Cyclescheme Cycle Commuter Issue 1

Get road ready!Expert tips for new commuters

Cycling essentialsYour guide to...• Helmets • Lights• Locks • Jackets• Gloves

Everything you need to know about buying bikes & accessories with Cyclescheme

56top cycling products

Featuring

Issue #1 Winter 2008

On test: 3 bikes to turn the daily grind into a daily blast

Work & play

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we believeAt Trek, we believe in simplicity, and that complex problems can be solved in a simple way.

Make a difference and park your car. For whatever you ride, we want the world to be a more

bike friendly place. Go by bike. trekbikes.com

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www.cyclescheme.co.uk

contentsBikes tested All about...

Top products & essential kit

Issue #1 Winter 2008

8 Specialized Sirrus Comp A superb commuting bike and a Cyclescheme favourite, great for weekend rides too

12 Trek 1.5 Your commute just got a whole lot quicker: Trek’s sub-£700 racer will take some beating

16 Mezzo D9 If you’re in the market for a folding bike the D9 is a great ride for the money

Produced, designed and published for Cyclescheme by Farrelly Atkinsonwww.f-at.co.uk

Prices correct at time of going to press. E&OE. All content © Cyclescheme 2008

6 StuffBringing you the very best cycling gear for your daily commute and beyond…

18 HelmetsFour of the best lids to make sure your bonce will bounce in a spill

20 LightsFront and rear units to shed light on a Winter commute

21 LocksYou don’t want a crook making o� with your new wheels, so get some protection...

22 JacketsA good jacket can make all the di� erence on a Winter’s day

24 GlovesChilly � ngers will be a thing of the past with a toasty pair of biking gloves


2424

4 Welcome to CycleschemeA quick introduction to the scheme: how it works, who’s eligible and where you get your bike

25 FAQsIf it can be asked, we’ve been asked it: � nd answers to some of the most common questions here

10 TechniqueLearning a few simple riding techniques will improve your safety and give you extra con� dence out on the roads

14 From Elvis to Presley...David Balfour of Highland Council tells how getting a bike led to more than just a daily commute…

26 A golden era?Olympic success is helping to sustain an upsurge in cycling, says William Fotheringham

Features

we believeAt Trek, we believe in simplicity, and that complex problems can be solved in a simple way.

Make a difference and park your car. For whatever you ride, we want the world to be a more

bike friendly place. Go by bike. trekbikes.com

Untitled-1 1 24/11/2008 13:16:48

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Cyclescheme is the UK’s number one provider of tax-free bikes for the Government’s Cycle to Work initiative. We off er big savings on the best bikes and safety equipment. Dealing with Cyclescheme’s network of over 1,200 local bike shops also gives you the best experience, with the expert personal service, convenience and choice that larger multiple retailers just can’t match.

Welcome to a better way to get a bike!

The Cycle to Work Initiative is a

salary sacrifi ce scheme which

gives you the chance to save

on the cost of a new bike as

well as security and safety equipment

to go with it. The way salary sacrifi ce

schemes work is that you give up part

of your salary and receive an equivalent

benefi t that is exempt from Income Tax

and National Insurance.

What does this mean in practice? Well,

technically it’s your employer that buys

the bike. You hire the bike and equipment

Who’s it for?Want to take part? Great! If you’ve received this mag from your employer then they’re probably already running a scheme, so things should be straightforward. There are some limits to who can take advantage of the tax breaks, though. The most important ones are:

• The scheme is open to all full, part-time and contract staff whose term of employment is more than the

period of the hire (usually 12 months)

• You need to be a UK taxpayer via the PAYE system

• You need to be over 18 years of ageto comply with Consumer Credit Act legislation

• You need to be earning more than the National Minimum Wage after your wages have been reduced

Win!

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from them, and you pay them back the cost of your bike from your gross

salary. Tax and NI aren’t deducted from the payments, so you save money

over the hire period.

Cyclescheme has partnered with over 1,000 independent bike shops

throughout the UK giving you access to a massive amount of choice and

expert advice on your equipment selection.

To locate your local store go to www.cyclescheme.co.uk and use the

postcode store locator. If you have a

favourite independent store that’s not

partnered with Cyclescheme, just give

us a call and a member of our team will contact the shop to

see if they would like to become part of our network.

You are not limited to any brand of bike or accessory and so you can

choose the best for quality and value for money. This results in the best

package of bike, accessories and safety equipment.

Cyclescheme runs schemes with the Department of Transport, Offi ce

of Fair Trading and Department of Health, as well as a whole range of

police forces, councils, universities and blue chip companies. Custom hire

agreements are written entirely in accordance with government guidelines.

Britons are getting on their bikesBritain’s cyclists are not just being encouraged with tax incentives for bikes. More money is being spent on improving Britain's cycling facilities and encouraging people on to their bikes than ever before. In the last year numerous town and cities have unveiled ambitious spending plans aimed at boosting cycling in their areas, and in some cases this spending is just the � rst phase of even bigger schemes aimed at turning Britain into a nation of happy cyclists.

Cambridge has unveiled plans to spend £7.2m on cycling over the next three years, this includes money to be spent on new routes, cycle training, tra� c calming and a feasibility study into a “supercycleway” through the centre of the city.

Colchester will spend £4.2m over three years on a similar exercise with the aim of boosting the number of regular cyclists in the town and surrounding areas by 75 per cent. Other cities spending big on cycling include Bristol, London and Brighton. In Scotland campaigners look likely to succeed in having the proportion of the country's transport budget spend on cycling doubled for 2009/10.

Pedalling factsThe Dutch are currently Europe's champion cyclists.

More people ride a bike in Holland than drive a car,

and every Dutch man, woman and child cycles an

average of 2.5 km per day every day of their lives.

In the Dutch city of Groningen 60 per cent of all

journeys are made by bicycle.

Colchester has £4.2m of cycling money burning a hole in its pocket

Cyclescheme has partnered with over 1,000 independent bike shops throughout the UK

a £250 Cyclescheme voucher...

