Life In The Saddle

"There is no such thing as bad weather ", or so the saying goes... In reality though, riding a bike in wet and cold conditions is a challenge. It can be made easier, safer, and more comfortable though, by using the best cycling kit and accessories available. In this post, I have laid out some advice to help you stay comfortable and safe in inclement weather conditions. Hopefully they make your next venture out in cold and damp weather that bit more bearable. Mudguards My first suggestion, is that if you do not have them already... "Get Some 'Guards' ". Cycling mudguards are a vital element in staying comfortable in wet conditions. Even the best waterproof jacket will struggle after hours of being bombarded by rear wheel spray; while your face and feet will be grateful for protection against a front wheel showering. You can now get lightweight mudguards that will fit almost any bike: from traditional full-length road mudguards , to the minimalist As...

On wet roads, a set of full-length mudguards will add comfort to your ride; as well as saving your bike from expensive maintenance costs. The Kinesis Fend Off Mudguards are an affordable and bombproof set of full-length winter mudguards; featuring an all-metal construction and stainless fitting hardware. Wet feet? Wet back? Gritty drivetrain? All these things can be solved with a set of full-length mudguards. Okay, they will not protect you from the downpour coming from above; but a set of full-length guards will prevent the worst of the road spray and debris hitting your body and bike. I fitted a set of the Kinesis Fend Off Mudguards to my Kona Rove Ti as we headed into the autumn months; a time when leaves, field run-off, flooding, and hedge-cutting leave our lanes strewn with wet debris and puddles. Fitting full-length guards is a bit of a fiddle; there is no denying that. It delivers hours of improved comfort though, so it is time well spent. The Kinesis Fend Off Mudguards t...

Chapeau Cycling wins my personal award as the Best UK-Based Cycle Clothing Brand of 2020 . Their products continue to impress me with their exceptional quality, function, and design innovation. Yet, as a brand, Chapeau are still not that well-known in the world of cycling apparel. Hopefully, this review feature will introduce you to their latest winter range, and prompt you to also doff your top hat and shout " Chapeau! "... Review – Chapeau Cycling Club Thermal Bib Shorts Thermal bib shorts are a highly versatile and under-rated piece of cycling apparel. In the transition seasons of spring and autumn you are often too warm in bib tights, but a little too chilly in summer bib shorts. Thermal bib shorts use fleece-lined fabrics, a higher cut bib, and a longer leg length to deliver that extra bit of warmth and comfort. The Chapeau Club Thermal Bib Shorts are a fine example of 'early season bib shorts'; with features that make them unique and superior to ...

Sportful have always been innovators. Pioneers in new fabrics, and design concepts. The Sportful R&D Strato Long Sleeve Top demonstrates this strength perfectly. Designed for the transition seasons, and milder winter days, the Sportful Strato top is a long sleeved thermal jersey, with an integrated windproof gilet. The design is made to protect your core from windchill, without adding the bulk of multiple clothing layers. It is a simple concept, but Sportful have executed it brilliantly. The jersey material is warm, yet highly breathable. The windproof material used in the gilet is super-light, but very protective. The result, is a top which feels like a long sleeved jersey in terms of fit and weight, but has noticeably more protection for your front facing core and shoulders. For added versatility, the level of thermal retention provided by the windproof fabric can be regulated using the zipper vents on the chest. Opening these up allows for air to flow through the jacket,...

Pastel blue and flame orange are my two favourite colours… the former represents the great outdoors, adventure and freedom; the latter suggests stand-out, daring and different. I was super excited to review the new Sportful WS LRR Jacket earlier this month; because it's crammed full of new tech and ideas, but it also has that distinct orange colourway. Sportful seem to have got me again with the new Sportful Fiandre Light Wind Jersey that I am reporting on in this test; it's a great technical piece of kit, and (crucially) it's also available in that perfect pastel blue. OK, before I get too carried away romanticising on colours, let's talk details and performance... The Sportful Fiandre Light Wind Jersey is a new arrival for the brand's AW16 collection, and it pushes the boundaries in terms of performance, fit and function. "A long sleeve jersey, with the wind and weather protection of a lightweight jacket". The jersey utilises Gore's Windstop...

There is something particularly special about cycling in autumn. It's those cold crisp mornings and stunning sunrises and sunsets; it's those deserted roads and still dusty trails; it's the change in the season, and the atmosphere. Autumn also provides one of the most challenging times for kit selection though; from storms to searing sunshine, the season can provide it all. The new AW16 range from Sportful, is designed to be superbly versatile; capable of keeping even the most enthusiastic all-weather rider in comfort. The new Sportful Fiandre WS LRR Short Sleeve Jacket is a highlight from the range. The piece utilises Gore's Windstopper Light Rain Resistant fabric, coupled with a waterproof zip, to provide an 'element-beating' shield layer - capable of warding off the worst September storm. Even with this protection though, the top's short sleeve (it comes down to just above the elbow) design, and the full length zip (as well as the highly breathable ...

With under a week before I do a bit of island hopping, to Mallorca, I thought I'd share with you my ride plans for the Mallorca1127 week. For those that haven't read my first post in the Mallorca1127 series, have a read here . In essence though, I'm looking to ride 700 miles in seven days, including a finale ride in the TransTramuntana 4500 event . It is set to be a big week of exploring and climbing on the Mediterranean island! Day 1: The Mallorca167 Route I kick-start things with the little brother to the Mallorca312 route , a great event that I rode back in March. The Mallorca167 heads out from Playa de Muro, up to Porto de Pollenca, then takes in much of the Tramuntana mountain range, before heading back to base. It should provide a great first day in the saddle! Day 2: Sa Colobra and Cap Formentor On my second day, I plan to head out on a 164km route, to the famous dead-end climb of Sa Colobra. After ascending and descending the mountain, I'll then ...