Buying Guides and Advice
Buying Guides and Advice
Bike Lights Buying Guide
Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bike Lights Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend road warrior, or a trail-shredding mountain biker, having the right set of bike lights is crucial for your safety. Not only do they illuminate your path in low-light conditions, but they also make you visible to other road users. With a bewildering array of options on the market, choosing the right lights can be a daunting task. This guide will shine a light on the key features to consider and help you find the perfect set for your needs. "To See" vs. "To Be Seen": Understanding the Basics Bike lights generally fall into two categories: "To See" Lights: These are powerful front lights designed to illuminate the path ahead of you, allowing you to see potholes, debris, and other obstacles on dark roads or trails. "To Be Seen" Lights: These lights are designed to make you visible to other road users. They include both front and rear lights and are essential for riding in any light conditions, including during the day. Key Features to Consider When shopping for bike lights, keep these key features in mind: Brightness (Lumens): The brightness of a bike light is measured in lumens. The higher the lumen count, the brighter the light. The number of lumens you need depends on your riding environment: Well-lit urban areas (being seen): 100-500 lumens for a front light is sufficient. Dark suburban roads or unlit bike paths (seeing): 500-1200 lumens for a front light is recommended. Off-road or trail riding (seeing in complete darkness): 1200+ lumens is ideal. Rear lights typically have a lower lumen output, with anything from 20 to 300 lumens being effective for visibility. Beam Pattern: The beam pattern affects how the light is distributed. Narrow/Spot Beam: Concentrates the light in a small area, which is great for seeing far down the road at high speeds. Wide/Flood Beam: Spreads the light over a larger area, improving peripheral vision, which is useful for navigating technical trails. Combination Beam: Many lights offer a combination of spot and flood beams, providing a versatile option for various riding conditions. Battery Life and Charging: USB Rechargeable: Most modern bike lights are USB rechargeable, which is convenient and cost-effective. Check the charging time and make sure it fits your lifestyle. Disposable Batteries: Some cheaper lights still use disposable batteries. These can be a good backup option, but they are less environmentally friendly and can be costly in the long run. Run Time: Pay close attention to the claimed run time for different light modes. A light's run time on its brightest setting will be significantly shorter than on a flashing or lower-power mode. Mounting Options: Your lights should be easy to mount and secure on your bike. Handlebar and Seatpost Mounts: These are the most common mounting locations. Look for sturdy, tool-free mounts that are easy to use. Helmet Mounts: A helmet-mounted light is a great addition for mountain bikers as it allows you to direct the light where you are looking, especially around corners. Other Mounts: Some lights can be mounted on racks, bags, or clothing for added visibility. Durability and Weather Resistance: If you ride in all weather conditions, look for lights with a good level of water resistance. The IP rating (Ingress Protection) indicates how well a light is protected against dust and water. An IPX4 rating is sufficient for rain, while an IPX7 rating means the light can be submerged in water. Matching Lights to Your Riding Style Urban Commuting: For city riding, the priority is being seen by motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists. A front light of 100-500 lumens with a flashing mode and a bright rear flasher (20-100 lumens) is a good setup. Road Cycling: If you're riding on unlit roads, you'll need a more powerful front light to see the road ahead. A front light of 500-1200 lumens or more, paired with a bright rear light, will keep you safe. Mountain Biking: For trail riding at night, you'll need a powerful lighting system to navigate technical terrain. A combination of a bright handlebar-mounted light (1200+ lumens) and a helmet-mounted light for looking through turns is the ideal setup. Conclusion Investing in a good set of bike lights is one of the most important things you can do to improve your safety on the road or trail. By considering your riding style and the key features outlined in this guide, you can choose a lighting system that will keep you visible and illuminate your way, no matter where or when you ride. Ride safe!
