › Cross over splendid Kessock Bridge and along firthside lane to Beauly (abbey, shops, cafes). A busy stretch of coastal A-road, then Caledonian Canal towpath and through lovely Ness…

LONG ISLAND CIRCUIT 56 miles › A coastal day-circuit (doable by regular ferry from the mainland) showcasing the whole isle, with modest climbs and fast straight descents offering good sightlines. There are great level stretches, too, plus a super bike cafe (Lagg), two distilleries and a holy island. komoot.com/tour/301673678 MEDIUM NORTHERN LOOP 43 miles › A steady climb up the String Road to moorland top and a long hill down to Blackwaterfoot (cafe, shop, pub). A fast, level shore run to Lochranza (cafes, pub, castle, distillery) then another steady climb and long fast downhill. komoot.com/tour/301674043 SHORT FELLS & FORESTS 29 miles › Arran’s often patchy tarmac suits gravel bikes anyway, and this route includes its best gravel road at 10 miles long. Over the hills on spectacular Ross Road to…

LONG FELLS CHALLENGE 61 miles › Tough but rewarding day of fells and well-earned Lakeland views. Three hard, spectacular ascents – notorious Wrynose and Hardknott passes, plus Birker Fell – with thrilling scenery, then briefer climbs and estuary views to friendly Ulverston. Calmer but still scenic hills by Windermere, and back via the ferry. komoot.com/tour/313160663 MEDIUM LAKES & CAKES 42 miles › Fine lakeside cycling, one big climb, cafes/pubs galore. Ferry first, then back lanes and Coniston’s waterside. Refreshments in Hawkshead and Ambleside before The Struggle (it is!) over Kirkstone Pass (pub) and epic downhill finish. Caked out? Take the flatter lakeshore road back. komoot.com/tour/313166403 SHORT ON-& OFF-ROAD 29 miles › Half-day loop for gravel bike or hybrid. Via challenging climbs out of Hawkshead and Satterthwaite, head across to Grizedale…

LONG NORTHERN LOOP 60 miles Straight into countryside and a fine day of fast, pleasant riding on villagey lanes that seldom deviate from the horizontal. Surprising heathland and lunch at Diss (cafes, shops, picnic by pond?). Through Eye (cafes), past windmills and a watermill, to Bury’s outskirts cycleways and the centre. komoot.com/tour/314475080 MEDIUM WESTERN LOOP 47 miles Coffee at Maglia Rosso bike cafe in nearby Hawstead village three miles outside of Bury St Edmunds, then lanes to Clare (castle, picnic tables, cafes). Join NCN13 at Long Melford and explore half-timbered honeypot Lavenham (cafes, shops). More lanes and decent new cycleways back to Bury. komoot.com/tour/314475363 SHORT WINDMILL TRAIL 29 miles Another ride that might raise your heart rate a little above resting, this time a half-day jaunt along pleasing country lanes,…

LONG EASTERN LOOP 59 miles Super countryside circuit with airy ridgetop views, quiet villages and a quirky windmill. Flat B roads past Woodstock, then lanes through North Aston (picnic site, nice descent), Stratton Audley (tea rooms), Brill (mill), Beckley (community pub) and back to the college-y centre. komoot.com/tour/314472434 MEDIUM WESTERN LOOP 49 miles Rolling, heart-of-England stuff, with nothing alarming in terms of gradients. Flat B roads to handsome Eynsham, then little lanes with changing views. Lunch at honeypot Burford (cafes, pubs, shops). Fast run with prevailing wind back through villages and downhill back to town. komoot.com/tour/314471969 SHORT SIGHTSEEING CIRCUIT 16 miles Leisurely, flat and central Oxford all-day trundle for any bike. Thames Path (see college boats) to lovely Iffley Lock. Lanes through centre: mazy medieval streets amid countless beautiful buildings…

LONG COUNTRYSIDE CRUISE 52 miles Scenic climb out over Blackheath. Dull roads to Bromley then in picturesque countryside and back lanes. Up Toy’s Hill then Ide Hill (cafe), down past Sevenoaks and Otford (solar system model) and Eynsford. Remote back lanes, then busy roads back to splendid parkland. komoot.com/tour/314333962 MEDIUM LONDON MIX 35 miles Stunning riverside cycleway past O2 and Thames Barrage. Free Woolwich Ferry and loop round Victoria Dock and City Airport, ferry back. More super waterside to Erith (cafes, shops), straight road run back past Danson Park (picnic?) and over Shooters Hill for awesome London views. komoot.com/tour/314334222 SHORT THAMES LOOP 22 miles Mixes quiet roads, riverside paths, foot tunnels, bridges, superb segregated Cycle Superhighways… riverside day trip past the sights (City skyscrapers, Parliament, London Eye). Picnic in Battersea…