Terms & Conditions: It is a condition of entry that all rules are accepted as � nal and that the competitor agrees to abide by these rules. The decision of the judges is � nal and no correspondence will be entered into. Only one entry per person, online entry only. Entry deadline is 1 April 2009. Incomplete entries will not be accepted. No responsibility can be accepted for lost entries. The winner will be drawn at random from all entries received by the closing date. The winner may be required to participate in publicity. By entering into this competition you agree to have your name released as the winner, should you be drawn as the winner of the prize. We will keep your personal details for a reasonable time so that we can send you any prize that you have won, to verify that these rules have been complied with, and for accounting purposes.

www.cyclescheme.co.uk/compo

Win!

www.cyclescheme.co.uk/compo

That’s right: £250 to spend in your local Cyclescheme store! Simply go to the Cyclescheme website and enter your details

to be in with a chance of winning. If you sign up to receive our mailings we’ll also let you know when you can download the forthcoming issues of Cycle Commuter, and we’ll keep you up to date with news about Cyclescheme too.To enter, simply point your browser to:

Welcome

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StuffBringing you the very best cycling gear for your daily commute and beyond…

StuffSpecialized Tahoe women’s shoe £59.99 These commuting shoes are tough enough for on-road or o� . The recessed cleats and generous tread mean these are cycling shoes you can walk in too. www.specialized.com

Finish Line Pro Road lube £4.99 Biking’s a pretty hassle-free way to get about but you’ll need to keep your chain and gears running smoothly, and Pro Road is one of the best lubricants you can get for your moving parts. www.� nishlineusa.com

Respro Hump £32.99 Being safe means being seen, and the Hump rucksack cover will certainly make you stand out on the crowded streets. It doubles as a useful rain cover too. www.respro.com

Endura Humvee 3/4 shorts £44.99A comfortable commute is a happy commute, and bike-speci� c shorts can make a world of di� erence. The Humvees have vents at the rear to keep you cool, and a detachable liner with padded insert. They look good o� the bike, too.www.endura.co.uk

Specialized Air Tool Dual pump £14.99 This pump � ts to your bike with a neat locking bracket and its dual head means it’s set up for any valve without any � ddling with washers and spacers. A good � t and forget option.www.specialized.com

Endura Humvee 3/4 shorts Endura Humvee 3/4 shorts A comfortable commute is a happy commute, and bike-speci� c shorts can make a world of di� erence. The Humvees have vents at the rear to keep you cool, and a detachable liner with padded insert. They look good o� the bike, too.www.endura.co.uk

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Newton 20 function tool £17.99 With Allen keys, a chain tool, screwdrivers and even a bottle opener, there’s few commuting disasters the Newton won’t take in its stride. www.� sheroutdoor.co.uk

Altura Night Vision Vest £19.99 Okay it’s not the sexiest bit of kit here, but for getting seen on the road the hi-viz fabric and re� ective strips mean there’s few things that’ll do more to make you stand out. www.zyro.co.uk

Bell Volt helmet £129.99 The beautifully sculpted Bell Volt may be an expensive bit of kit, but it has adorned the heads of Tour de France stage winners, so you know it’s the real deal. 22 vents and anti-microbial pads keep your head cool and clean.www.bellbikehelmets.com

Newton 20 function tool £17.99£17.99With Allen keys, a chain tool, screwdrivers and With Allen keys, a chain tool, screwdrivers and

Madison Refl ective Slaps £7.99These � uorescent slaps wrap around your trousers and act as both a trouser clip and extra visibility for a dark ride home.www.ultimatepursuits.co.uk

Cannondale Metro overtrousers £100 For those really wet and cold days a pair of waterproof overtrousers are just the ticket. The Metros have clever Velcro adjusters at the bottom: tuck in for cycling, let out for walking. www.cannondale.com

Agu Yamaska 475 rack pack £39.99 If your bike has a rear rack then a rack pack like the Yamaska is a great way to get your essentials from A to B, and you get a shoulder strap to carry it o� the bike. www.agu.be

Endura Firefl y women’s jersey £34.99 One for the warmer days, or great as a base layer under your warmer gear, the Fire� y has a women-speci� c cut and it’s a great looking top too. www.endura.co.uk

Shimano MT32L shoes £49.99 If you use clip-in pedals then the MT32L is a great all-round shoe for commuting – comfortable on the bike and with casual styling for round-town wear. www.shimano.com

VDO MC1.0+ computer £79.99 We all like to keep score, and a computer is a great way of logging all those miles! The MC1.0+ will do more than that though: it has 22 functions in all, including an altimeter that’ll tell you how far you’ve climbed and a thermometer too. www.� sheroutdoor.co.uk


Endura Firefl y women’s

One for the warmer days, or great as a base layer under your warmer gear, the Fire� y has a women-speci� c cut and it’s a great looking top too.

even a bottle opener, there’s few commuting even a bottle opener, there’s few commuting disasters the Newton won’t take in its stride. disasters the Newton won’t take in its stride. www.� sheroutdoor.co.uk

Bell Volt helmet Bell Volt helmet The beautifully sculpted Bell Volt may be an expensive bit of kit, but it has adorned the heads of Tour de France stage winners, so you know it’s the real deal. 22 vents and anti-microbial pads keep your head cool and clean.www.bellbikehelmets.com

Cannondale Metro £100

For those really wet and cold days a pair of waterproof overtrousers are just the ticket. The Metros have clever Velcro adjusters at the bottom: tuck in for cycling, let out for walking.

Agu Yamaska 475

If your bike has a rear rack then a rack pack like the Yamaska

essentials from A to B, and you get a shoulder strap to carry it o� the bike. o� the bike. www.agu.be

Endura Firefl y women’s jersey £34.99One for the warmer days, or great as a base layer under your warmer gear, the Fire� y has a women-speci� c cut and it’s a great looking top too. www.endura.co.uk

Stuff

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Elastomer inserts in the seatstays are claimed to smooth the ride; it’s certainly comfortable

Cannondale Bad Boy Disc £599This is an urban mountain bike with attitude. SRAM gearing will get you up anything and Shimano disc brakes stop you in a fl ash while the strong wheels and chunky tyres will handle whatever you send their way.www.cannondale.com

Ridgeback Flight 03 £649.99The Ridgeback’s light aluminium frame comes fi tted with a carbon fork and Shimano components. The strong disc brakes are less aff ected by wet weather than rim brakes and don’t wear out the wheels.www.ridgeback.co.uk

in detail...

Other rated rides...

The Sirrus has good quality Shimano shifters and Avid brake levers

Bike testWinter 2008

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www.cyclescheme.co.ukwww.cyclescheme.co.uk

Looking for a do-it-all bike at a bargain price? Specialized’s Sirrus Comp could be the one for you. You get the lightweight agility of a road bike combined with a relaxed, fl at-barred ride position

of a mountain bike and a load of extra comfort thrown in. This is a bike that’s perfectly suited to commuting through town, scooting along the towpath with the family, or heading out for a big ride in the country at the weekend…

Specialized are big on comfort and that’s obvious as soon as you climb aboard the Sirrus Comp. The ride position isn’t so upright that you feel you’re slowing the

bike unnecessarily with the wind on your chest but, on the other

hand, it’s not so low and stretched that you’re going to get lumbago

before the fi rst corner.

