BikeRadar.com Commuting News

Driver jailed for 10 years for killing Bristol tandem couple

BikeRadar — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:34:00 GMT

A hit and run driver who killed a couple riding a tandem in Bristol in January has been jailed for more than 10 years and handed a lifetime driving ban.

Nicholas Lovell, 38, of West Street, Oldland Common, admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving at Bristol Crown Court last month after killing Ross Simon, 34, and his wife Clare, 30 in Hanham, Bristol. He fled the scene and will now serve a prison sentence of 10 years and six months.

Lovell’s partner, Louise Cox, 35, also of Oldham Common, was sentenced to a year in prison after admitting to perverting the course of justice by providing police with false details about who was driving the Citroen Picasso at the time of the crash.

Video: 3D titanium printing of bicycle components

Oli Woodman — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:22:00 GMT

3D printing is often in the headlines, in fact the technology looks set to start an industrial revolution of its own. Yet the use of 3D printing is still limited within the bike industry, so when Charge bikes released a video showing the world's first 3D printed titanium frame component we knew it'd get people talking.

After collaborating with corporate research centre of EADS innovation works (The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) Charge used a process developed for the aerospace industry to produced a batch of intricate dropouts for use in the frameset of the Freezer Ti custom cross bike.

Watch below as Charge’s Nick Larsen talks to Andy Hawkins from EADS about the process of 3D printing and its benefits over traditional fabrication methods.

Please install Adobe Flash player to view this content

Man rides off waterfall, plus other best bits from BikeRadar videos

BikeRadar — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:36:00 GMT

The BikeRadar video team have been hard at it for two years, and today they’re celebrating the upload of their 500th YouTube vid with a collection of snippets from the annals.

Watch the video below if you want to have a snoop around the Cervélos in the Garmin-Sharp mechanics’ area, drool over some super-cool bike tech and see someone ride a mountain bike off a waterfall…

Please install Adobe Flash player to view this content

The gear testing, rider interviewing, trail blazing, product explaining videos – uploaded to the dedicated BikeRadar YouTube channel (almost) every day – have attracted more than 10m views and nearly 40,000 subscribers.

So to be kept up to date with the best bike product news, analysis and star interviews with the likes of Chris Hoy, Chris Boardman and athletes of the Tour de France, subscribe now.

BikeRadar Deals of the Week – Mountain Bikes

BikeRadar — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

BikeRadar's weekly round-up of great online deals from our recommended retailers could save you both time and money.

If you just want to get to the bargains, skip to the end of the article to see the deals listed as Quick Links.

Otherwise, read on for more details including pictures, BikeRadar reviews and your opinions wherever possible – so you can make sure you're fully in the picture before parting with your hard-earned cash.

1. Sunn Shamann S1 (2011) – Buy Now from Chain Reaction for £1,572 and save 45 percent

What the manufacturer says:

"The Shamann S1 is the full suspension bike of the XC lineup. The Shamann Alpha frame geometry has been designed to give an efficient balance of traction, acceleration and long distance comfort to make the perfect marathon bike. The RockShox Monarch RT3 shock absorber provides a highly progressive 100mm of rear travel. The front-end is comprised of RockShox SID RLT forks also with 100mm travel. SRAM 2x10 transmissions allow for a lighter and more efficient shifting system. Add to this SRAM X9 pedals, UN Premium 600-0 SL wheels and Hutchinson Python tyres for a bike that mixes performance with riding pleasure."

2. Saracen Zen 1 Bike (2010) – Buy Now from Winstanleys Bikes for £449.99 and save 47 percent

What the manufacturer says:

"The Zens are 100% UK specific aggressive trail screamers, ready to take on whatever you throw at them. The lightweight frame uses a triple butted 6061 alloy tubeset designed specifically for longer travel forks and the mud clearance on the rear of the frame is class-leading. Also featuring RockShox Tora 289 U-Turn forks with 85-130 mm travel, Shimano HG50 9-speed cassette, Quad Sting Pro hydraulic disc brakes and Continental Mountain King tyres, these long-travel hardcore trail bikes were designed to take UK trail riding to the next level."

3. GT Zaskar Carbon Expert (2011) – Buy Now from Wiggle for £ 1429.99 and save 35 percent

What the manufacturer says:

"Classy carbon hardtail that won't let you down. The Zaskar Carbon Expert is full of top class components that compliment the Foc-Ultra Carbon frame well. Proven RockShox Recon Solo Air forks are fitted to soak up punishing ground along with SRAM S1400 chainset ensuring a solid drive over varied terrain. Formula RX brakes with 160mm rotor both front and rear provide plenty of stopping power. Crankbros Cobalt 2 flat handlebars and seat stem as well as DT Swiss wheelset and Maxxis Aspen tyres round off a bike that can handle any terrain."

