Life In The Saddle

I have been using oval chainrings on my road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes for six years now. I have tried multiple brands, and the offering from AbsoluteBLACK is one of the best designed and best value elliptical chainrings out there. I fitted the Narrow-Wide Absolute Black CX Premium Chainring to my Kona Private Jake to give it a thorough test.

Oval chainrings claim a number of benefits: such as reduced fatigue, higher cadence, and more efficient power output. I have tested them on everything from ten mile time trials to my ultra-distance rides such as the Ride the Trafalgar Way and #BlackForest400; for me, the biggest notable different is a higher average cadence, especially when fatigued. A higher cadence means reduced strain on your muscles, a more efficient engine, and a faster ride; considering these notable benefits, I have taken to using oval chainrings on all my road and gravel bikes.

The Absolute Black oval chainrings are a well thought out, and well-designed option in the…

On the west coast of Denmark lies the small city of Holestbro; quiet and calm on a chilly morning dawn.

At CeramicSpeed HQ, energy is flowing though: at 6am the production team arrive, many by bike. Breakfast and laughter are shared, before the delicate work begins…



The CeramicSpeed Heritage Jacob Csizmadia founded CeramicSpeed 13 years ago, in the building that still houses the company. Back then it was his family home, and the company operated from a small workshop. Now it is a world-reaching world-class production facility.

CeramicSpeed is all about bearings. The little balls that enable so many components and machines to run smoothly; both on your bike and in the world as a whole.

Bearings are an intricate product. For them to run at precision smoothness, for a maximum life, each ceramic ball within the set must be an identical size, and perfectly spherical. Every seal must fit to the micrometre, and the components housing the bearing must match exactly.

Produce a faultless beari…

When it comes to wearable bicycle locks, UK brand Hiplok owns the show. Their cable locks and chain locks pioneered the concept of ditching the bike bracket and carrying your lock on your hips, with an adjustable Velcro belt. The new Hiplok SPIN Chain Lock is the latest release, and the first combination chain lock in the range.

I have always been impressed by the quality of Hiplok products. From their super solid Sold Secure Gold rated Hiplok GOLD Chain Lock, which has accompanied me on many city errands; to their miniature Hiplok FLX Cable Lock and innovative Z-Loks that are perfect for bikepacking and lightweight touring. All the products are superbly designed and the highest possible quality level for their intended use and price tag.

The new Hiplok SPIN Chain Lock is another superior design from the brand and fills the category of a lightweight chain lock with a combination closure.

The Hiplok SPIN uses the same chain as the Hiplok Lite—my most used lock within the Hiplok range.…

For the past six years, I have worn an OneLife ID identification wristband day-in-day-out. I originally reviewed the simple but potentially lifesaving ICE wristbands on the blog in 2013, and noted then that they are an essential 'Every Ride Carry'. I continue to advocate their use, with great support.

Being able to be easily identified in the event of an emergency is a huge benefit to paramedics and hospital staff, and anyone else attending the accident scene. Detailing known allergies and past medical history on your ICE medical ID bracelet could be life-saving in the event of hospitalisation and treatment.

OneLifeID is a UK business that produces a range of ICE bracelets and tags; the above pictured recycled tyre Stealth wristband is my current everyday wear. The products are subtle, stylish, and super durable; but they achieve their aim with great success; you can detail a surprisingly amount on the wrist band itself, and then add further information to an online profile t…