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Jackets And Vests Buying Guide
A good cycling-specific jacket can last you years and be useful in a variety of ways. Many cycling jackets can be layered over a jersey for warmth, and often have reflective features for visibility in traffic. A thin jacket can be stuffed into a jersey pocket to prevent overheating. Jackets & Vests When buying a mountain biking jacket ensure that you get a close fit to avoid catching branches. If you are looking at road jerseys it is a good idea to look at reflective features if riding in traffic. See All Jackets and Vests Cycling Jackets Cycling jackets often have a special cut that makes them specific to riding a bike: the back of the jacket will be longer than the front and the sleeves will also be cut at an angle so that while in riding position the arms won't shrink up and your back will stay comfortably covered. See All Jackets and Vests Vests Vests are also great because they keep your core warm and can be used with arm warmers for quick removal during a ride. Cycling jackets and vests often come in bright colours to keep you visible on the road. A nice thin jacket can also be handy as sun protection as well. See All Jackets and Vests When you need a bit more warmth, cycling specific jackets and vests offer the optimal level of warmth, ventilation and protection for active riders. Particularly if you're setting off for a wet ride, a jacket will protect your arms and torso from the rain, while still being lightweight and non-restrictive. A vest is perfect for cooler rides where you just want to block some of the wind chill around your chest. Vests are generally wind proof at the front, and well ventilated at the back to prevent over heating. They're also lightweight and compact enough to take off and tuck into your jersey pockets if you do get too hot.
Bags And Backpacks Buying Guide
When choosing a cycling backpack, there are a couple of important considerations to make in order to get the right product for you. First, you'll want to ensure that your backpack has an adjustable chest strap to stop it from moving around too much when you're on the move. Second, consider which size backpack you'll need. Ideally you'll want just enough room to carry your essentials - if you get a backpack that is too large you'll be carrying unnecessary weight which of course will slow you down over longer rides. Backpacks with a capacity of around 15-30L are a safe bet for most riding scenarios. Finally, if you're going to be commuting to work, some cycling specific backpacks include a separate wet laundry compartment which is great for keeping your sweaty riding gear away from your other belongings. Hydration Backpacks If you're covering serious distances, a hydration pack is worthy investment as it will allow you to comfortably carry around 2-3L of water which is much more than you can fit in frame mounted water bottles. Most hydration packs will also be designed to carry the basics like weather protection, maps and energy bars which means you'll be able to stay out on the trails longer! It is important to pick the right size hydration pack for the type of riding you'll be doing as whilst larger capacity models will allow you to carry more H2O, you'll also be carrying more weight which isn't fun when you're only out for a quick blast along the trails. See All Hydration Backpacks Saddle Bags As the name suggests, Saddle Bags sit neatly under the saddle of your bike and are easily attached using either velcro or clip in fasteners. A saddle bag is a valuable inclusion in any cyclists kit as these little gems are the perfect place to store your wallet, keys, spare tubes and small tools. Saddle bags come in a range of sizes to suit different riders needs and are one of the most common accessories you'll see out on the road. See All Saddle Bags Pannier Bags Pannier bags are a popular way for commuters and travellers to carry their gear thanks to their large storage capacity and convenient mounting position which allows weight to be distributed evenly across your bike. Most riders fit their Pannier bags over the rear tyre however it is possible to use them over both the front and rear wheels for maximum storage space on longer rides. The majority of Pannier bags feature quick release mounts meaning you can easily remove them once you arrive at your destination and begin exploring without needing to worry about leaving all of your belongings with your bike. See All Pannier Bags A cycling bag is an essential piece of equipment for any rider both professional and leisure. When you're planning an extended journey or one that sees you venturing away from home, it is important to have the right equipment on hand, should an unfavourable situation arise. Our wide range of bags & backpacks will allow you to find a bike bag that is perfectly suited to your needs. Choose from a wide range of reputable brands including Camelbak, Deuter and Tioga. Pannier bags are the perfect solution to carrying all your extra bike spares and safety equipment, while backpacks are great for adventurous mountain bike rides or cyclists on the go.