Quick Links:

Sunn Shamann S1 (2011) – Buy Now from Chain Reaction for £1,572 and save 45 percent
Saracen Zen 1 Bike (2010) – Buy Now from Winstanleys Bikes for £449.99 and save 47 percent
GT Zaskar Carbon Expert (2011) – Buy Now from Wiggle for £ 1429.99 and save 35 percent

Offers courtesy of: Wiggle, Chain Reaction Cycles and Winstanleys Bikes

Subscription offer:

What Mountain Bike – Buy Now from myfavouritemagazines.co.uk for as little as £41.99 (£3.23/issue) and save 23 percent

The essential magazine to consult before you spend your cash on any mountain biking equipment. Read more & subscribe.

BikeRadar Deals of the Week – Road Bikes

BikeRadar — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

BikeRadar's weekly round-up of great online deals from our recommended retailers could save you both time and money.

If you just want to get to the bargains, skip to the end of the article to see the deals listed as Quick Links.

Some of these offers won't last forever though, so be quick if you want to bag yourself a bargain.

1. Raleigh Avanti Carbon Comp Bike (2010) – Buy Now from Winstanleys Bikes for £999.99 and save 44 percent

What the manufacturer says:

"The Raleigh Avanti Carbon Comp is a popluar bike riders who relish the challenge of road riding and testing their fitness. Get the advantages in performance from the Avanti custom designed carbon frame without the expense of a top-level groupset. Coupled with the carbon frame are the Avanti custom designed direct response carbon forks ensuring a balanced ride. Quality is maintained throughout with the inclusion of Shimano CN-500 chainset, Shimano FC-5600 cranks, Xero CXR-330 wheelset and Continental Ultra Race tyres."

2. Pinarello FP2 105 (2011) – Buy Now from Wiggle for £1,299.35 and save 35 percent

What the manufacturer says:

"The full-carbon frame is powerful, the down tube is massive and the bottom bracket, heart and fulcrum of this triangle, is unyielding to the power you'll unleash when you stand on the pedals. The distinctive features are all there: the Onda fork will guide you safely through the most demanding curves. 24HM carbon with 12K finish. The frame is available in six colours and seven sizes. Components include a Shimano 105 groupset, Shimano WH500 wheelset and MOST Ewiva tyres."

3. Ghost EBS Lector Race (2011) – Buy Now from Chain Reaction for £1,235.00 and save 35 percent

"Comfort and quality of ride underpin the Ghost Race Lector. Built on the Race HM carbon frame and matched with CG carbon front forks results in a cycle that offers a lightweight and smooth ride. Gearing is provided by Shimano Ultegra chainset that utilises a Shimano Ultegra compact crankset set. The bike rolls on an Easton Aero wheelset wrapped up in Schwalbe Ultremo tyres. Brakes are Tektro R 741. A bike perfectly suited for beginner to intermediate cyclists."

Quick Links:

Raleigh Avanti Carbon Comp Bike (2010) – Buy Now from Winstanleys Bikes for £999.99 and save 44 percent
Pinarello FP2 105 (2011) – Buy Now from Wiggle for £1,299.35 and save 35 percent
Ghost EBS Lector Race (2011) – Buy Now from Chain Reaction for £1235.00 and save 35 percent

Offers courtesy of: Wiggle, Chain Reaction Cycles and Winstanleys Bikes

Subscription Offer:

Cycling Plus – Buy Now from myfavouritemagazines.co.uk for as little as £45.99 (£3.54/issue) and save 21 percent

Cycling Plus is for anyone who appreciates the all-out effort of racing, the freedom of touring or the cut-and-thrust of commuting. Read more & subscribe.

Petrol prices and eBay threaten village cycle jumbles

Sam Dansie — Sat, 18 May 2013 09:00:00 GMT

A thread of UK cycling subculture – the cycle jumble – is being unpicked by online auctions, escalating travel costs and declining numbers of bargain hunters, claims a regular seller.

Despite the popularity of reconditioning vintage bikes, cycle jumbles – the bike equivalent of the table-top sale, where a dedicated kit hunter can pick up rare equipment at bargain prices and follow it up with a slice of cake made by the local WI – appear to be declining.

“People who are interested in them are dying off,” said Mike Clark, who attends between 20 and 30 each year to buy and sell merchandise. “It’s just one of those things that the people interested in having the old and interesting stuff tend to be the older generation.”

Some of the biggest cycle jumbles in the country is held in Ripley, Surrey, which hosts three events a year. But even attendance at that stronghold – once an essential rendezvous for the London courier crowd, with upwards of 400 buyers per jumble – is showing signs of decline, said Clark, who lives in Kent.

“It’s not as rampant as it was five years ago. Anywhere between five and eight years ago it might have been attended by 50 or 60 couriers, and now you might be lucky to find half a dozen,” he said.

Online sales

It’s not just couriers – generally, buyer numbers are down. Clark blames auctioning sites such as eBay, as well as spiralling petrol prices: “People are thinking, ‘It might cost me £50 [in fuel] to get to this jumble and I might not get what I want, therefore I’ll source it on eBay.’ Ebay, even if it’s going to cost more than you hope to pay, at least you know you’re going to get it.”

Clark, who said he hates computers and refused to follow the trend online, said he believes the volume of business in vintage parts is as big as ever but has moved out of village halls and onto the internet.

