Life In The Saddle

Cyclists are known for their love of coffee (read my blog post ' Coffee - The Life Blood of Cyclists ', but secretly there is also a love of tea brewing within the cycling culture. Yes, a cup of coffee is great as a mid-ride caffeine boost, and it is an espresso machine rather than a teapot that you will find in most Pro-team tour buses. However, tea still holds an important place in the two-wheeled world... A cup of tea is a gentle start to the day; a warming drink to bring you to your scenes. Similarly, there is nothing quite as comforting as a large pot of tea to bring back the feeling in your hands, after a cold winter ride. Factor in other herbal and fruit teas within the tea family, such as Ginger tea and Rooibos, and there are definite health benefits and relaxation effects from drinking tea. The range of teas from UK brand Twist are some of the nicest that I have tried. You can pick and choose your preferred selection box; to contain everything from the high c...

Italian brand fi'zi:k have long been known for their superb range of cycling shoes, saddles and components. In 2018, they have branched out further, with the innovative new range of fizik Link bib shorts. The name 'Link' comes from the fact that the range of bib shorts is intrinsically tied to the existing fi'zi:k saddle range, and the pioneering 'Spine Concept'. The fizik Spine Concept is at the heart of the science of personalisation that the brand is based on: dividing riders into three categories (Snakes, Chameleons and Bulls), based on their level of spinal flexibility and pelvic rotation. Snakes, being the most flexible, demand a longer narrower saddle that supports their pelvis when their back is arched over in a racing tuck. Bulls, the least flexible, demand support for their seat bones whilst they are in a more upright position on the saddle. Chameleons are the mid-way category, demanding a mixture of both attributes. Fi'zi:k has considered ...

I have been on a fair few cycling holidays: from hardcore spring training camps, to bikepacking across Europe and sleeping in fields. The Velusso cycling holiday experience is by far the most luxurious bike riding trip I have been on to date. On landing in Palma Mallorca, we are collected by James - the founder of Velusso, and a keen cyclist himself. We are driven across the island to our private villa in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains. A buffet lunch of local delicacies and tapas awaits us on arrival; freshly prepared by our gracious villa host Jamie. The quick fuel-up gives us enough of an energy boost to get out and spin the travel out of our legs. Velusso is a young company, but their bespoke and personal service is already impressive. After a great night's sleep in the secluded traditional finca villa, we are woken by a Mediterranean sunrise, and the smell of fresh coffee and croissants. Over breakfast, we meet our 'Legend' ride guide: Johan...

I have tried a far few pairs of cycling trousers: from waterproof fabrics, to Lycra blended denim. The Resolute Bay Cycling Jeans are one of the smartest, and most interesting pedal-focused pairs of casual jeans that I have come across. The NX2 Grey Slim Fit Cycling Jeans are made with bicycles in mind. They are built from Cordura Denim, which makes them significantly more durable than your traditional cotton denim; that is important, given that the crotch of jeans takes quite a battering in the saddle. Despite the Cordura blend, the NX2 cycling jeans look and feel like a smart pair of casual trousers. The close fitting cut, and the classic five pocket design make them as suitable to a night out, as to a ride across town. The real cycling-specific features are subtly integrated into the NX2's design. The first is a seamless gusset in the crotch, to avoid any uncomfortable abrasion. The second is reflective turn-ups on the cuffs. The third, and real stand-out feature, is t...

A gilet is one of the most versatile and useful pieces of apparel in a cyclist's wardrobe. It provides wind protection and added insulation, and is especially good for changeable weather conditions. In this review, I take a look at the new gilet in the ProBikeKit own-brand cycle clothing range. The PBK Poligo Gilet is a value offering: intended to provide an affordable protective layer that performs well. The cycling gilet is designed with a windproof front and shoulders, and a mesh back panel. It provides notable protection for your core, while also venting and breathing well through the open fabric on the rear. The full length zipper is useful for temperature regulation, and for ease of fit. One slight negative is that I have noted a tendency for the zip to catch on the zip baffle at times, making it harder to zip up on-the-fly. There are no pockets on the gilet, and no access slits to reach your jersey pockets beneath. This means that you need to roll up the gilet to a...