LONG EASTERN LOOP 66 miles A full day of hills and scenery. Ride along lovely Itchen valley, then to West Meon (cafe) and a climb up Old Winchester Hill to enjoy fine views. Then on to pretty East Meon and a stiff climb to Butser Hill’s panorama. Downhill to Hambledon, then up Meon Valley and a climb up Beacon Hill before enjoying the country lanes back. komoot.com/tour/238661992 MEDIUM NORTHERN LOOP 52 miles Easy lanes ride through lush landscapes and villages. Test Valley to Whitchurch, and back roads to Hurstbourne Tarrant (cafes) and short climb to highest point just after Upton. Enjoyable run back along quiet roads with downhill trend. komoot.com/tour/238662519 SHORT WESTERN LOOP 34 miles Mostly tarmac with several chalky tracks – gravel/hybrid are ideal. Out to Sparsholt and hilltop…

As with any busy utility cyclist my everyday panniers cop a lot of punishment. The other day a magnum of Domestos leaked, but the panniers – Ortlieb – shrugged off the bleach offensive unharmed. My jeans fared less well. They now sport white Jackson Pollock drip-trails, and fist-sized holes in random places. The Domestos was a present for my mum. Well, I didn’t want to turn up empty-handed to dinner, so I thought I’d bring a bottle of something. So this time, mindful of disinfectant mishaps, I took flowers. The panniers proved their worth again. Given the heavy daily use, Ortlieb wear out faster for me than for most: I get through a pair in as little as 15 years. Last update, I opted for the roll-top model because, by…

GEAR INCHES You find this figure by dividing the number of chainring teeth by the number of sprocket teeth and multiplying this by the diameter of the rear wheel. The bigger gear – higher gear inches – is harder to turn but faster. THRU-AXLE This has a threaded end that screws directly into the frame or fork blade. The larger-diameter axle is more secure than a narrower quick-release lever as it can’t pop out; it increases stiffness and improves braking. CABLE V HYDRAULIC Both these disc brake systems work by actuating calipers against a disc rotor. A cable-actuated brake works like a rim caliper while hydraulic brakes contain hydraulic fluid in a sealed hose. Pull the lever, and hydraulic pressure forces the disc pads against the rotor. THE RATINGS EXPLAINED…

£109 Getting things in proportion The Zipp has only 5 degrees of flare and a significantly shorter end-to-end measurement of 523mm than the Spank. It does have 11 degrees of sweep, though, which gives a natural position and feel on the drops but not quite the same handling advantage that the flare of the Spank bar provides. The Zipp weighs nearly 80g less at 274g. Getting down That narrower width does make transitions to and from the drops seamless, and a tighter flare combined with an outward sweep of 11 degrees allows for excellent manoeuvrability with good wrist clearance when tackling more technical terrain. The process feels more fluid and instinctive. Riding high The bar very subtly curves back from the stem so you are in a slightly more upright…

£260 Boot of the loom WE SAY… Rapha’s Pro Team shoes have all the performance with no comfort compromises Boasting airy ventilation and comfort, knitted uppers have become popular, but Rapha’s woven uppers shift the goalposts. They have a close, supportive fit with limited stretch, and breathe very well. The redesigned Pro Team shoes use one-piece uppers woven from unlined polyester Powerweave fabric with an anti-slip microfibre layer inside the heel and thin reinforcing strips below the Boa lace anchor points. It has a feel somewhere between denim and Cordura. The shoes feature an external moulded plastic heel cup and a carbon fibre sole with large, lowprofile thermoplastic heel and toe bumpers for great walking grip and shoe protection. Twin Boa IP1 dials give single-click, two-way adjustment, plus instant release,…

01 LIZARD SKINS DSP V2 £38 THICKNESS 2.5mm PLUG TYPE Expanding wedge DSP stands for DuraSoft Polymer, the proprietary foam backing on this tape. Available in 1.8mm, 2.5mm (as tested) or plush 3.5mm thicknesses and 15 colours, there’s something to suit every taste. The rubberised outer layer doesn’t take kindly to being stretched, so extra care needs to be taken when negotiating the shifters. Without gloves, the DSP is grippy and with gloves it’s positively sticky. This remains the same when the tape gets wet, whether from sweat or precipitation. 02 FABRIC KNURL £21.99 THICKNESS 2mm PLUG TYPE Expanding wedge While not the thickest on test, the Knurl tape uses a silicone strip rather than adhesive to hold position, which has the added benefit of providing extra damping. Combined with…