Nigel Scott, who runs a website in Dorset selling vintage Campagnolo equipment and organises an annual calendar of jumble events, said his experience of a popular jumble in Kidderminster, the West Midlands, was similar. A decade ago, a queue used to wind around the corner to get in, he explained. Fast forward a few years and a friend told him he had been first in line when the doors opened.

Pockets of success

Calling the demise of cycle jumbles might be premature, however. Clark said he has no intention of packing his boxes of merchandise into the attic and turning his back on the culture: “It’s a social event as much as a business opportunity.”

And Scott, through his network of contacts, has heard reports that certain jumbles are doing a rip-roaring trade – one, in Muswell Hill, London, is doing good business from well-heeled locals doing up vintage bikes, he said.

“Another organiser – at an event in Chalfont St Peter [Buckinghamshire] – said he had an exceptional attendance and people had told him it was better than Ripley,” Scott added.

It means the jumbles, usually as famous for the WI cakes as the rare gems waiting to be uncovered, should soldier on for some time yet at least.

Sign cycle safety petition, urges Jon Snow

BikeRadar — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:03:00 GMT

Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow is urging the public to sign a petition calling for UK politicians to adopt 18 recommendations to make city streets safer for bike riding.

The Get Britain Cycling report, published in April, suggests incorporating cycling infrastructure into road design, allowing for extra funding for bike lanes and bridges, taking action on lorry danger and encouraging strong leadership to ensure cycling remains a government priority.

So far, about 60,000 people have signed the petition, launched on 23 April. Snow, president of the CTC, said: “We need 100,000 signatures to make sure it gets a hearing in parliament. The good news is we’re over halfway there.”

Please install Adobe Flash player to view this content

Paul Component Engineering top cap mounts – first look

Oli Woodman — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:55:00 GMT

Californian manufacturers Paul Component Engineering have launched two new aluminium top cap mounts – a GoPro specific model (US$49) and a more versatile version (US$36) designed primarily for front lights.

GoPro mount

The GoPro version is machined from 6061 aluminium and fits in place of a top cap for 1 1/8in headsets, offering a view of the trail from just above the handlebar. The hardware can be attached directly to the camera's case, for a solid connection, or fitted with an articulated GoPro pivot arm if more adjustability is desired.

Available in a black or silver anodised finish, the part is compatible with HERO3, HERO2, and HD HERO generations of the GoPro. Watch the video below for an example of footage recorded using the mount:

Please install Adobe Flash player to view this content

Video: Paul GoPro mount demo

Front light mount

The second new component from Paul's is known as the Stem Cap Light Mount. Similar to the GoPro model, this component takes place of the top cap on a threadless headset and is also machined from aluminium.

Originally designed to provide a central mount for a handlebar light, the 26mm hoop also makes an ideal attachment for computers, power meters and other gadgets. It's available in black or silver.

Stem Cap Light Mount

For more information see www.paulcomp.com.

Paul Component Engineering bar mounts – first look

Oli Woodman — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:55:00 GMT

Californian manufacturers Paul Component Engineering have launched two new aluminium handlebar mounts – a GoPro specific model (US$49) and a more versatile version (US$36) designed primarily for front lights.

GoPro mount

Please install Adobe Flash player to view this content

Video: Paul GoPro mount demo

Front light mount

Originally designed to provide a central mount for a handlebar light, the 26mm hoop also makes an ideal attachment for computers, power meters and other gadgets. It's available in black or silver.

Stem Cap Light Mount

For more information see www.paulcomp.com.

BikeRadar at the heart of Prudential RideLondon

BikeRadar — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Cycling fever will grip London this summer when more than 20,000 cyclists hit the start line for the London-Surrey 100-mile sportive in August. The mass participation event is part of Prudential RideLondon, which BikeRadar's parent company Future has been confirmed as Official Cycling Media Partner for.

We’ve teamed up the organisers to offer ten lucky readers the chance to join the action-packed party and win a place on the oversubscribed 100 mile ride. To win one of the places, enter the competition here - entries close today so hurry!

The sportive – set to be the biggest mass participation cycling event the UK has ever seen – is just one of a number of Prudential RideLondon events to be held over 3-4 August that will confirm the city as a global capital of cycling.

And with less than 80 days to go, BikeRadar Active is offering a bespoke training plan to help riders train for and maximise their performance on the tough route out into the Surrey Hills before its swings back to the start/finish point at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Other events include the family friendly Freecycle, an eight mile car-free loop that will give up to 50,000 cyclists of all abilities the chance to savour the sights of many the city’s historic landmarks from the saddle.

To help new cyclists get into the sport for the first time and make the most of the activity BikeRadar’s sister magazine, On Your Bike will be distributed to everyone who pre-registers for the Prudential Freecycle.

As well as taking part, spectators will be able to watch some of the world’s best riders speeding through the London streets. The most promising female and junior riders in the country will take part in the Grand Prix criterium races and to cap it all off, the London-Surrey Classic will feature pro riders competing for glory in a race that will echo the action and atmosphere of last year’s dramatic Olympic road race.

