Life In The Saddle

PNW Components have developed a reputation for producing premium quality bike components, without the sky-high price tags. Their business model is based on years of experience in the bike trade; working directly with manufacturers to keep costs down, and constantly refining and developing their products to stay ahead of the game. The PEBBLE Tool from PNW is a pocket-sized multitool, which isn't much bigger than your pinky finger. The 50 gram package features the bare necessities to get you back riding when you need to do some trail-side repairs. The anodised smooth external plates house a Dynaplug® tubeless repair plug tool; 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm Hex wrenches; and a T25 Torx (hidden under Dynaplug® accessory). The tool selection should cover most eventualities and loose bolts on a road or mountain bike repair.  Great to use, thanks to its smooth feel and lightweight nature; the Pebble's tool bits are perfectly machined for a good fit in bolt heads time after time. When a punct...

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...

I first tasted and reviewed Veloforte bars here on Life In The Saddle, back in April 2018  – they were an instant hit. After meeting members of the ever-growing Veloforte team this summer, I was eager to try out their new extended range of bars, drinks, gels and energy chews. Veloforte Natural Energy and Protein Bars  The Veloforte energy bars are where it all started. Based on Panforte – the Italian traditional Christmas dessert – these bars are a similar chewy sweet treat, packed full of fruit, nut and spices. Christmas cake has always been one of my favourite ride energy snacks, and these wholesome handmade bars bring a similar refreshing taste and energy boost to your everyday ride. The complete range is comprised of seven bars: all branded as 'energy bars', but with the Mocha and Forza versions also delivering an impressive 10-12 grams of protein (so they might also be classified as protein recovery bars). The flavours range from the tangy Classico with its apricots and...

I love Wales, and every time I visit, I say I must come back and ride more in this land of green mountains, lush sheep covered valleys, and rugged coastlines. Emma Kingston's new release ' Bikepacking Wales ' provides the practical, logistical and inspirational material to make that dream a reality. With eighteen multi-day mountain bike routes across Wales, outlined in great pictorial and written detail; each adventure includes a route description, points of interest along the route, food recommendations and accommodation options. Downloadable GPX files of each route are also available. This new guidebook is a pleasure to read, and it will have you longing for your next escape into the Welsh countryside. For a small country, Wales has a lot to offer the off-road cyclist – with a huge variety of trails to explore. From the amazing terrain of the Elan Valley to the ridge-lines of the Brecon Beacon; from the coastal paths of the Gower Peninsula to the Trans Cambrian Way; ...