£49.99 › Powered up and ready to ride WE SAY… An inexpensive and unique pedal with good power transfer and a natural feel The 15-degree release angle avoids the potential for accidental disengagement DETAILS Composite body with steel axle; large pedal platform; angular float (+/-5-degree) and lateral float (2.5mm); 14.4mm stack height WEIGHT 220g (pedals); 89g (cleats) Time’s Xpresso 2 pedals are another affordable option that brings the company’s unique composite blade technology to a lower price point. Their ease of use and lower weight will appeal to a wide range of cyclists, especially beginners. › The pedal body is constructed from a steel axle and a composite blade that serves as the retention spring. The cleats are compatible with all 3-bolt cycling shoes and offer a range of lateral…

£78.99 ›Pedals that can take a beating The cleat remained firmly locked with no unwanted movement even during hard sprints WE SAY… A solid and reliable mid-range pedal that features a reinforced contact area DETAILS Chromoly spindle; carbon body; stainless steel platform; Keo cleat 4.5-degree standard with 0- and 9-degree float options; 17.1mm stack height WEIGHT 260g (pedals); 64g (cleats) ›Another offering from the iconic brand, Look’s Keo 2 Max pedals sit mid-range in the line-up and bring the company’s top-end technology to a more appealing price point. The carbon body is topped with a wide, stainless steel plate that aims to offer improved power transfer, with a 25 per cent increase in the surface area compared to the cheaper Keo 2 Classic model: 500mm_ compared to 400mm2. The steel…

£149.99 ›Flexible pedals to float your boat Clipping in and out is easy yet accidental releases are almost guaranteed never to happen WE SAY… Unique-looking pedals that feature a huge float range, great for dodgy knees! DETAILS Chromoly steel axle with needle and cartridge bearings; 0 to 15 degrees of micro-adjustable float; fits 3-hole and 4-hole shoes; 11.5mm (3 hole) 8.5mm (4 hole) stack height WEIGHT 216g (pedals); 140g (cleats) These distinctive, and fairly pricey, lollipop-shaped pedals are dualsided with a chromoly axle combining both cartridge and needle bearings for smooth running. The retention device and all of the setup is on the cleat, with a larger metal mechanism that fixes to the shoe using an optional 3-bolt plastic adapter. Instead of worrying about cleat angle, you first set the…

PACKED WITH TIPS AND ADVICE, GET INTO ROAD CYCLING IS A GREAT BUY FOR BEGINNER CYCLISTS Inside this special edition, you’ll find out how to: • Choose the essential kit you’ll need • Safely ride in traffic • Build your cycling fitness • Structure your cycle training • Take on any hill • Safely ride in a group • Fuel rides and recovery • Get smooth running gears • Set up tubeless tyres • And much more! ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY www.buysubscriptions.com/getintoroad or call 03330 162 138 and quote ‘Get Into Road PRINT 1’ Lines are open 9am-5pm weekdays. Overseas please call +44 (0) 1604 973 746 *Price above applies to UK orders only. UK resident receive FREE UK delivery. EUR price £12.49, ROW price £13.49. All orders are subject…

Recently I was looking over questions about calories that were being asked on Google. Somebody was keen to know how to burn 500 calories in an hour. One answer came from someone at Harvard who said that just 33 minutes on an exercise bike would do the job. There are several problems with this calculation. What is the profile of the cyclists? How old are they? What is their gender? What level of resistance was used? There are others, but forget 500 calories I’ve only got 500 words left to explain myself. I’ve come across this problem in my own life, too. As you may already be aware from my previous columns, I’m no fan of gym cycling - I’ve always been an outdoors guy. When I do find myself…

With a high level of protein (41.6g) per serving, these parcels are a fresh and fragrant main that works well for lunch or dinner, but especially as a midweek, post-ride meal. As well as that protein hit, they’re gluten-free, are easy to prepare and cook, and are also loaded with omega-3. The incredible effects of omega-3 are being highlighted in continued research. These fatty acids are drivers of many health benefits, including reducing cardiovascular disease, improving_ insulin sensitivity, and improving brain development. Omega-3s are also anti-inflammatory. Recent studies have shown that having omega-3s with adequate amino acid intake increases muscle protein synthesis, and the creation of new muscle and adaption to exercise. Which is great news for cyclists looking to recover faster and build lean tissue. Another area omega-3 benefit…