BikeRadar, together with sister site Cyclingnews.com and magazines Cycling Plus and Procycling will bring you all the Prudential RideLondon action.

“Crossrail for bikes” under funding threat

Sam Dansie — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:38:00 GMT

London’s 15-mile East-West Cycle Superhighway – a pillar of city mayor Boris Johnson’s Vision for Cycling – could be under threat as the government prepare to cut spending.

According to reports in the Evening Standard, part of the £913m the mayor planned to spend to double the number of journeys made by bike and make cycling safer is considered a “vulnerable” project at the Treasury for the next comprehensive spending review, scheduled for 26 June.

Chancellor George Osborne has final approval of more than £600m of the budget the mayor has allocated to cycling, the paper reported.

Johnson unveiled his Vision for Cycling in March, outlining a “Crossrail for bikes”, a network of routes through quiet streets, a grid of partially segregated routes across the city centre and action on lorry danger and measures to improve lethal junctions.

Tougher sentence demanded for driver who killed two cyclists

Sam Dansie — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:15:00 GMT

The families of two cyclists killed by the same motorist have launched a formal appeal to have the “scandalous” sentence for the driver’s latest offence overturned today.

In early May, Gary McCourt was sentenced to 300 hours of community service and given a five-year driving ban for killing Audrey Fyfe in Edinburgh in 2011. A 22-year-old cyclist, George Dalgity, was also killed by McCourt in 1985 – he was given a 10-year ban but only held a provisional licence at the time.

Fyfe’s husband, Ian, and Dalgity’s daughter, Ann, handed a letter to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in Edinburgh this morning, registering a formal request to have McCourt re-sentenced.

The family members were accompanied by the chief executive of the CTC, Gordon Seabright. Audrey Fyfe was a member of the CTC and her family contacted the charity to help campaign for the sentence to be appealed and McCourt given at least a lifetime driving ban.

McCourt, who the court heard had shown signs of depression and post traumatic stress disorder, was not given a prison sentence for killing Fyfe. In the view of Sheriff James Scott, who presided over the case, there were no aggravating factors such as driving under the influence, and he had “momentarily” lost concentration. He said that the fact Fyfe wasn’t wearing a helmet, in his view, contributed to her death.

After McCourt was sentenced on 3 May, Peter Hayman, of CTC Scotland, said: “This 300 hours of community service and only a five-year ban as a sentence is scandalous and goes against the efforts to encourage cycling.”

More than 2,800 emails have already been sent directly to the public prosecutors in Scotland demanding they press for McCourt to be re-sentenced. The Crown Office said this morning they will give “careful consideration as to whether the sentence was unduly lenient”.

Later this week, thousands of cyclists are expected to join the Pedal on Parliament rally to demand that Scottish politicians make roads safer and that laws to protect more vulnerable road users are properly enforced.

View the CTC's letter to the Crown Office here.

Coffee Art Print series gains international distribution

Ben Delaney — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

After years of lugging around burlap coffee sacks, hand-cutting stencils and traveling to art shows, Megan Koopman Morgan launched her commercial Coffee Art Print series this month with Portfolio Graphics. Unlike the artist's original works, which are available starting at US$1,000, reproductions of the Coffee Art Print series are being sold for approximately US$50 through major retailers like Hobby Lobby.

"I have a passion for cycling, coffee, and flowers that I like to share through my original Coffee Art Prints," Koopman Morgan said. "The original images are developed from my travels and experiences over several years.”

The Coffee Art Print series is now available through major retailers

The story starts back in 2000 when Koopman Morgan collected a huge stack of used coffee bags from a small coffee roaster during the time she and her husband Jamie Morgan were living and racing mountain bikes in Telluride. "The local roaster provided them free if Megan would just haul them away," Morgan said. "We kept this huge stack of old coffee bags in our basement through three moves while Megan promised she was going to do a great art project someday - even though I pleaded to throw them away every time I had to move the huge stack."

In 2008, Koopman Morgan began sketching concepts for cycling images for the coffee bags.

After years of lugging around used coffee sacks, Koopman Morgan created a popular series

She then hand-cut stencils, applying monochromatic paint to the used coffee bags, with early pieces including images of cyclists from Ottavio Bottecchia and Bernard Hinault to Ned Overend.

In recent years, Koopman Morgan held art shows in various Colorado cities, and the bestselling images were always hand-painted versions of antique bicycles with flowers or children’s tricycles. After a successful show at Utah's Park City Kimball Arts Festival last August, Portfolio Graphics approached Koopman Morgan to license new works internationally.

The new series recreates the impression of the original loose coffee bag canvas. Portfolio Graphics has licensed five new images for distribution as wrapped canvas, paper prints and wall decal pieces with retailers including Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Home Goods & Winners.

Koopman Morgan is continuing to create new original Coffee Art Print pieces also. You can learn more about her artwork at coffeeartprint.com.

Scottish cyclists urged to join campaign for safer roads

Sam Dansie — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:01:00 GMT

A grassroots campaign group hope to mobilise thousands of passionate cyclists to demand more money and resources be spent on cycling infrastructure and safety in Scotland.