It’s a sensible compromise

that gives you a decent view of everything

around you – and that’s good news whether you’re keeping an eye on the traffi c or just taking in the scenery.

The aluminium alloy frame comes with carbon seatstays and a carbon-legged fork, both of which feature Specialized’s unique Zertz inserts – small, synthetic blocks that are designed to absorb shocks and vibration from the road. Do they work? It’s hard to isolate their infl uence but the ride quality is impressively smooth whatever the cause,

and that’s all that matters.More comfort comes courtesy

of Specialized’s own Body Geometry Sonoma saddle which has a pressure-relieving groove down the centre and just the right amount of fl ex in the shell. We like it a lot, and the same goes for Specialized’s 28mm Armadillo tyres which have enough of an air chamber to take the edge off dodgy road surfaces without adding too much weight. The other major plus is that they have a nylon casing underneath the tread that means you’ll probably never fi nd yourself fi xing a puncture in the rain.

All this comfort doesn’t come at the expense of performance. Far from it; the Sirrus Comp is a lively character that weighs in at just 23.3lb (10.6kg, size M). The wide range of the 27 gears allows you to winch yourself up the most brutal climbs without too much bother and to stay on the power down the other side.

Shifting couldn’t be easier thanks to Shimano’s thumb and forefi nger controls and braking is surprisingly good too. You get more well-modulated power at your fi ngertips than you’re ever likely to need on the road.

Add in some strong, reliable wheels and eyelets for fi tting a rack and mudguards and you’ve got a top value bike with a load of versatility ideal for commuting or leisure. www.specialized.com

Specialized Sirrus Comp £649The top-selling bike of all time on Cyclescheme, the Sirrus Comp is a superb all-round commuter that’s great for the weekend too

Tech SpecsPrice: £649Weight: 23.3lb / 10.6kgFrame: 7005 AluFork: Carbon with Zertz insertsDrivetrain: Shimano Deore/Truvativ ElitaWheels: SpecializedOther: Specialized Body Geometry saddle and grips

Scott Sportster P2 Ladies £699The Sportster, which is also available in a men’s model, is essentially a mountain bike with lighter wheels fi tted to add extra zip on the tarmac. You can lock out the fork and save the suspension for when you head off road. www.scottusa.com

Trek 7.5 FX £549.99Trek’s extensive FX range combines comfort and speed in many diff erent guises. The 7.5 comes with a carbon fork, Avid V-brakes and Shimano Deore shifting while in-house brand Bontrager provide a host of high quality components.www.trekbikes.com

Jargon BusterThe nylon casing on a tyre is a � nely

woven layer below the rubber which

stops sharp objects puncturing the

tube. Some tyres also use Kevlar for

more protection

This is a bike that’s perfectly suited to commuting through town, scooting along the towpath with the family, or heading out for a big ride in the country at the weekend…

On test...

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Learning a few simple riding techniques will improve your safety and give you extra confi dence out on the roads.

Not that cycling is particularly dangerous: an American study found that it was less hazardous than just generally being alive! But riding in traffi c can be intimidating to begin with and anything that helps keep you out of trouble has to be good news.

The more experience you get on the bike, the better your riding will become and you’ll soon think nothing of cycling in traffi c. To help you reach that point here are the essential techniques you will need to get started…

For more info...

The Highway CodeThe good old Highway Code is the offi cial road safety manual for Great Britain and it has a whole section devoted to us cyclists. A copy will set you back £2.50 from any bookshop or you can check out the online version at www.direct.gov.uk

CyclecraftJohn Franklin’s book will tell you exactly how to ride safely and confi dently in traffi c – and much else bike-related besides. Endorsed by all the major cycle trainers and published by the Stationery Offi ce, it’ll cost you £12.50. Go to www.cyclecraft.co.uk for all the details.

techniqueTurning right

1 First check the traffi c behind you in plenty of time before you want to turn. Simply look back over your

right shoulder to see whether the road is clear.

2 Give a clear arm signal and, when it’s safe to do so, move towards the centre of the road. If there’s

nothing coming in the opposite direction, you can carry on across the junction and complete your turn.

3 If the opposite carriageway isn’t clear, wait in the centre of the road, just left of the white line

if there is one, until there’s a safe gap in the oncoming tra� c. Then have another look around before completing your turn.

Winter 2008

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CTCCTC – the Cyclists’ Touring Club – has a website that covers all things cycling including advice for beginners, technique skills and tips and information on various publications that’ll help you get the most out of your bike. Visit www.ctc.org.uk for all the info.

LifecycleLife Cycle UK aims to equip people with the skills, the knowledge and the confi dence to make cycling part of their everyday lives. They run training and maintenance courses across the South West. www.lifecycleuk.org.uk

Everyday CyclingBritish Cycling’s non-competitive sister site has plenty of information on routes and events, as well as news and features and a thriving online community. www.everydaycycling.com

techniqueFiltering through traffi c

Road position

1 Don’t cycle down the inside of long vehicles like lorries and buses. The drivers

can � nd it di� cult to spot you in their wing mirrors and if they pull over or start to turn left you’ve got nowhere to go. Go round long vehicles on the right hand side. But even here, beware of drivers pulling over from your left as you pass them and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.

2 Some junctions have an advanced stop line that allows you to position yourself

ahead of the rest of the tra� c. Many have a bike-only � lter lane that takes you up to it – but still beware of other tra� c eating into your space.

1 Position yourself at least 50cm from the side of the road to avoid drains and debris. If you feel safer

further out, you're entitled to ride there. You should allow faster tra� c to pass if you feel that it’s safe to do so.

2 Ride in the centre of your lane when that’s the safest option – it can give you more space to react,

increase your visibility and stop other people overtaking when it’s not safe. But check properly before you move out.

3Move further out in your lane when you’re riding past parked cars just in case someone opens a door in

front of you. It can happen, and you’ll come out of it worst. Again, check behind before you move out.

Avoiding obstacles 1 Look well ahead so you have time to steer

around obstacles like drain covers, potholes and diesel spills. If you can’t avoid something, it’s best to ride across it without braking, with your bike as straight and upright as possible. Swerving or braking at the last second could make you lose control.

2 Beware of anything that could be slippery like

train tracks, cattle grids or raised manhole covers – especially if it’s wet. You can always get o� and walk if you’re not con� dent. If you do decide to ride an obstacle, tackle it at right angles to reduce the chances of slipping, and don’t try to steer when you’re riding over it.

Technique

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Bontrager’s SSR wheels and Select tyres are a really good package for this kind of money

Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Xenon £699.99Unlike most of the competition at this price, this aluminium bike from classic brand Bianchi comes with 10-speed components from Italian compatriots Campagnolo. All that heritage will bring out the racer in you. www.bianchi.com

Giant Defy 3 £549Giant were the fi rst of the big bike manufacturers to adopt the compact frame design with its sloping top tube. This one’s aluminium with a carbon-bladed fork and 27 gears courtesy of Shimano’s entry-level Sora groupset. Great value. www.giant-bicycle.com

in detail...