Handlebars Buying Guide
Handlebar design and dimensions are integral to how your bike handles and ultimately, how well it fits you. Bikes will generally come with handlebars of the appropriate size and shape, however, an upgrade can give you that extra performance edge. Road Bike Handlebars The most important consideration when buying road bike handlebars is width with the goal being to try and match the width of the bars to your shoulders to ensure a comfortable riding position. Secondly, you'll need to decide on what shape you require. The curve in road bike handlebars is referred to as 'drop' with a larger drop allowing for a more aggressive and aerodynamic riding position, however if you're not confident you'll be able to stay down in your drops for long periods of time then a more compact design might be the best for you. Finally, you should consider what material you'll require. Road bike bars are available in both carbon and aluminium and the choice largely depends on how much weight you want to save vs. how deep your pockets are. See All Handlebars Mountain Bike Handlebars As is the case with road bikes, mountain bike handlebars come in a variety of widths to suit different rider sizes and styles. Wider bars provide greater control in corners, but can be a handful around obstacles in a tight and twisty trail. If you're into downhill riding then you'll want extra strong bars to put up with the rough ground and heavily landings you'll be encountering on the trails, whereas if cross-country riding is more your style then you will be more concerned with weight rather than strength. It is also important to ensure that you get the correct diameter bar to fit your stem with the most common size being 31.8mm. The final consideration to make is rise, which refers to how much higher the ends of the bars sit in relation to the centre clamp. A lower rise gives a more aggressive riding position however won't be as comfortable over longer rides as bars with a larger rise. See All Handlebars
Bmx Bikes Buying Guide
BMX bikes are used for a wide range of BMX disciplines, including BMX race, dirt, freestyle, street, park, and more. Given their size, durability, and simplicity, BMX bikes are a great option for older children and adolescents. As you progress through the kids range, models become stronger, more rugged and more suitable for racing and tricks. BMX Bikes BMX frames are generally made from steel or aluminium, with higher end bikes made from chromoly. Chromoly has a high strength to weight ratio, making it ideal for the rigours of BMX. They come in a variety of wheel sizes, with the race variety generally 20", but ranging anywhere from 16" to 26". Dirt jump and freestyle BMX bikes are generally 16" to 20", depending on the age and size of the rider. See All BMX Bikes The best BMX bikes at the best price. BMX bikes for freestyle and street riding, plus race BMX. Bikes from big brands like WeThePeople, Mongoose, Pilgrim, Colony, Academy, Stolen, Mirraco, GT and DK BMX. These bikes are made tough, prepared for the onslaught which youth will bring. Put your BMX bike on lay-by today, or see our finance options to get your favourite BMX in your garage today. Cheap BMX bikes suitable for any budget. Boys BMX bikes and girls BMX bikes perfect for riding to school, skate parks, or just general fun!
Gear Up For Ultimate Indoor Cycling Jetblack Cycling Solutions
Indoor cycling has become a popular way to stay fit, especially when weather or other circumstances hinder outdoor rides. To make the most of your indoor cycling sessions, having the right gear and accessories is crucial. The question is often asked, "What gear and accessories do I need for Indoor Cycling?" JetBlack Cycling, a renowned name in the cycling industry, offers a range of innovative solutions that dramatically enhances your indoor cycling experience. In this blog, we'll explore the essential gear and accessories you need for indoor cycling, with a special focus on the cutting-edge products from JetBlack Cycling. 1. Indoor Trainer The Foundation of Your Workout: A high-quality indoor trainer is at the heart of your indoor cycling setup. Look for a model that is certified to use with Zwift and other training apps, and has a heart rate bridge built in so you can pair your heart rate monitor with your trainer. Make sure you choose a trainer that includes a pre-installed cassette, as this is often over looked and adds to the purchase price and is not easily installed at home. The JetBlack VOLT trainer ticks all the boxes and also replicates the feel of a real road while providing a smooth and challenging workout. 2. Riser Blocks and Front Wheel Supports Optimal Positioning: When training indoors the front wheel needs to be level or slightly higher than the back wheel. If it is even a small amount lower, it will be really uncomfortable and puts stress on the arms and shoulders. A wheel block lifts the front wheel to be level. Those models that lift the front wheel AND allow the handlebars to move are best for ergonomic comfort and also protects the bike frame from stress. Steering at the moment it's all the rage on indoor cycling apps, and if your budget allows, purchasing a steering block that allows you to steer within an app will future proof your setup. 