On Sunday 19 May, cyclists from around the country are set to join the second Pedal on Parliament (POP) rally in Edinburgh, to demand politicians give cycling a bigger slice of the transport budget for extra measures to make roads safer. Examples include 20mph speed limits and action on lorry danger.

Greame Obree, a retired pro who held the world hour record, will attend the rally. The group have also secured support from Scotland’s most famous Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy.

Last year, 3,000 people joined Pedal on Parliament’s first ride, campaign organiser Sally Hinchcliffe told BikeRadar: “Last time we were thrown completely because I think we had a Facebook group and 200 people signed up and 3,000 people came. [This year] it feels like there’s a lot of momentum just seeing all the feeder rides that are being planned, but a lot will depend on the weather.”

The organisation have developed an eight point manifesto, which they say will help the country achieve the national aim to have 10 percent of all journeys made by bike by 2020.

Hinchcliffe said there had been “warm words” from politicians but little meaningful action to improve conditions for Scottish cyclists in the year since the first rally. “What we’ve had is really warm words. We had the first minister [Alex Salmond] saying you’re pushing on an open door,” she said.

Pedal on Parliament’s manifesto includes increasing cycling investment to £25 per head a year, incorporating cycle lanes into new road planning, and encouraging better research to help politicians make decisions that favour cyclists.

Hinchcliffe said that the Get Britain Cycling report unveiled at Westminster in April had resonated in Scotland too, but that many of the recommendations wouldn’t apply north of the border because transport is a devolved issue.

She also criticised the Scottish government’s current Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS): “Scotland’s got the Cycling Action Plan, which is nothing like a plan really. Something like the Get Britain Cycling report is much more the sort of thing that would have achieved the 10 percent [of journeys made by bike] that Scotland is supposedly going for.”

The POP ride will meet at the Meadows between 2-3pm before riding down the Royal Mile to the Parliament Buildings. For more information visit pedalonparliament.org.

Genesis Equilibrium Anniversary Edition – just in

Tom Marvin — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:09:00 GMT

Genesis are bringing out an anniversary edition of their Equilibrium, updated with Reynolds 853 steel as opposed to the 725 and 520 used in previous models. The frame and fork will shortly be available for £749.99.

When we recently tested the Reynolds 725 Genesis Equilibrium 20, we found that the classic looks hid a modern performance bike at home cracking out the miles. The steel gave it a lively, springy ride, ideal over rough surfaces at speed. Reynolds 853 steel is air-hardened, and its strength allows thinner wall thicknesses to be used in the tubing, resulting in a lighter frame.

The Equilibrium is designed for all-day riding, so comes with relatively relaxed geometry and a range of fittings to aid comfort. There’s plenty of room for wider tyres to be run alongside full length mudguards, and a reasonably tall head tube brings the front end up a bit. In keeping with the frame construction, Genesis have built the fork from 853, instead of the carbon that adorns the standard Equilibriums.

This Anniversary Edition has a spec that befits the nature of the frame, with a groupset that’s largely Shimano Ultegra apart from the brake callipers and a 105 cassette. Finishing kit has been sourced from Shimano’s PRO brand, with a 440mm wide aluminium bar and a 120mm stem and seatpost. A San Marco Regale saddle with suede finish completes the list.

The bike rolls on DT Swiss 350 hubs surrounded by H Plus Son Archetype rims in a sublime off-grey colour. To finish things off, Genesis have fitted 25mm Continental Grand Prix GT tyres and SKS mudguards.

Genesis have dropped the usual carbon fork in favour of this Reynolds 853 version

Look out for the steel bikes test later in the year in Cycling Plus, where the Genesis Equilibrium Anniversary Edition will get a full review. For more information see www.genesisbikes.co.uk.

Sea Otter wrap-up photo gallery - part 2

Josh Patterson — Sun, 12 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Although we have already covered dozens of new products from the 2013 Sea Otter Classic, we still have memory cards full of photos. You can peruse our collection of Sea Otter coverage here, and click through the photo gallery at the right for even more eye candy from this year's event.

Aaron Gwin is the first racer to win Sea Otter's Downhill on a 29er

What to do if you have a bicycle accident

Sam Dansie — Sat, 11 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

With unprecedented numbers of cyclists taking to UK roads, knowing what to do if you’re involved in a collision or accident on your bike is a key consideration.

BikeRadar spoke to two cycle insurance specialists, Total Cycle Assist and Cycleguard, about their top tips for riders unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident that leaves them with minor cuts, bruises and a bashed up bike. For more serious incidents, attending to injuries is the overriding priority.

1. Get clear and safe

The first thing to do is get clear of the road, said Richard Williams, MD at Total Cycle Assist: “It sounds easy enough, but often people panic and don’t realise that getting clear of other traffic is a prime move.”

2. Ask for details

Williams said it was important to follow the same drill car drivers would in a collision – that means collecting information: “Exchange details with driver and witnesses, including the registration number of the vehicle – this is essential for managing claims efficiently.

“If you’re claiming for damage to you or your bike, then you need the details of who ran into you,” he added. “Even if you don’t think there is damage, take details anyway in case you spot something later on.”