There’s a clever sensor hole so you can fi t Trek’s wireless computer


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Trek is one of the biggest brands in cycling, making everything from kids’ bikes to cutting-edge race machines like those Lance Armstrong powered to seven consecutive Tour de France

victories. The Texan racer will be aboard Trek again for his 2009 comeback.

The 1 series of all-purpose road machines provide arguably the best value in the entire range with the 1.5 in particular off ering a whole lot of bike for your money…

The Trek has a real urgency from the off and spins up to speed surprisingly fast. Our 58cm model hit the

scales at 21.5lb (9.8kg) which is highly respectable for a bike of

this price, and that’s largely down to the

impressive aluminium frame. The tubes have been elaborately shaped to shave off the grams while maintaining strength and stiff ness while carbon-bladed forks provide a similarly reliable lightweight performance up front.

Shimano’s Tiagra and Sora components take care of shifting as you accelerate, providing eff ortless fi ngertip control and changes that are as fast and accurate as you get with much more expensive options. The Bontrager SSR wheels are good quality too. Extra lard here can really blunt a bike’s responses but these combine a reasonable weight with a lack of fl ex when you put the power in. They stayed perfectly true throughout testing while good weather

sealing keeps the hubs running smooth without the need for much attention.

You’ll notice the lack of weight most on the hills. The 1.5 is an energetic climber whether you’re seated or standing up on the pedals, giving you the feeling that it’s working with you as the gradient increases rather than fi ghting against you.

Our model came with a triple chainset rather than the usual double which, when matched up to the 9-speed cassette, gives you 27 gears including a whole range that are lower than normal. Shift to the small chainring and you can crank up pretty much anything short of vertical without blowing a blood vessel, even at the end of a hard ride. The double chainset version (£649.99) comes as a compact (the chainrings are smaller than traditional) so although you drop to 18 gears, you still get plenty of climbing options.

Head downhill and the 1.5 is solid enough to hold its line without making you feel jumpy, even when the road surface is uneven. And when it’s time to scrub off speed, the Sora levers work with the no-name brake callipers to oblige just fi ne – no worries at all on that front.

A few other little details set the 1.5 apart from the crowd. The carbon Bontrager seat post is a top quality touch that’s simple to adjust; the fork comes with a port for fi tting a bike computer sensor if you want to get sporty; and eyelets on the frame and fork mean fi tting mudguards for commuting couldn’t be easier. Like we said, you get a whole lot of bike for your money. www.trekbikes.com

Trek 1.5 £674.99If you’re looking for something a bit faster, Trek’s great value mid-range racer will give your commute a competitive edge

The 1.5 is an energetic climber, giving you the feeling that it’s working with you as the gradient increases rather than fi ghting against you

Tech SpecsPrice: £674.99Weight: 21.5lb / 9.8kgFrame: 7005 AluFork: Carbon Drivetrain: Shimano Tiagra/Sora with Bontrager chainsetWheels: Bontrager SSROther: Bontrager saddle, Bontrager Carbon seatpost

Specialized Allez Sport £749.99Specialized’s distinctive frame teams up with a carbon-legged fork to provide one of the most comfortable rides going, while Shimano Tiagra components deliver dependable shifting and braking in a lightweight package. www.specialized.com

Kona Honky Tonk £649.99With a butted steel frame and gear shifters on the down tube rather than integrated with the brake levers, the Honky Tonk is a real step back in time for lovers of retro chic.www.konaworld.com

On test...

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Until my late forties, I largely avoided bicycles. I had the usual childhood

dalliances (orange Chopper etc.) and even completed a long distance ride as part of a biathlon. I still have the medal. My other leisure time was consumed by über-safe pastimes like rugby and ice climbing.

There does, however come a time when creaking infirmity forces a stop to such activities but just as that point was reached lady luck decided that my employer should simultaneously introduce a cycle-to-work scheme and I got a nice cyclo-cross bike at a very reasonable price. A quick hop on and spin and I discovered the disadvantages of new technology:

It wasn’t heavy, the gear shifts were smooth and predictable and it sped along at a pleasing rate of knots. The damned thing just encouraged you to ride. It was addictive and I succumbed.

When you get hooked on cycling there's no room for other addictions. I used to be a smoker, but when you're out on your bike you need all your lung capacity to be in full working order so the ciggies got binned in short order which obviously had some extra benefits for my all-round health. Oh, and my bank balance too. As

a rule when you get into cycle commuting the only bit of you

that gets fatter is your wallet.

Yes, riding a bike can be a

life changing experience in wonderful ways: better health, more

money; and

weird ones too…So it was that I found myself,

Lycra clad in the tailspin of an August tropical storm that had a name, 30 years to the day after Elvis Presley died. I had wallowed to Shetland all night on a ferry from Aberdeen (which might be in the same country but is bloody miles away!) and disgorged on to another wee ferry to Bressay. Bike and walk, I found myself there, looking out over a deserted and desolate bay. It was called Elvis.

Elvis Voe, to be precise (HU507449, Landranger 4). As a hill-walker, I had read a satirical rag called The Angry Corrie renowned for its “quirky” challenges such as Elvis to Presley. The TAC guys walked and it took them ages, I would cycle and do it in 24 hours – well, that was the intention anyway. We both did it for charity.

So, punch the stopwatch and off, managing a gentle trot across the bog to the bike feeling like a proper athlete, back to the ferry and right down the spine of Shetland by the only road to Sumburgh and the aeropuerto. This place is bleak, even for the kind of post apocalyptic landscape that Shetland does so well. The sheep looked hard as nails and

even the road does no fluffing about – it just

goes straight across the runway to get there as soon as possible. Bike in a plastic bag, on to a plane about the size of a transit van

riding a bike can be a life changing experience in wonderful ways and weird ones too…

From Elvis to Pre sley...David Balfour of Highland Council tells us how getting a bike through Cyclescheme led to more than just a daily commute…

Bike bagged ready for the

flight to Orkney

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and after thirty minutes of water I was deposited in the second archipelago of the day – Orkney.

It sometimes seems that the roads are the only things in Orkney that aren’t 5000 years old. The place is splattered with history. You should go there! It’s also not that big, so Kirkwall to the next ferry at St. Margaret’s Hope was achieved at an energy saving pace, over the prettiest back roads in Scotland. The ferry got across the Pentland Firth in as smooth a manner as was possible on that water, given the worsening weather and the fact that a lot of the North Sea empties into the Atlantic at that point. Unlike some, I wasn’t revisited by supper.