The Big Ride Guide is brought to you by Britain’s best-selling road cycling magazine, Cycling Plus. Inside you’ll find… •44 routes from England, Scotland and Wales•Downloadable GPX files•Nearby coffee stops, pubs and accommodation WWW.BUYSUBSCRIPTIONS.COM/RIDEGUIDE21 OR CALL 03330 162 138 AND QUOTE ‘RIDE GUIDE 2021 PRINT 1’ Lines are open 9am-5pm weekdays. Overseas please call +44 (0) 1604 973 746 *Price stated applies to UK orders only. UK residents receive FREE UK delivery. EUR price £12.49, RoW price £13.49. All orders are subject to availability. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. Calls from landlines will cost up to 9p per minute. Call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute but are included in free call packages. All orders are subject to availability. Please allow…

When I was growing up our family used to make an annual Boxing Day trip to Huntingdon racecourse. I have no idea why. None of us have any equestrian heritage, nor did we have the faintest idea what we were doing, as we patrolled the bookie stands. Dad would give me a five pound budget, really quite a lot of money, which I would hand over in increments to the turf accountants of Cambridgeshire. I cannot remember once backing a winner. What I do recall, though, was that dad and I would sometimes make our way across the rough grassy interior of the racetrack to go and watch the start of a race. This I found fascinating. In national hunt racing, the horses and their jockeys aren’t contained in the…

LONG ISLAND CIRCUIT 68 miles › Lots of fast, flat coastal riding, surprisingly few climbs, but always mighty scenery. Main road down to Salen (cafe) is busy during ferry times, but quiet otherwise. Fabulous Glen More then lunch at Tiroran (42 miles); more stunning lochside and main road back to Tobermory. komoot.com/tour/314703191 MEDIUM MULL IN MINIATURE 42 miles › Half-day cycling plus half a day rough road exploring: gravel/adventure bikes best. Hills to Dervaig (cafe), more hills to coast. Optional short ferry to car-free isle of Ulva (dirt roads, cafe). Lochside road towards Salen and eight miles of lochside track back to Tobermory. komoot.com/tour/314703629 SHORT HILLS AND THRILLS 43 miles › Mostly inland riding, with a succession of medium-strength climbs with outstanding views all the way. Figure-of-eight route crosses in…

LONG HIGH EXCITEMENT 69 miles › Steady, easy climb on old A74, now an empty B road superseded by motorway, and up to lofty Wanlockhead at 411m (cafes, pubs). Great descent slicing through hills, then another nice climb up pleasant valley to rejoin that old road for the long, fast ride back to Moffat. komoot.com/tour/206606391 MEDIUM AE GRADE 41 miles › Shorter by a few miles than the ‘short’ ride here but it will take longer. Lanes and forest roads up a long and intermittently tough climb to Ae’s mountain-bike trail centre (cafe). From here it’s 21 miles of easy rural back roads back to Moffat, so you can explore a few extra forest loops. komoot.com/tour/206606856 SHORT LOCH IT UP 44 miles › An easy half-day on some main, but…

LONG MOORS SHOWCASE 71 miles Big day of variety and wow factor. Cosy Forge Valley, then Dalby Forest’s tarmac trail. Pretty Thornton and Pickering (cafes) then remote hilly roads to Esk Valley and downhill to Whitby. More hilly back roads (with one short linking track) and glorious seafront back. komoot.com/tour/187667494 MEDIUM GRAVEL GOODIES 52 miles Varied full day for gravel/adventure/tourer, etc. Scenic, bumpy Cinder Trail up the coast and past Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby. Valley roads to Grosmont (cafes) then steep lanes up to 1000ft and decent forest tracks past mystic Lilla Cross down to Forge Valley and then back into Scarborough. komoot.com/tour/187668799 SHORT SEASIDE RENDEZVOUS 29 miles Leisurely on-road half-day in and around Scarborough. Spectacular Oliver’s Mount then lovely Forge Valley. Moortop and coast views, a few climbs…