3. Gather supporting evidence

Insurers like as much detail as possible about the nature of the incident. Using a smartphone, capture some shots or footage of the scene and damage, said Adrian Scott, head of Cycleguard.

“If you need to make a claim on your cycle insurance policy, submit a claim form with accurate details of the incident – together with any supporting information, such as photographs of the surrounding area or footage from your helmet camera – as soon as possible,” he said.

4. Go for a check-up

Sometimes, injuries take time to reveal themselves, said Williams. It’s worth booking a medical appointment to get checked over. “It always pays to get checked out at your doctors or at hospital, even if you feel okay – injuries can materialise after hours or days,” he said.

5. Speak to insurers first

After the dust has settled on the incident – hopefully with no lasting physical effects – Scott advises not entering into correspondence with the third party, as it might affect the claim. The first call should be to the insurers, not the bike shop.

“Don’t attempt to repair or replace a damaged bike without speaking to your insurers first, as this might impact upon your claim,” Scott said.

For more information on what to do after a cycling accident see our forum thread.

Stantovelo arm warmers offer road rash protection

Sam Dansie — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:37:00 GMT

The humble arm warmer, usually worn to beat the cold while cycling, has been developed into a road rash protection piece by an entrepreneur now hoping to clinch his first big order for the gear.

The Stantovelo arm warmers have a patent pending on the use of a lightweight, antibacterial elastomer along the forearm and elbow. So far, the only place to buy the fleece-lined slips is inventor Guy Stanton’s local bike shop. The warmers are priced at £25.99 a pair.

Stanton, MD of a flooring company by day and a frequent sportive rider, developed the protective gear over the winter. A crash left him with road rash that took a long time to heal and made him feel less confident about riding.

“I just started thinking, ‘Dare I go riding now that I’m injured?’ and I just came up with the idea. I thought, ‘Is there something I can buy?’ But I couldn’t find anything,” he told BikeRadar.

Stanton, a keen motocross rider when he was younger, turned an old pair of arm warmers into his first prototype. He trialled different types of padding before settling on the abrasion-resistant EPDM rubber elastomer used in the current design.

With help from a friend in the clothing manufacturing business, Stanton, from Upton-upon-Servern in Worcestershire, delivered his first small order of stock to a friendly local bike shop. So far, sales have been modest – around “20 something” and mainly to friends.

Stanton rejected the suggestion that road rash is simply a hazard of riding bikes, and that the protection is unnecessary: “I know where you’re coming from; my answer would be no. I’ve experienced it and it’s horrible. It takes a long time to heal and puts you off your riding.

“I feel that, with the way bikes are getting faster and faster and the way roads are getting busier and busier, we have to talk about protection. Go back a few years and people would laugh at you if you put a helmet on your head. Go forward 10 years, people will laugh at you for not having [road rash] protection.”

For more information see www.stantovelo.co.uk.

BikeRadar Active Giro Challenges now live

BikeRadar Active — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:56:00 GMT

To celebrate the Giro d'Italia, BikeRadar Active are running two competitions throughout the month of May. Why not take part in your very own Giro challenge and be in with a chance of winning great prizes?

Join the Maglia Rosa Challenge for your chance to win exclusive BikeRadar Maglia Rosa T-shirts. Or, if climbing is more your thing, enter the Maglia Azzurra Challenge and be put in a prize draw to win a Santini Giro D’Italia Maglia Azzurra King of the Mountains jersey.

Maglia Rosa Challenge

All riders who log more than 21 rides in May will be entered into the main prize draw to win a box full of cycling goodies and an exclusive BikeRadar Maglia Rosa T-shirt. There will also be a number of spot prizes up for grabs. Find out more.

Maglia Azzurra Challenge

All riders who log more than 6,500m of climbing in May will be entered into the main prize draw to win a Santini Giro D Italia Maglia Azzurra jersey. Three spot prizes will also be on offer for those that log more than 2,645m of climbing (the equivalent of ascending the Galibier). Find out more.

New urban cycling clothing: Upright Cyclist

Ben Delaney — Wed, 08 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Phil Siegert was sick of changing his clothes for the commute.

While working in advertising, Siegert appreciated commuting by bike, having spent years as a messenger in Chicago. But he didn't appreciate having to pack a second set of clothes. A few years later, Upright Cyclist was born.

Upright Cyclist clothes are made to look good on the street, and feel good on the bike

Upright Cyclist launched last month with five pieces: pants, shorts and three jackets. Each are designed to handle the stresses of city riding without looking out of place when off the bike.

"It seems to me that there is a gap in clothing for the urban cyclist," Siegert told BikeRadar. "I've ridden bikes my whole life, but my background in cycling has never been competitive. It was always urban riding. I was a bike messenger in Chicago when I was in art school, and that just broke open the city for me, knowing every taco joint and side street. When I began doing work in advertising, I always had to take a bag with a pressed shirt and slacks, leave it there, shower and change. I always hated the fact that I had to change to ride."