When my “support crew” met me at John O’ Groats it was 9.45pm, raining, the wind was picking up and I had 135 miles

to go. Loose plans were made to meet up in Wick. We did at midnight, much delayed after a puncture. Then onwards. The 12% gradient at Berridale came and went, the Ord of Caithness undulated infuriatingly and 5am saw us in Brora. Our last stop as a team was outside Dingwall at 9am. By this time, you could use any word describing “knackered” – in fact; you could have used them all. Finally at 183.5 miles on the outskirts of Inverness, I failed utterly. That's the thing about challenges, you can't win them all, but you can at least finish. The next day after a kip, I got back on the bike and did the rest. No publicity, no welcoming committee, no support. Just me and Presley (it’s a farm near Forres). Done.

And the thing is, I never did like Elvis...

From Elvis to Pre sley...

Sunset over the Pentland Firth

On a big ride you need to stop for refreshment now and again...

The harbour at Kirkwall

Do I look tired? Dingwall, 9am

Cycling changed my life

15

winter2008.indd 15 24/11/08 17:11:49

The stem arrangement looks odd but the ride is very stable

Brompton M3L £607A design classic, the Brompton is one of the most compact machines available and super-quick to fold and unfold, making it great for taking on the train or bus. There’s a wealth of custom options too: Brompton hand-assemble each bike.www.brompton.co.uk

Giant Escape Mini Zero £849Not a folder but a compact road bike for those who don’t have space for a standard machine, the Escape features 20-inch wheels and a cruciform frame design which makes it easy to hop on and off .www.giant-bicycle.com

in detail...


Castors on the rear rack mean you can pull the Mezzo around like a trolley when it’s folded


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winter2008.indd 16 24/11/08 17:11:55


Folding bikes are the ideal solution if part of your commute involves trains or buses. They are also ideal urban bikes, tough and nippy over short distances and because they fold up you can

bring them with you into the offi ce instead of having to lock them up outside. There are loads of folding bikes out there, some that concentrate on the folding part of the job and others that put the emphasis on the ride. The Mezzo falls somewhere in the middle of that range. It folds small – although it isn’t the smallest – and it’s very enjoyable to ride.

Mezzos don’t fold in the middle. Instead the frame is made up of a one-piece

central beam that the rest of the bike folds around and under – that sets them apart from the rest of the folding crowd.

According to Mezzo this has two big advantages: the

beam makes for a stiff frame that effi ciently transfers your pedalling power to the back wheel; and it gives the Mezzo a decent length wheelbase for a more stable ride – although at 1045mm a Brompton’s wheelbase is longer than the Mezzo’s 987mm.

The D9 doesn’t fold quite as small as a Brompton (690x685x360mm to the Brompton’s 550x580x280mm) but it does score on the ride. Handling is crisp and predictable. Some small-wheeled bikes can be twitchy, but not the Mezzo. Acceleration is good too - you’d expect that from a smaller wheel, but that stiff

beam really does seem to get your pedal power to the back wheel as directly as possible for a quick getaway from the lights.

Gearing comes courtesy of a 52 tooth Truvativ front chainring teamed up with SRAM’s 11-26 PG-950 cassette at the rear . A Shimano Tiagra rear mech and a SRAM Attack shifter deliver crisp shifting – all this gives you a range that should fl y on the fl at and get you up even the biggest hills. The ProMax calliper brakes hooked up to four fi nger levers put some oomph into stopping and there’s plenty of modulation on off er when you need to slow rather than stop on a sixpence.

Once you get the hang of it the fold is fast and simple. Unfolding is faster still. At 11.8kg you won’t want to be carrying a folded Mezzo far, but it has castors – so trolleying it along is an option.

All Mezzos come with a tough anodized fi nish – folders have to be tough. Mudguards are part of the frame, and the D9 has a rack with a range of dedicated bags and panniers to go with it.

The latest D9 boasts a new colour option, Graphite, and the introduction of a Montague Click quick release system for the front wheel. As the name suggests the wheel clicks into place fi rst then you do up the quick release lever. This seems a sensible upgrade for a bike that relies on releasing the front wheel as part of the fold. www.mezzobikes.com

Mezzo D9 £645If integrated transport is your thing, or there’s just nowhere to park at the o� ce, Mezzo’s D9 is a great folding option

Tech SpecsPrice: £645 Weight: 26lb / 11.8kgFrame: 7005 AluFork: AluminiumDrivetrain: Shimano Tiagra/TruvativWheels: Mezzo 20”Other: Integral rack with trolley wheels, front and rear mudguards

Dahon Vitesse D7 £379The Aluminium-framed Vitesse range is a good budget solution. Fold size isn’t as compact as some of the other bikes here but the 20-inch wheels give a good ride, and the D7 features a 7-speed drivetrain to get you up the hills.www.dahon.co.uk

Dawes King Pin £349The Dawes King Pin features a lightweight aluminium frame, practical rack and mudguards and simple to use 7 speed derailleur gears plus reliable mountain bike style V-brakes. It’s another good budget choice for town riding.www.dawescycles.com

Jargon BusterThe wheelbase of a bike is simply

the distance between the contact

points of the two wheels on the

ground. Generally speaking, longer

bikes are more stable.

You can bring a folding bike with you into the offi ce instead of having to lock it up outside

On test...

17

winter2008.indd 17 24/11/08 17:11:57

essentialsIt’s not all about the bike: choosing the right kit will make all the diff erence to your ride. Here’s the lowdown on what you can’t do without.

HelmetsY

ou don’t legally have to wear a bike helmet… but if the worst happens and a

car pulls out in front of you or you slip on a wet road, wouldn’t you rather have one on?

Modern bike helmets are lightweight and incredibly comfortable to wear. They won’t overheat your head either because they’re designed with air channels to bring in a constant stream of cool air as you cycle –

you’ll barely know you’ve got one on. Plus, there’s no VAT on bike helmets these days, so they’re pretty cheap too.

By law, all bike helmets sold in the UK have to meet European safety standards, so as long as you buy from a recognized cycle shop you’ll have no worries on that front. But do spend some time making sure you get the right size – no helmet will help if it doesn’t fi t properly. If in doubt, get the shop to help you choose.

Giro Saros £79.99 Giro is one of the most respected bike helmet brands around and the Saros shows exactly why. Masses of well-placed vents funnel air inside so you stay cool and sweat-free while the soft rubber RocLoc 4 stabilizing system reaches right around to cradle the back of your head meaning that you don’t need to over-tighten the chin strap to keep it � rmly in place. Low pro� le and lightweight, this is a helmet that’s so comfortable you barely know you’re wearing it, and the high-quality build standards mean it’ll prove durable too. It’s available from February.www.giro.com

Jargon BusterRetention systems sit below the

back of the helmet and allow easy

adjustment to keep the helmet snug.

