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Review – Koo Demos Cycling Sunglasses

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There is no question that Koo make some of the best cycling sunglasses on the market today; the sister company to the well-known Italian helmet company Kask has been pioneering cycling eyewear design for the last ten years, and here I look at one of their latest models, the DEMOS... The Koo Demos are one of the leading models within the Koo line-up; they features a Zeiss Polycarbonate lens for optimum visual clarity, an innovative single-lens frame design for superb panoramic vision, four ventilation ports integrated into the lens to minimise the risk of fogging, and anti-slip MEGOL elastomer temple inserts for grip and comfort in all riding conditions. I have become a real fan of large lens design sunglasses for cycling – they offer greater protection from UV rays, dust and spray; as well as maximising your field of vision without impairment. The Koo Demos are one of the best designed big lens cycling sunglasses I have used. The Demos feel like a quality pair of glasses the moment you

Review – Bellroy Travel Folio Leather Passport Case

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It pays to be organised, on epic adventures and in everyday life. Bellroy is an Australian brand that makes everyday organisation that much easier, more practical and stylish; I have used their Elements Phone Wallet for every bike ride I have been on in the last seven years. In this review post, I look at another new and updated product within their range: the Bellroy Travel Folio – your solution to being organised, safe and stylish when travelling for work or pleasure. The Bellroy Travel Folio received a significant redesign for 2023, but its predecessor was a long standing favourite with many of my travelling companions, and I have always been keen to put one into my own luggage when jetting or sailing off on long trips and adventures. The concept is simple: a compact leather wallet that can house your passport, cards, travel documents, foreign sim card and cash – in a slim and organised folio. Measuring 185 x 120 x 20 cm, the Bellroy Travel Folio will slip into a bag or pocket

Recipe – Instant Tahini Cocoa Energy Balls with Bee Pollen

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These yummy energy balls are packed full of natural energy, protein and nutrients. They are perfect for snacking on during the day or for taking on adventures (though be sure to store them in a crush proof container). With protein from tahini and peanut butter, sweetness from honey and cocoa, and texture from the avocado and bee pollen, these tick all the boxes. Enjoy!  Ingredients 100g tahini 110g runny honey 50g cocoa powder 25g crunchy peanut butter 25g coconut oil 1/2 ripe medium avocado 20g  bee pollen   1 tbsp sesame seeds Method Combine all the ingredients except the sesame seeds and bee pollen in a food processor and whizz until a smooth paste is formed Transfer to a medium sized bowl and add the sesame seeds – stirring the mixture Place the bowl in the fridge for at least an hour for the mixture to set a little Once set, take small amounts of the mixture from the bowl and roll it between your hands to make balls In a separate bowl, add the bee pollen and a little extra cocoa p

Review – Oladance Open Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones

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Open ear headphones are safer for cycling, running and other outdoor sports; as well as being better for your hearing, balance and comfort. I have been using open ear headphones from Shokz for many years, but was interested to try out this new release from Oladance – the ' Open Ear Stereo System '. Unlike traditional in-ear headphones, Oladance features a completely open-ear design that rests gently and securely on top of your ear and stays in place thanks to their weighted rear – the design of Oladance open earbuds received the Red Dot Award in 2022. There are no tips on this headphone design, so they will never go into your ear; providing a safer and more comfortable option than earbuds, for endless hours of wear. The Oladance open ear headphones uses a multi-point support system that spreads the weight of the earbuds evenly across your ear; they fit the natural curve of your ear to provide a comfortable and reassuringly secure fit, whether you are cycling, running or t

Book Review – 1001 Cycling Tips by Hannah Reynolds

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I have always enjoyed Hannah Reynold's writing. Much like me, she has dabbled in most disciplines of bike riding: from mountain bike racing to road criteriums; endurance cycling to utility cycling. Her depth of knowledge and years of experience are unpacked in her latest book ' 1001 Cycling Tips '. 1001 Cycling Tips is the essential cyclist's guide—to just about everything bike related. From choosing a bike, to training your fitness, using navigational apps, and exploring new cycling disciplines. Hannah provides her tips and advice through 1001 bullet point chunks, crammed into 150 pages, with some great colour photography. The tips range from basic technique: " #900 ­– On easy, off-road descents the three key things to remember are: head up, weight back and heels down. " Through to deeper sports psychology: "#717: You can outperform your fitness, but if your head falls off in a ride or race it is game over, however good your legs are." Plus, some gr