The $249 Damen Jacket

Siegert has deep experience in design — he founded the interactive firm Royal Design of Experience — as well as online clothing retail, having worked with Patagonia and Burton on their user experience and e-commerce. But he had never orchestrated the design and retail of clothing himself until Upright Cyclist.

"I just started to look at what was out there, what people were wearing for city riding. There was a lot of 65/35 cotton/poly blends, a lot of Dickies," Siegert said. "Then I just started doing prototypes with a seamstress before going to Fit Factor, who took my initial style and did design work and sourcing."

"The pieces that we have made are not high-end technical road pieces. There is no Lycra in the mix. This is clothing for city riding," he said. "We have polyester shelves, heavy venting, ribbed areas on back of jackets so you can lean over without your jacket riding up. The pants have stretch, and a gusseted crotch. We use a lot of urban stylistic references. We use nice material that is not über-expensive, so it's a little more accessible. The construction is about fashion, durability, stretch and mobility. We are probably competing more with the Japanese urban fashion crowd than Outlier or the Rapha that you’re seeing."

The $169 Jackson Jacket

Surly Bikes recalls Pugsley bicycle forks

Josh Patterson — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:33:00 GMT

Surly Bikes is recalling approximately 975 Pugsley forks. The bicycle fork can bend above the disc brake mount. This recall applies to both 100mm and 135mm-spaced forks.

"Surly" is printed on both legs of the fork. "Pugsley" is printed on the fork's packaging and on the frame of bikes with the recalled forks. Surly Pugsley 100mm bicycle forks were sold individually only. They are black, have triple water bottle mounts on each side, rack and fender mounts on the top and bottom and have date code 2012 03 20 stamped on the steerer tube.

Surly Pugsley 135mm bicycle forks were sold individually and as part of 2013 model year complete bicycles. The 135mm forks are black, yellow or red and are stamped with date code 2012 06 19 on the steerer tube. Model number FK3175, FK3181 or FK0706 is printed on the packaging for forks sold individually. Surly Pugsley bicycle models FM3110-3114, FM3175-79, BK3110-14 and BK3175-79 were sold with the recalled forks as original equipment. The bicycle's model number is printed on the bicycle's packaging.

The lot code for the affected forks is stamped into the steerer tube

Consumers should immediately stop using bicycles equipped with the recalled Surly bicycle fork and contact a Surly dealer for a free inspection and replacement or a full refund.

For more information visit http://surlybikes.com/surlyforkrecall

Make bike helmets compulsory for kids: report

Sam Dansie — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:10:00 GMT

Bike helmets should be compulsory for kids, recommend US academics who studied the relationship between helmet use and serious injury or death after a vehicle collision.

The analysis of 10 years of national data by researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital found that that rates of death or serious injury from cycling in states with mandatory helmet laws was 2 children per million, rising to 2.5 children per million in those states without.

However British cycling charity CTC pointed out that mandatory helmet laws could curb the uptake of cycling which combats obesity and conditions such as heart disease.

The US study’s lead author, Dr William Meehan, director of the Sports Injury Prevention and Sports Concussion Clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital, said the aim was to investigate whether compulsory helmet laws had reduced serious injuries or fatalities in cycling.

Dr Meehan told BBC Radio 4: “Currently there are 21 states that require helmet use among young children the other 29 do not and so we thought if we could show the benefit of the legislation itself, maybe it would encourage those 29 states to introduce legislation.”

Roger Geffen, campaigns and policy director at the CTC, said compulsory helmet laws risked sending a message that cycling was more dangerous than it was and would put people off.

He said: “If people are told that you need to wear a helmet that gives people the impression that cycling is far more dangerous than it really is. Actually you’re about as likely to be killed in a mile of cycling as a mile of walking.

“It is far more dangerous to deter people from cycling because that increases obesity, heart disease and so on,” he said.

The American study was presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting earlier this week in Washington DC.

Vulpine cycling clothing - Just in

Oli Woodman — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:53:00 GMT

London based clothing company Vulpine recently sent a selection of their cycling-specific garments to BikeRadar towers. We take a closer look at two of their rain jackets and some casual yet practical shorts.

A lot of cycling clothing is sold as being suitable as casual wear, but in reality not much of it would really pass if you find yourself needing to look presentable. This is where Vulpine clothing really shines. Aside from subtle reflective detailing, many of Vulpine's garments could easily pass as being non-cycle specific.

Their Harrington men's rain jacket, based on a classic British design, features a water- and stain-resistant cotton layer. The combination of a stylish cut and crisp finish mean this garment genuinely looks equally at home both on and off the bike. The fabric has been treated to provide both wind and water resistance.

A fully sealed zip runs for the length of the jacket whilst a nifty magnetic closure keeps the high collar from flapping around. The charcoal finish contrasts with green highlights found at the adjustable button waist and across the piped seams. There are enough pockets to keep things practical including two front ones with their own waterproof zips.

The Harrington isn't the first word in safety clothing, though. Saying the reflective detailing is minimal would be an understatement. But if you were thinking about that then this jacket is most likely not for you.

Our size large Harrington proved a great fit for taller men, particularly those that struggle with finding arms long enough.