Winter 2008

18

winter2008.indd 18 24/11/08 17:12:07


essentials

Met Diamante £39.99 The Diamante is a mid-range women’s helmet with a high-end performance and subtle looks. You get loads of ventilation via huge ports that channel cool air in through the front and sides and take hot and humid air out the back. It’s simple to � ne-tune the Safe-T Lite retention system. You just put the helmet on and move the double-slide adjusters at the rear to get things stable – it takes seconds. Light and compact as well, this is one of the most comfort-able helmets out there.www.met-helmets.com

Specialized Chamonix £29.99 The Chamonix is our favourite helmet in its price range by miles. A penny less than 30 quid gets you a tough, safe lid that’s as light-weight and unobtrusive as many high-end op-tions costing over twice as much. Specialized’s � exible Form Fit retention system works with the easily adjusted straps and foam padding

Bell Array £59.99 Bell Pioneered the in-moulding system that most good quality helmets now use. The external plastic shell is bonded to the head-saving EPS foam inside during moulding, saving weight and making the lid stronger. The mid-range Array helmet has a wealth of vents which channel air through

to provide a secure and comfortable � t while the distinctive cooling system, complete with its big Mega Mouthport at the front, provides a generous amount of air� ow. The visor is handy for keeping the sun and rain out of your eyes, although it’s easily removed if you’d rather ride without one. www.specialized.com

ventilation channels inside the helmet to stop you overheating. Like most modern lids the Array has a retention system at the back to adjust the � t to your head, but the TAG system that Bell use also allows side-to-side adjustment to customise the � t even more. It’s available in � ve colours.www.bellbikehelmets.com

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winter2008.indd 19 24/11/08 17:12:21

Essential kit:

Lights

The best of the rest

Ride your bike in the dark and you have to use lights or the boys in blue will

be after you. The law says you must have a white front light and a red rear light, and they can be either steady or fl ashing. If they’re capable of giving out steady light, though, they have to conform to British Standards.

That’s the legal angle but, apart from that, fi tting good

lights makes a whole lot of sense for your own safety. It’s not the sort of area where you want to be skimping.

The good news is that there are plenty of impressive lights to choose from these days. They’re smaller yet more powerful than ever, batteries last for ages and, if you go down the rechargeable route, they’re as simple to juice up as your mobile phone.

Light & Motion Stella 120 £99Designed primarily for mountain bike use, the Stella’s 120 Lumen LED beam gives you the con� dence to ride as fast as you like even on unlit roads. You can take it as read then that it’s bright enough to get you seen by other road users. The simple rubber clamp makes � xing the light to your bars a breeze, and you get up to two hours of burn time. The battery is small enough to � t underneath your bike’s stem so it doesn’t get in the way, and the button � ashes to warn you when it needs recharging from the mains. www.lightandmotion.com

Cateye EL010 Opticube Uno £24.99 Despite its diminutive size, the Opticube packs a mighty punch. It is under 10cm long and weighs just 80g with the single AA battery included – that’s less than a Kingsize Mars Bar. The LED produces a dazzling, focused beam that’s bright enough to see by on urban streets and you get 15 hours of constant light, or 60 hours in � ashing mode. The simple attachment system makes it easy to mount on your bars. www.cateye.com

Electron Backupz £16.99 You wouldn’t want to use these tiny LEDs as your main set of lights, but they’re ideal for carrying as an emergency measure in case your batteries run out. They weigh just a few grams each and take up virtually no space, so you can just keep them in your bag or saddle pack. A piece of elastic holds them in place on your handlebars or seatpost and they give out an amazing amount of light to make sure you get you seen on the road. You can choose between � ashing and constant modes and they’re fully waterproof too.www.ultimatepursuits.co.uk

Knog Skink £15.99These clever little LED lights (available as front or rear) are ideal for urban riding at night and put out a surprisingly large amount of light. The handy rubber casing keeps the weather out and acts as its own fastening system so you don’t need a mount. Ideal for switching between bikes or taking with you when you park up.www.knog.com.au

Smart LAM317R £15.99Featuring three LEDs, this is among the brightest rear lights we’ve ever used – it really is stunning. You’ll get about 60 hours of use in fl ashing mode before you have to change the batteries. www.smart-bike.com

Jargon BusterLED stands for Light Emitting

Diode. They run quite cool, don’t

have a � lament to burn out and

don’t use much power, so they’re

ideal as bike lights.

The best of the restThe best of the restThe best of the restThe best of the rest

casing keeps the weather out and acts as its own fastening system so you don’t need a mount. Ideal for switching between bikes or taking with you when you park up.www.knog.com.au

Winter 2008

20

winter2008.indd 20 24/11/08 17:12:29


Essential kit:


Buy a high quality lock. Seriously. If you’ve just spent a big wedge on a brand spanking new

bike, don’t try to protect it with something that costs a tenner. It’ll end in tears.

Cheap locks might sometimes look the part and, granted, that might be enough to discourage a would-be thief, but it’s not worth taking the chance. Even the stupidest villain will get through a poor quality bike lock – and there are some terrible ones out there – in seconds. Spend a bit more cash, make life more diffi cult for him, and chances are he’ll soon

give up.When choosing your lock,

don’t get too hung up on weight. Okay, there’s a limit to how much you want to carry around with you but, in general, heft is good. And look out for Sold Secure awards: these are independently assessed safety ratings that come in Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Finally, lock your bike up carefully. Make the lock as inaccessible as possible and, though it might sound obvious, ensure that whatever you’re locking it to is strong. Attach your bike to a rusty old railing and you’re asking for trouble.

