There are many confident riders who have the knack of identifying the risks on the roads, and who have developed good riding practices to manage the uncertainty that shadows every vulnerable road user. But are riders totally responsible for their welfare, or do other road users, and roads management authorities, also have an obligation
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Margot McGovern has handy hints to get you and your bike rain ready. It’s rare to hear a fellow rider extol the joys of riding through a deluge. Indeed, most of us have woken up to the sound of rain rat-a-tat-tatting on the roof and been sorely tempted to leave the bike at home and
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Iain Treloar investigates the mysterious, often bamboozling bottom bracket. Illustrations: Karl Hilzinger. There are few parts of the bicycle more mystifying than the bottom bracket, hidden away in the base of the frame. For the vast majority of your riding, you won’t even notice it—it should just get on with the job of allowing your
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Are you confident of when to give way and when to take your turn in a roundabout? Simon Vincett explains. To ride a roundabout confidently you need to be assertive about taking your turn and you need to indicate clearly. Traffic can flow quickly, so you must be clear about what you’re doing. The rules
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It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the many parts of a bike—and easy to ignore the state of your bike altogether—but this simple and speedy bike check draws the eye through all the most important areas. While more useful as a diagnostic aid, the ‘M’ check helps you to become aware of many of the
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Margot McGovern and Iain Treloar investigate the best options to help you be seen in reflective gear. As summer days darken to invite in the winter weather, riders spend more time pedalling in the dark or low light conditions and need to light up to be seen. In low light conditions riders are legally
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For fast recovery for stiff, sore muscles and a quick return to top riding condition, you need to get on a roll. Simon Vincett takes you through a full foam roller routine. Photography by Thomas Joynt. Without the benefit of a masseur like the ones pro riders enjoy, the next best thing for bike riders
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A brief guide to diagnosing of drivetrain noise. Words by Iain Treloar and illustrations by Karl Hilzinger. Skipping Cable tension of rear derailleur Shift to smallest cog at rear (closest to frame), then shift up one gear. If it doesn’t shift, turn the barrel adjuster anti-clockwise until the shift happens fluently. Derailleur hanger bent If
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There are many alternatives to a backpack for carrying your gear on the bike. Simon Vincett lays out the options. Soon after Dean Steinberg took up cycling for transport in January 2014 he realised he needed more than the bag on his back to carry his gear. “I use my messenger bag as one would
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Taking a less experienced rider for a pedal is a great way to encourage their riding—providing you don’t overdo it—finds Margot McGovern. Do you remember your early days of bike riding—legs burning, bum aching and appetite insatiable as your body adjusted to life on two wheels—when a spin down the local bike path was an
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