Next up is the price. These don't come cheap: the Harrington will set you back £180. The quality is really nice though and it's a product that should have the likes of Rapha worried.

Vulpine Harrington men's jacket

Vulpine also offer a lightweight version of the Harrington jacket. Produced from a less substantial cotton than the regular version, it's ideal for those warmer or more humid evenings. You still get the water and wind resistance of the thicker fabric version but in two different colourways - sage, or the blue example that we received which we feel is more of an acquired taste. It's considerably cheaper too at £135.

Vulpine Lightweight men's Harrington jacket

Vulpine also sent across an example of their tailored shorts, much like their jackets these casually cut items contain many riding specific features. The fabric was chosen for its breathable and water resistant qualities and they're held firmly in place via a silicon waist gripper. Several pockets keep things practical whilst a single zipped pocket adds security. These provide a slightly baggy but very comfortable fit, both the legs and waist are adjustable via buttons so you shouldn't need a belt either. Vulpine have even included a light loop.

We really like these but there is no getting away from the £95 price tag. Still, these are some of the best casual shorts we've seen and a solid choice if you're feeling flush.

Vulpine Tailored shorts

Halfords to focus on clothing and accessories market

Sam Dansie — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:12:00 GMT

Halfords are set to stock more cycling clothing – including premium brands such as Adidas – as they aim to become a “one-stop shop” for bike gear and accessories.

Until now, the nationwide retailers have stocked a limited range of clothing, mainly by Altura. But head of cycling at the firm, Karen Bellairs, said they would be expanding their range of apparel.

It means that the company – who's core market is family cycling – will start to compete against chain stores such as Evans Cycles and CycleSurgery for a bigger share of the clothing and accessories market.

on Sunday, Bellairs told the Daily Telegraph that interest from women, commuters and enthusiasts is growing and that Halfords want to capture a larger share of the market from specialist bike shops. Earlier this year, they started stocking Pinarello bikes.

The news comes as Halfords prepare to launch a much larger online shopping operation, which will offer 15,000 products from 180 brands. The site is expected to launch this summer.

Last month, market research specialists Mintel estimated cycling was a £700m a year industry in the UK.

The Statement Bike Rack

Peter Suciu — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:41:00 GMT

The type of bicycle that a person rides can say a lot, but the same can’t be said of the rack on which said bicycles spends the rest of the time. Bike racks in a garage or apartment have typically been utilitarian where function is far more important than form.

Efforts have been made to create a better looking bike racks, but few have been as bold as the Statement Bike Rack. This rack, which is now in the final phases of a Kickstarter project, doesn’t even look like a bike rack when a bike isn’t hanging from it. That was very much the point, says designer Daniel Sculnick.

The Statement is rated for 60 pounds (27kg)

“I designed Statement Bike Rack because I was unhappy with what the market offered, I wanted something that was environmentally friendly, American made, high quality, a design that looked great with and without a bike on it, and something that would always hold its value,” Sculnick told BikeRadar. “’Art Meets Function’ is a belief of mine that everything I design should function as art and as a quality product and was the backbone of this design. The artistic look of Statement Bike Rack comes from an abstract style I have developed over the last three years sculpting abstract wooden kinetic sculptures.”

Sculnick agrees that bike racks sure are not the most attractive thing that someone could put in their home, and he sought out to change that, especially for people who put so much time, love, and money into both their homes and their bikes.

As a result his design wasn’t something so simple as Etsy’s Wooden Bike Hooks, which were little more than pegs that could be mounted in a wall for $88/pair. The Make Bike Rack, which cost $180 and consists of a wooden shelf with a bend in it to hold a bike, is another example of an attempt to combine form and function.

The Statement should begin shipping in September for between $230 and $250

However, Sculnick’s design is more whimsical and doesn’t even look like a bike rack when a bike isn’t resting on it.

“This design came about after hundreds of sketches, and the form of the design was critical,” he added. “When you look at the rack straight on in the up position it looks like a stylized exclamation point. I thought that was such a fun shape with the curves and would look nice in any home.”

While it will be more expensive than either the Wooden Bike Hooks or the Make Bike Rack, Sculnik’s Statement Rack, which will begin shipping in September for somewhere between $230 and $250, it should be able to support more weight as well.

Sculnik has also looked to address concerns for apartment dwellers, especially those who might not have studs to drill into.

“Having done four re-designs and months of ultra abusive open and closes and throwing heavy bikes onto the rack it is stronger than ever,” Sculnik noted. “We do have a way to mount it into just sheet-rock using these inserts you push through a drilled hole and expand inside the wall. The inserts are rated to hold 75lbs per insert and worked great holding the bike rack up.”

“The bike rack is rated to hold up to 60lbs (27kg),” he said, adding that he had tested it up to 120lbs (54kg).

For those who want a little more he even has designs in the work for a rack that can hold two bikes.

“It protrudes from the wall less than an inch, it is about two inches wide, and 36 inches in length and is made of wood and aluminum,” he said. “It folds completely flat and opens like a scissor lift. That is just a concept for now, but I plan on bringing that one to life one day.”