Abus Granit X-Plus £59.99

Squire Urban Protector £41.99

Kryptonite New York M18 £89.99

The Urban Protector U-lock is surprisingly sturdy for its reasonable price. Its hardened steel body and 13mm hardened steel shackle can withstand the bike thief’s most frequent forms of assault and the double locking mechanism is a high quality feature. It’s moderately lightweight too and comes with a simple-to-use bracket so you can stash it on your bike frame when you’re riding. You don’t

get the same level of protection as you get from its big brother in the Squire range, the Urban Paramount (£49.99), but it has gained a Sold Secure Silver rating and only the most dogged crook with plenty of time available will get through this one. www.squirelocks.co.uk

Essential Kit

Locks

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit chain and padlock £114.99Yes, it’s expensive, but for heavy-duty bike security this is hard to beat. You get 1m of heat-treated steel chain and an ultra-sturdy lock although it’s weight means it’s best for home use or very short journeys. Rated as Sold Secure Gold.www.kryptonitelock.com

Abus Granit 1000/100 £64.99Another Sold Secure Gold lock this fl exible cable lock is much stronger than most others of its type because it’s protected by thick, overlapping hardened steel shells and the lock housing is just as resilient. www.abus.com

Kryptonite’s New York locks have built up an enviable reputation over the years for being among the safest out there and this is the top-rated U-lock in the range. It features a chunky 18mm hardened steel shackle, a hardened steel sleeve over the crossbar too, and it uses a double deadbolt locking mechanism that’s resistant to

drilling and picking. In plain English, that means any thief who fancies taking it on had better be prepared for a � ght because this is one of the toughest locks you can buy. Admittedly, the M18 isn’t cheap… but then, neither is your bike. www.kryptonitelock.com

This is the most costly U-lock in the extensive Abus range but it’s worth the money. Although light enough to carry around without too much bother, it’s incredibly resistant to attack, whether

that’s by means of brute force or an attempt to pick the lock. The beefy shackle stands up to saw blades, bolt cutters and all manner of other weaponry and it’s double bolted into the cross bar for added security. On top of that, the lock mechanism is protected with hardened steel. Chances are, any thief confronted with this lock will soon give up trying. Comes with a Sold Secure Gold award. www.abus.com

21

winter2008.indd 21 24/11/08 17:12:46

Other top accessories...

Essential kit:

JacketsT

reat yourself to a bike-specifi c jacket and your cycling instantly becomes a whole lot more

comfortable – and when you’re comfy, you enjoy yourself more.

Chances are that you’re going to need something that can keep

the rain out, at least long enough for you to get home. In general, the more

you spend on a waterproof, the more breathable it is – meaning that your sweat

vapour can escape outwards through tiny pores in the fabric which don’t let water droplets

in. But features like adjustable cuff s and underarm vents are even more valuable for keeping you sweat-free.

Good insulation can be useful too but be careful… a heavyweight waterproof might be too warm for summer use. It often makes more sense to buy a lightweight waterproof shell and to layer up underneath for extra warmth.

Look for a dedicated cycling cut. That means plenty of length in the back and sleeves to keep you covered while in your biking position, a high, close-fi tting collar to prevent draughts, and not too much spare fabric to fl ap about in the wind.

And anything that gets you seen just has to be good news. High visibility colour options can really help while refl ective piping, logos and print really shine out at night.

Endura Luminite £69.99 Here’s a commuting jacket that lets you be seen, be safe and be stylish at the same time. Not only that: it’s waterproof, windproof and breathable too. A handy array of pockets gives plenty of options for stowing essentials while cinched in collar and cu� s and sealed seams add

even more weather protection. Well thought out luminous panels make the jacket visible from all angles, but the real sting is in the tail where a red Luminite LED gives you 50 hours of � ashing light where you need it most. Also available in black or yellow. www.endura.co.uk

Jargon BusterSeams need to be sealed against

the elements - if they’re just sewn

then water gets in through the

holes. Check that they’re taped or

bonded on the inside.

Endura Shark glasses £29.99Specs can keep the glare out in the summer, protect your eyes in the rain and cold, and help to increase contrast in low light. The Shark has a lens for all of these, and a padded case to keep them in.www.endura.co.uk Blackburn EX1+ rack £29.99

A rack makes real sense if you’ve got a lot of gear to lug about, and you can get some excellent wet weather bags to put your stuff in for Winter. The EX1+ is a solid and dependable platform to hang your panniers from. www.blackburndesign.com

Winter 2008

22

winter2008.indd 22 24/11/08 17:12:51


JacketsAltura Nevis £49.99 This is the UK’s best-selling cycling jacket and it does a great job of keeping the wind and rain out. The Altek fabric is breathable, so you don’t get clammy when things heat up, while a full-length front zip, underarm pit zips and back vents add more air condition-

Gore Phantom £99.99 The slim-� t Phantom is a wind-stopping soft shell that keeps the cold air out and the warm air in. You’ll need a waterproof on top in heavy rain, but the fabric can keep out showers and has the advantage of being really breathable. You can zip the arms o� to reveal shorter Lycra sleeves for when the weather warms up so, though costly, this jacket is very versatile. The elasticated cu� s and hem keep draughts at bay and the re� ective trim really shines out in car headlights. It comes in a variety of di� erent colours in both men’s and women’s versions. www.gorebikewear.com

Essential Kit

Cannondale Metro £140Top dollar buys you this top quality o� ering from Cannondale. 3 layer waterproof fabric with taped seams will keep out even the worst weather, and the dropped rear can be folded up and secured with Velcro for o� -the-bike days. The Metro also features a hood that’s big enough to � t over your helmet, so it’s a great choice for when the weather’s really dreadful. There’s lots of vents and re� ectives too.www.cannondale.com

ing. You get pockets in the back and on the chest and all the zips are waterproof. The � eece-lined collar is comfortable on your neck and re� ective trim helps get you seen. Available in high visibility yellow/black and blue/black and in both male and female cuts. www.zyro.co.uk

Ortlieb Mudracer seatpack £29.99Seatpacks hang under your saddle and are a great place to stash a few bits and bobs - tools, a spare tube and a couple of quid in case you need some emergency rations... The Mudracer is waterproof and has a built-in LED light too. www.ortlieb.de

Polaris Merino socks £9.99Good socks can make all the diff erence between toasty toes and frozen feet. These thick Polaris socks are great for winter, and because they’re made from Merino wool they fi ght off foot whiff s too.www.polaris-apparel.co.uk

23

winter2008.indd 23 24/11/08 17:13:05

Essential kit:

Good gloves are one of the essentials of your cycling wardrobe. For a start, even in decent

weather your hands can get cold when you’re riding fast because of the windchill. And aside from the discomfort it’s pretty hard to control a bicycle with two blocks of ice on the end of your arms. So, on frosty winter mornings you need some heavy-duty insulation.

But cycling gloves aren’t just about warmth. When you are

riding your hands support a lot of your body weight and pressure on your nerves can lead to numbness and discomfort. Padding on the palms distributes that pressure to keep your hands ache-free.

And fi nally, should you ever be unfortunate enough to come off your bike, chances are that your hands will be the fi rst thing to hit the deck. You’re better off scuffi ng up a pair of gloves than scuffi ng up your hands so do yourself a favour and keep them covered.

