Life In The Saddle

Kostüme's approach is different. Rather than warehouses full of stock, end of season sales and out of stock sizes, Kostüme operates a pre-order setup: they release an edit of a cool new design, and you place a pre-order within their ten day window. Once all orders are in, Kostüme make the kit, and you get your bespoke apparel delivered. I am a great supporter of the pre-order manufacturing approach. Yes, you might have to wait 6-8 weeks to get your new cycling jersey, bibs and gilet, but that just requires a bit of prior planning. Pre-ordering reduces waste, enables more frequent changes in design, and is ultimately better for everyone's wallets. Kostüme aren't just different in their manufacturing approach though, their kit also has some of the most daring and interesting graphical design work of cycling jerseys I have worn to date. Thanks to their collaborations and partnerships with world-famous artists, they can bring to life jerseys that will turn everyone's h...

Over the years I have tested countless handlebar bags, both for multi-day bikepacking expeditions and for everyday adventures; in that time, I have created a mental five-point checklist of all the things a compact handlebar bag must deliver on and feature: 100% waterproof – it needs to keep its contents safe and dry; otherwise, tools will go rusty, and you will need to take it off the bike every time you wash it or ride in the rain.  Secure Velcro mounting – straps are better than buckles in my experience, causing less damage to handlebars and allowing for maximum versatility.  Below computer mounting – it needs to hang below the horizontal level of the handlebar, so it does not conflict with the computer mount, but not so low that it hits the front wheel.  Durability – it needs to stand the test of time and constant use. This means the materials need to cope with prolonged periods of dampness and the buckles or zips need to last.    Compact size – large eno...

Sore muscles after a tough workout? Athletes rely on various recovery techniques to minimise muscle soreness and improve performance after their endurance training and workouts. In recent years, percussion therapy guns, often called "muscle guns," have exploded in popularity. But do these high-tech devices actually help with recovery? Let's delve into the science behind percussion therapy, and consider the potential benefits and research that supports their use in muscle recovery. What is Percussion Therapy? Percussion therapy involves applying rapid, pulsating pressure to targeted muscle tissues. This is typically achieved using a handheld device, which delivers percussive vibrations deep into the muscle tissue. Potential Benefits of Percussion Therapy for Muscle Recovery: Several potential benefits of percussion therapy exist, although research is still ongoing to fully understand their mechanisms. Here's a breakdown of some key areas: Reduced Muscle Soreness ...

The Isle of Wight is a paradise for cycling with a family. Quiet country lanes, beautiful sea views, great food stops, and plentiful family-friendly accommodation; there are all the components for the perfect family cycling tour. In this blog post, I have put together a route for a three day family cycling tour on the Isle of Wight, with two overnight stops. The route is a point-to-point ride across the Island from west to east, to make the most of the views and opportunities to explore. I have designed the route to be ridden car-free, catching the train to Lymington Pier and the Wightlink Lymington-Yarmouth ferry  over to the Island; then returning on the Wightlink Fast Cat from Ryde Pier Head to Portsmouth Harbour Station , where you could catch a train home. Day 1: Yarmouth, The Needles and Tapnell Farm Starting out from Yarmouth, you make your way onto the Yarmouth-Freshwater cycle track; a traffic-free path that runs alongside the tidal River Yar estuary. Ease yoursel...