3. Display and Device Holders What type of device will you use to display your indoor training app such as Zwift? If you are using a tablet or laptop device, then a good quality indoor training table will enhance your experience. A training table provides a sturdy platform that is easy to reach for your laptop and includes device slots to hold a tablet or phone. Other items that are used whilst indoor cycling such as gels, remotes, towels or bottles can also be placed on the table. For those who want to multitask, an indoor trainer table is a fantastic addition. JetBlack Cycling's tables are designed to hold your laptop, tablet, or book securely, allowing you to catch up on work, entertainment, or reading while you pedal away. They also feature handy device slots for holding a tablet or phone in a secure, upright position. For those using a TV, it is really important not to mount the TV too high. An indoor training TV stand is the perfect solution for keeping the TV nice and low and angling the screen at a 15 degree angle towards the rider. This takes strain off your neck as gives a lovely immersive experience. A trainer tray is also a handy utility device for keeping remotes, phones and snacks handy whilst on the bike. The best trainer tray on the market includes a mount to fit directly into your Garmin or Wahoo computer mount. 4. Keeping your cool An absolute essential for indoor training is a good quality fan . Even when training in colder months your body will heat up within a few minutes of riding and will require airflow to keep it cool for optimum performance. It's important to choose a fan that has strong direct airflow that covers most of the body for evaporative cooling. Many of the indoor training apps have group rides and a common mistake is to join a group ride without changing the fan on and then have to climb off the bike to turn the fan on and get dropped. Try to choose a model that has a remote control so that the fan can be turned on and off without having to get off the bike. 5. Other Essentials Finally, invest in a good quality indoor training mat . This will keep your trainer from slipping on smooth floor and add a layer of protection to the floor from sweat. A heart rate monitor paired to your indoor training app will also help to provide useful data for your sessions and is an important device for those taking their indoor training seriously. Having the right gear and accessories can greatly enhance your experience. JetBlack Cycling's innovative solutions provide a comprehensive range of options to elevate your indoor cycling setup. Whether you're looking for a realistic ride experience, technology integration, or accessories to optimize your comfort and performance, JetBlack Cycling has you covered. Invest in the right gear, and get ready to pedal your way to fitness success without leaving the comfort of your home.
Indoor Trainers Buying Guide
Indoor bike trainers are an excellent way of ensuring you can get in your daily kilometres no matter what the weather's doing outside. For those who are unfamiliar with indoor trainers, selecting the right type can be a confusing process, so here's an overview of the different varieties available and how to select the right one for your training needs. Indoor Trainers An indoor trainer removes any excuses you can think of for not riding. You can set it up anywhere you like (even in front of the TV) allowing you to continue riding regardless of time of day, nasty weather etc. The less expensive magnetic trainers offer a cost effective option, and are great for riders that just want the occasional 'bail out' option without having to spend too much. Fluid trainers offer a more realistic riding feel due to the way resistance is applied, and are generally preferred by riders intending to use the trainers as a more integral part of their riding. Both Magnetic & Fluid trainers are quieter than wind trainers. Indoor trainers are known by many different names such as turbo trainers, wind trainers or simply bike trainers. See All Indoor Trainers Fluid Trainers As their name suggests, fluid bike trainers employ the use of heat sensitive fluid contained within the flywheel to provide a riding experience which closely mimics that of riding outdoors. As your cadence increases, the fluid thickens due to the increase in temperature which creates resistance which becomes progressively stronger. Fluid trainers are preferred by riders who take their training a little more seriously and generally create less noise than their magnetic counterparts which is great for those who like to exercise before the rest of the household is awake. See All Trainers Rollers Unlike trainers, rollers do not provide any resistance so you won't be able to do sprint or interval training on them. However, rollers do provide a great full body workout as you'll be using your core muscles to maintain your balance. Using rollers requires higher concentration and skill levels as your bike isn't secured to the unit as it would be on a trainers. This will actually improve your balance and spinning technique out on the road as you'll need to maintain a smooth, efficient cadence to keep yourself upright on rollers. See All Rollers