LONG NORTHWEST LOOP 66 miles Roughly follows the Tour of Worcester sportive. To Malvern (cafes) and up through the Hills, then lovely quiet lanes in lush countryside. Elgar’s ‘secret spot’ at Knightwick (The Talbot pub), notorious Wynniatts Hill at Abberley, refuel at Stourport (cafes). Scenic lanes back. komoot.com/tour/283007877 MEDIUM SOUTH-EAST LOOP 56 miles Easy-riding day to Cotswolds and back, with a few climbs (most notably out of Willersey) and rolling, heart-of-England views. NCN442 to Pershore, then lovely Broadway, Chipping Campden and Evesham (cafes aplenty). Quiet lanes and villages back to centre. komoot.com/tour/283008104 SHORT GRAVEL LOOP 35 miles Flat lanes out to Malvern, then signposted ‘Long MTB’ route on good hardpack ridgetop paths with stunning views that explore the length and breadth of the Hills. Changing scenery at every turn, several…

LONG NORTHERN LOOP 63 miles Lanes to Great Missenden, then superb ridgetop freewheel into Chesham. Buy picnic in Berkhamstead and enjoy it at stunning Dunstable Downs (or use cafe). Lovely leafy Ashridge, then succession of woods, lanes and gently revealed views of rolling scenery until final descent back to High Wycombe. komoot.com/tour/314280419 MEDIUM SOUTHERN LOOP 54 miles Quiet roads to riverside Henley then lovely rolling woodland to the delightful gem of Ewelme village (community cafe). Past the historic Ridgeway trail to Christmas Common, and enjoy gorgeous long back lane descent through trees to Turville (pub) and easy rolling back into High Wycombe. komoot.com/tour/314280751 SHORT HALF-DAY LOOP 31 miles Climb out of Wycombe, then lovely back lanes through Ibstone (windmill!) via Stokenchurch (cafes etc) and Radnage (cyclists-welcome pub, The Crown). Gently…

LONG WESTERN LOOP 63 miles Here’s a loop that throws up something of everything: rolling hills, heaths, ridges, reservoir, riversides, fine historic villages, and straightforward but rewarding descents mostly on quiet lanes. See AA Milne’s original Pooh Corner in Hartfield, Knole Deer Park, Penshurst Place and more. komoot.com/tour/290586298 MEDIUM EASTERN LOOP 53 miles NCN18 on cycle paths then narrow lanes to splendid Goudhurst. Tiny roly-poly back roads with varying views, then decent-surface tracks through Bedgebury Forest (road bikes are okay). NCN21 has more quiet lanes with gentle ups and downs. Few flat roads to be had all day. komoot.com/tour/290586518 SHORT RAIL TRAIL LOOP 34 miles Quiet woodsy lanes past High Rocks, then tiny country roads (often muddy) through rolling landscape to handsome East Grinstead (lunch). Forest Way’s popular rail trail…

LONG EASTERN LOOP 59 miles Super day of lovely, quiet narrow back lanes, woods, hill views, fun ups and downs, and go-for-it flat stretches. Cafes at Singleton, Goodwood circuit, West Stoke. Finish with glorious views from Butser Hill (kiosk). komoot.com/tour/314341467 MEDIUM WESTERN LOOP 39 miles Tiny lanes, some sunken and magical, through hilly postcard villages. Grand downhill to West Meon (cafe) and sweeping views most of day. Past Hambledon, home of the foremost cricket club of the 1700s, and stress-free run back to town on good A3 cycleway. komoot.com/tour/314342790 SHORT NORTHERN LOOP 27 miles Short but pleasantly strenuous – and scenic – ups’n’downs circuit following the brown signs of the East Hants Cycleway. After quaint East Meon, climb the double digit gradient of Butser Hill to 770ft for grand summit…

LONG MOORS MIX 53 miles Cross Dartmoor on the epic B3212 and take intricate back lanes to lush Lydford Gorge. Scenic, viaducted, smooth-tarmac rail trail (with 200m bumpy track) to Okehampton (station cafe) then more rolling Devon lanes to Chagford (pubs) and back. komoot.com/tour/314274791 MEDIUM HILL-DODGER 38 miles Near-flat scenic loop with rail trails and bridleways (gravel bike or hybrid is best). Take newly opened Wray Valley Trail to Bovey (family option: retrace steps from here, 7 miles total). Parkland and quiet roads alongside River Teign, then riverside bridleways to Fingle Bridge (pub). komoot.com/tour/314275054 SHORT HILL-LOVER 29 miles Hilly, strenuous half-day (3250ft of climbing) with stunning views. Ridgetop and plunge to Bovey (cafe) then climb all the way back to the summit along glorious back lanes and thrilling B road…