Life In The Saddle

Rain resistant cycling shorts are becoming more widely available, due to the development of better fabrics and material coatings. Weatherproof protection, like that provided in the Cafe du Cycliste Jeanne Bib Shorts, helps to make those damp, windy and cold days that bit more manageable. Not many people really enjoy wet weather cycling, but there are things that can be done to make it more comfortable. Indeed, with the right kit, it's quite possible that you'll learn to embrace the challenge of riding in inclement conditions. Here's how French brand Café du Cycliste has developed their Jeanne Waterproof Bib Shorts, to help you 'dare the elements'... Fabric and seat-pad The Jeanne Waterproof Bib Shorts use a water repellent DWR fabric, with a Thermo-Roubaix fleece lining. The combination provides a protective, stretchy, but highly breathable piece of race-wear; which will help aid comfort in challenging riding conditions. The chamois used in the bib sho...

So far for #TryJanuary , I've provided #RudelyAlternative dairy-free recipes for Hot Chocolate , Almond Banana Pancakes ,  Dairy-free Porridge , and a Turmeric Latté . In this post, I've saved one of the best till last... welcome to the 'Ultimate Oatmeal' - with banana, chia seeds, almonds and dates... Oatmeal is ancient porridge, and it produces an incredibly smooth and satisfying warming breakfast (or snack). To get the most of your oatmeal, you are best to soak it overnight; it helps to plump up the texture, and provide a more satisfying meal. In this recipe, I add bananas and chia seeds to the mix; to provide extra richness, and a creamier texture. Ingredients (Serves 2) 100 ml Rude Health Oatmeal 150 ml Rude Health Oat Drink 150 ml cold water 2 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp of chopped dates 1 banana 1/2 tsp cinnamon Maple syrup and almond butter for topping Method The night before: Soak your oatmeal in a glass bowl with the water (stir before ...

The first race of the season is approaching fast. Whereas my 2016 season began with the dust and roots of Denmark, at the H12 MTB Race ; this year, I am looking at snow and sub-zero temperatures, to kick-start my action-packed calendar… It is time for TorTour Cyclocross, Switzerland! The TorTour CX Stage Race Format The TorTour Cyclocross Race  is a three day event, with stages from 23 to 80 kilometres in length. Prologue: A 23 kilometre lapped circuit race, at the venue in …., Switzerland  Stage 1: 80 kilometres, with 700 metres of climbing. Looping out into the scenic Swiss countryside.  Stage 2: 74 kilometres, with 1260 metres of climbing. More trails, forest and snowy descents!  With competitors signed up from 15 different countries, it is set to be an incredible event. Kit Selection Here's what I'm packing as riding kit; to deal with the challenging conditions likely to be found in Glattfelden, Zurich. Helmet, Headwear and Eyewear Kask Inf...

Last year, I reviewed the Tate Labs Bar Fly SLi Garmin Mounts ; they had an innovative dual-purpose design, which could accommodate both a Garmin and a light or GoPro. Tate Labs have now released the upgraded Bar Fly 4.0 computer mounts though, and I was keen to see the difference… Greater computer compatibility With previous Bar Fly mounts, you were restricted to buying either a Garmin, CatEye or Polar option. With the new Bar Fly 4 mounts, you are able to accommodate any of the above, as well as the Wahoo ELEMNT, Mio, Powertap Joule, GoPro, or a light - all in one package. The Bar Fly 4 computer mounts allow greater compatibility, because they have an interchangeable computer head. This means that even if you are upgrading your computer to a different brand, your mount will still be usable. Dual-purpose mounting - for light/GoPro and computer  Similar to the Bar Fly SLi mounts, selected models in the new Bar Fly 4 range also allow you to mount a GoPro or a light on t...

The 150 lumen output of the NiteRider Solas 150 places it up there with the most powerful rear bike lights that I've used to date. The build quality and design, are similarly high-end… High-level build quality and design From the moment you un-box the NiteRider Solas 150, it is evident that this is not a flimsy rear safety light. The Solas is a range-topping, well-built unit; designed to offer hours of reliable use. The Solas 150 is ranked IP64 Water Resistant, which is pretty respectable, though not quite as reassuring as those lights that claim complete waterproofing. However, I have bombarded the light with rear wheel spray over two months of testing, and it is still functioning faultlessly. It seems it is 'UK winter-proof' - which is as good as you need, in my book. It is not just the unit itself that is well-designed and built; the mounting set-up is good too. The Solas 150 uses an easy-on seatpost strap, with a quick release tab. This two part mounting makin...