Bike Stems Buying Guide
The right size bike stem will greatly improve your riding efficiency and comfort. They are available in varying lengths to accommodate riders of different heights. Short stems provide a more upright riding position. While a longer stem will produce a more 'stretched out' position. Stems are also available in a variety of angles which allows you to effectively raise or lower your handlebars to achieve the optimal riding position. See All Bike Stems
E Bikes Buying Guide
Electric bikes or e-bikes are bicycles powered by a long life battery that runs an electric motor. The motor acts to assist pedalling, making the act of riding simpler, easy and faster. You can control the amount of assistance the motor provides, which either increase or decrease the energy required by the battery or the rider. E-bikes E-bike technology can be found across many different styles of bikes, but generally the use cases can be separated in commuting and mountain biking. In either setting the general benefit is the same - use the electric motor to help you get further on your bike. For commuters this means longer distances that may have previously been unattainable can be achieved with no sweat (literally). Â See All E-bikes Some riders will even progressively reduce the amount of assistance they require as they become fitter over time, a great way to build up your fitness level. For mountain bikers, it means access to more of the fun downhill sections they you may not be able to access on your own. Faster, further, steeper terrain becomes accessible to riders of any fitness level. Imagine getting twice as many runs out of morning on the trails. Â See All E-bikes VelectriX mountain E-bikes are a revolution for the bike industry with their sleek aluminium frame, chargeable long-life lithium battery and easy-to-read LCD screen, with helpful support including current battery life display and customisable speed and assistance. With a VelectriX bike, you'll be able to ride anywhere on and off road created with Aussie conditions in mind, they ensure a safe ride reducing the force of impact when encountering tricky terrain. See All e-Bikes Commute to Work With an e-bike, you get 36v of Lithium-Ion power that assists with your peddling. It's not like a motor bike or scooter that does the work for you, it simply gives you that extra push so you can arrive at work fresh and fast. Foldable Design With a comfortable range of up to 40kms, a quick charge time and easy "2 fold" mechanism, this folding e-bike is great for the weekend traveler, camper-van/caravan owner, uni student, city commuter, or for someone that is short of storage space. Hardtail Mountain Bike VelectriX Ascent 27.5E has 650b specific componentry and geometry and then pushes the boundaries by adding a powerful Bafang 250watt rear hub motor together with a 11.5ah Panasonic battery. Now pedaling uphill is half the fun. Ask anyone what they think of an E-bike and you'd probably get a dirty look from road bike riders and laughter from mountain bike riders. The newest generation of e-bikes coming to market do away with the stigma of previous generations, the frames are more streamlined and lighter, battery packs last longer and provide more convenience. E-bikes are designed to assist your peddling, not replace you so you can get going quicker and arrive less sweaty and tired
Introducing The Worlds Lightest Production Bike At 4 56 Kg
"Better is the enemy of good" Better is the enemy of good. This was the motto that Merida's head of research Jorgen Falke and his team were following when developing the fourth generation of the Scultura road bike platform. Being the lightest frame in Merida's line-up, this frame has always been built to conquer long, steep climbs, however, testing showed there was room for improvement in aerodynamics. Thus there was a clear objective for the new frame. It had to be lighter, but more importantly it had to become more aerodynamic. Another goal was to increase the vertical compliance of the rear triangle. The result of the work that has gone into the development of the new frame is pretty impressive, and it starts with the frame's weight. The CF4 team edition weighs in at 750 grams for a 52cm frame size (Merida offers a total of seven sizes ranging from 44 to 59cm). But it gets even better as Merida also offers a yet lighter, not as stiff CF5 version that weighs a spectacular 680 grams . The world's lightest production bike When combined with the redesigned fork, the team edition weighs 1000 grams - a state-of-the-art weight for an industrially produced carbon frame set. In order to achieve this, Merida's head of R&D Jorgen Falke and his team spared no effort. The wall thicknesses of the carbon frame have been reduced to 0.7 millimetres. As for the yet lighter CF5 version, the wall thickness of the top tube even goes down to 0.4 millimetres. As the Scultura is positioned in the premium segment, only the most exquisite carbon fibres and resins with nano particles are being used. In total the frame consists of more than 400 single prepreg pieces. Complete bikes built up with the top-tier group sets of Sram and Shimano weigh between 5.5 and 6.5 kilograms. By combining the lightweight CF5 frame with a Sram Red drivetrain, TuneAos Skyline wheels and a crank and assorted parts from AX Lightness, the new Scultura 9000 LTD weighs in at a scant 4.56 kilograms (without pedals) - a (possibly) record breaking featherweight! Improved aerodynamics When optimising aerodynamics the R&D team could take a lot of cues from the Warp TT time trial bike and the Reacto Evo aero road bike. In order to save material and thus weight, even more of the wing-shaped profiles has been omitted for the down tube, the seat tube, the fork legs, the head tube and the seat stays. The frontal area of these tubes come with a round profile while the opposite side is flat, reducing turbulences significantly. In order to reduce the frontal area the size of the lower headset bearing has been reduced to a diameter of 1.25 inches. The cables for the rear brake and the drivetrain or the cables of a Di2 system are routed internally, using dedicated caps to keep things tidy. And the direct mount rear brake mounts to the chain stays just behind the Scultura's bottom bracket shell to further optimise aerodynamics. Improved comfort Mounting the rear brake to the chain stays also allows for the omitting of a seat stay bridge, giving the stays more room to flex and offer vertical compliance. A layer of flax integrated into the lay-up helps the rear triangle and the fork to absorb vibrations. All of this and a 27.2 millimetre-diameter seat post contribute to the vertical compliance of the Scultura. And it all translates into less fatigue and more control on bad road surfaces - and of course more comfort. As another new feature the frame now also offers plenty of space for 25 millimetre-wide tires. Still the chain stays are distinctively short at 400 millimetres, resulting in the Scultura's agile handling. Journalists from 23 countries got plenty of opportunity in Liguria to properly test the Scultura on winding descents over bumpy road surfaces strewn with potholes. Longer and lower riding position As the riders of Team Lampre-Merida asked for it, the geometry of the Scultura's fourth generation is distinctively performance-oriented. Compared to its predecessor the stack has been reduced and the reach has been increased slightly, so the new frame is both longer and lower. In order to direct all the power to the chain without loss, Merida opts for a BB386 bottom bracket shell. This is also compatible with almost all existing bottom brackets and cranks and offers a wide support for the downtube and the chainstays. At 60N/mm the stiffness of the bottom bracket area is up to par with competing products, and the Scultura also offers plenty of stiffness in the head tube area with 92N/mm. All of this results in a very good stiffness to weight ratio. See All Merida Road Bikes
How To Choose Bikes For Kids
Bikes make for a fantastic gift for children. They're fun, safe, and encourage the child to be active and enjoy the outdoors. The most important thing to consider when buying a bike for a child is the wheel size. This relates to the height of the child more than the child's age, however, for simplicity this guide will refer to the suitability of the bike relative to approximate age groups. Given how quickly young children grow, it is important to speak to an experienced consultant in order to get the longest useful life out of the bike. Additionally, for safety reasons it is important that your child is riding the correct sized bike that they can safely and easily steer, brake and dismount from. Apart from size, the other important consideration is the frame. Steel frames will be heavier and more difficult to ride for beginners; and also prone to rust. Alloy frames, while more expensive, will be lighter and resistant to rust. Kids Bikes - 12" Suitable for kids 2 - 4 years old. These bikes come with training wheels, and may feature a push steerer so the child can be directed when required. See 12" Kids Bikes Kids Bikes - 16" Suitable for kids aged 3 - 6. Generally come with training wheels and no gears. Some children may not have developed a lot of the strength required for riding, so the bike's weight will be an important consideration. For older children you may want to consider a 16" BMX for a stronger, heavier duty bike. See 16" Kids Bikes Kids Bikes - 20" Suitable for kids aged 6 -10. This is also the standard size for a BMX wheel, and given the lack of gears, the kids bike and BMX hold a lot of similarities. The main difference is a kids bike will be lighter and easier to ride, and a BMX will be heavier and more durable. See 20" Kids Bikes Kids Bikes - 20-24" Geared As the child becomes a more confident rider, geared bikes will become a consideration. 20" bikes are suitable for ages 6-10; 24" - ages 8 -13. For children that are quite tall, or around 13-16 years the next progression will be to an adult MTB in XS size. The MTB style is most suitable due smaller wheels, which gives lower ground clearance, as well as improved balance and stability. See 20-24" Geared Kids Bikes
How To Be Safe While Riding Your Bike
An undeniable positive side effect of the coronavirus crisis is that many people are taking the opportunity to try out new activities. There's been an increase in the number of cyclists on the road. Bike riding complies with social distancing measures and is a fantastic sport that helps people improve their physical and mental wellbeing. With more people cycling than ever before, and with many of them being beginner riders, it's important to follow some basic safe bike riding tips. Wear The Right Clothes Wearing the right cycling clothes is key because they help you ride more securely by allowing your body to move more freely. They also protect your body from all weather conditions. A cycling jersey and a cycling jacket are lightweight yet offer great protection against the wind and rain. They can also have reflective trims to increase your visibility on the road. Cycling gloves and cycling shoes are also very important. A good pair of cycling gloves protects your hands, giving you extra padding and shock absorption. Cycling shoes not only make you look the part, but also give your feet support and protection, whilst keeping them in the optimal position on the pedals . Shop Clothes Wear The Right Helmet Wearing a bike helmet is fundamental for your safety, and it's required by law. There's a wide variety of helmets and you should wear one that feels comfortable and suits your style of riding. If you're going to be doing long rides, a road bike helmet is a good option. It has more air vents to allow airflow and help keep you cool around the head and neck. A mountain bike requires a special mountain bike helmet , or MTB helmet. It has a front visor to protect you from the sun and extra protection for impacts. A kids helmet shouldn't be just colourful and fun. Make sure it's a proper cycling helmet, made from the right materials to protect your child when those unexpected accidents happen. Shop Helmets See And Be Seen Your bike lights need to fulfil two equally important purposes: to allow you to see the road and to help you be seen by other road users. Your bike should have a front bike light , a rear bike light and reflectors. You can also increase your visibility by wearing reflective clothing. A bike radar is another good addition to your bike riding gear. It alerts you when a car is approaching you from behind, and it can also incorporate lighting. Shop Lights Keep Your Bike In Good Order Safety starts with your own bike. You need tyres in good condition and your bike components should be clean and lubricated. Don't forget to take your bike for regular services and tune-ups at your local 99 Bikes store. View Workshop Services Follow The Rules Follow local traffic rules and be aware of your rights and obligations as a bike rider. These are some simple safety tips that can make a big difference on the road: Never assume a car driver has seen you Avoid riding in blind spots of other road users Signal clearly when you need to turn or change direction Always be aware of the sounds around you (avoid headphones that impair your hearing) Watch carefully for turning vehicles Plan Your Route Know and plan your route in advance. If the weather hasn't been great, find out if the roads you're planning to take have been affected. Be aware of how long the route will probably take you to complete, just to know if you'll be coming back home in the dark. Remember to take enough liquids to stay hydrated during the whole journey, even if it's not a particularly hot day.
Hybrid Bikes Buying Guide
'Hybrid bike' is a term commonly used classify a number of bike styles designed for commuting, leisure and recreational riding. Not quite a road bike, not quite a mountain bike, hybrid bike are something in between. This versatile category can be split into three different styles Hybrid Comfort, Hybrid Sport, and Flat-Bar Road. Commuter & Recreational Bikes Hybrid Comfort bikes feature a relaxed, upright seating position, with some models offering suspension forks. These are great for fitness and leisure, and can be used for some light off road riding. They also have a less aggressive 'road bike' look, coming in fun more streamlined colours to suit a more fashion conscious rider. See All Hybrid Bikes Hybrid Sport bikes are similar to Hybrid Comfort bikes, however they are a little more aggressive in their styling to allow for more off-road use and a more efficient riding position. Hybrid Sport bikes are fantastic for longer rides on bike paths, commuting to work, or touring over long distances. Flat-Bar Road bikes are similar to the traditional drop-bar road bike, with flat handle bars providing a more upright seating position, and improved handling at low speeds. They also feature wider tires than traditional road bikes, making them more suitable for going off curbs and gutters. Across all styles of commuter and recreation bikes, there is different levels of performance and quality available depending on your needs. Frames get progressively lighter and more efficient, going all the way up to lightweight carbon fibre on some models. Disc brakes are another upgraded feature that significantly improving braking performance, particularly in wet conditions.