Altura Night Vision £29.99 These are ideal Winter commuting gloves. As the name implies the Night Visions have masses of re� ective trim that really shines out in car headlights, making them hard to miss at night. The good news doesn’t end there: they’re waterproof too and Thinsulate low bulk insulation means they’re warm enough for the coldest weather. They are comfortable too thanks to a reinforced silicon pad on the base of the palm to cushion your ulnar nerve. Add in further reinforcement down the inside of the thumb and you’ve got plenty of protection against vibrations and road shocks. www.zyro.co.uk

Chiba Drystar II £29.99 Wet hands soon become cold hands and then you’re looking at a miserable ride, so it pays to be prepared for the rain. These top value gloves feature a liner that’s 100% waterproof so it doesn’t matter what the weather does, your hands stay dry inside and they provide good insulation too. The palm is reinforced with Kevlar for extra durability and you get a gel pad that’s well placed on the heel of the hand to prevent numbness. The cu� s extend above your wrists to keep you well covered while re� ective strips helps get you noticed at night. www.chibagloves.com

Specialized BG Ridge D4W £19.99

Gloves

Pearl Izumi Pittards Elite £33.99 The exposed back sections of these gloves are made from waterproof and windproof fabrics to keep the worst of the winter weather out, while the extended cuff s come with adjustable Velcro closures for extra draught proofi ng around your wrists. www.pearlizumi.com

Gore Bike Wear Tool £34.99 These winter gloves are made from Windstopper fabric to stop the cold air getting in and the fl eece inner traps plenty of warmth inside. The silicon-coated palms and fi ngertips don’t slip on wet controls.www.gorebikewear.com

Lots of people su� er from numb hands while cycling because of the pressure on crucial nerves as they lean forward onto the handlebars. These lightweight gloves are designed to avoid that with a gel pad in the heel of the hand – and they really work. On top of that, the thin synthetic leather palms o� er plenty of breathability and

they’re reinforced in the crucial area at the base of the � ngers. The stretchy mesh back provides more comfort while the soft and absorbent micro suede wiping panel on the back of the thumb always comes in useful. www.specialized.com

Jargon BusterWhat do you wipe on your

wiping panel? Your nose

of course! It can get runny

on those cold mornings...

The best of the rest

Winter 2008

24

winter2008.indd 24 24/11/08 17:13:23

Pedalling factsCycle for a total of three hours at a moderate level

every week and you will burn o� around half

a pound of fat, up the amount to � ve hours of

vigorous cycling and you will burn o� a pound. Or,

if you don’t want to get thinner you can eat more

cake without putting a strain on your waistband.FAQ...Riding the internetEver wondered why it is that the bicycle always tops polls of the best inventions ever and such like? Apart from the fact that it is, of course. One reason is that cyclists as a group are very net savvy, and there are loads of cycling websites and forums dedicated to every aspect of riding a bike. That's great news if you're a beginner just getting into cycling because there is a world of advice and support out their on the internet. Here's some worth checking out:

www.cyclescheme.co.ukWell we would say that! All you need to know about getting a bike through the scheme.

www.ctc.org.ukThe Cycling equivalent of the AA. Campaigning membership organisation, and much more

www.britishcycling.org.uk Governing body for competitive cycling.

www.road.cc Covering all aspects of road riding in the UK with bike and equipment reviews, videos and forums.

www.bikeroutetoaster.comWant to � nd a bike route, or share one? Then this is the place to go.

www.lcc.org.ukLondon Cycling Campaign’s vision is to make London a world-class cycling city

Q How often does the bike have to be used for work?

A There is no requirement for you to cycle to work for a specifi ed

number of days throughout the year and there is no special requirement for you to record your trips. You can also use the bike for leisure at weekends and on holiday, although a bike purchased under Cyclescheme should be ridden for at least 50% of time during trips to work. The Inland Revenue does not expect you to keep a record of mileage.

Q What happens at the end of the hire period?

A It’s your employers choice at the end of the hire period whether

they opt to sell you the bike, typically employers will choose to sell the bike back to you at cost of 5% plus VAT, this charge is deemed to be the fair market value based on the original voucher value. Please note that such practices and expectations are merely indications based on historical factors and cannot be guaranteed.

Q Does my employer require a Standard Consumer

Credit Licence?

A The Government has issued a blanket consumer credit

licence to all participating employers buying bike packages up to £1000 including VAT. When you sign the Hire Agreement, the resulting relationship is defi ned under the terms and conditions of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

If your employer wishes to supply bikes over £1000 then they will need to buy a consumer credit licence from the OFT, which takes around six weeks to come through and lasts for fi ve years.

Q Can my employer pass on VAT savings?

A For employers who are VAT registered it may be possible for

savings to be passed on to employees. Organisations such as fi nancial institutions, charities and NHS trusts are usually unable to take advantage of VAT savings.

Q I’d like to get some of the stuff in this mag, but my local bike

shop doesn’t stock it. What should I do?

A Each product has contact details for the manufacturer

or distributor, so you could ask the bike shop if they can get hold of it. Alternatively, they should be able to recommend something similar that they do have in stock. Take the mag along if you’re unsure.

Common questions about the scheme answered by our Cyclescheme experts...

winter2008.indd 25 24/11/08 17:13:27

Is this the start of

On one television documentary about fishermen in the North Sea, each bulging net of cod and prawns is greeted with the same exclamations in Peterhead brogue:

“Great haul. Now that’s a grand haul. A haul worth going out for.” That’s pretty much how it felt coming back from Beijing this summer, after one British medal had followed another in relentless, exhilarating succession.

The question back then was whether this crushing of the rest of the world on the Laoshan velodrome would result in a sea-change in cycling in this country. The same question had been asked after a number of possible breakthrough points in the last 20 years: Chris Boardman’s gold medal in Barcelona in 1992, the first visit of the Tour de France in 1994, 2000 and 2004’s successful Olympic Games. Would Britain’s previously unsung cycling heroes become national names, and would that be reflected in a surge in the sport’s popularity nationwide?

You rarely see a tipping point as it happens, but the omens are good after this summer, as far as the profile of the sport is concerned. It’s the little events that offer the clues: Victoria Pendleton being invited to London fashion week; Dave Brailsford appearing on the

for a list of marin dealers visit:

www.marin.Co.UK

URBANTake control of your commute

+ride more

Cycling’s golden era?Britain’s amazing success at the Olympics is helping to fuel an upsurge in cycling, and the signs, says William Fotheringham, are that things can only get better…

platform at the Labour Party conference to tell the government of the day about the benefits of a united team; Jamie Staff turning on Christmas lights in Ashford and Rochester; Chris Hoy being the match-ball carrier when Scotland play the All-Blacks. The message is clear: cycling is no long just something funny people do in lycra on Sunday mornings, it’s what the great and the good of the nation aspire to.

Lower down the food chain, the omens are good. Go-Ride sessions for youngsters this October half-term were massively over-subscribed as parents brought their kids along in the hope that they might turn out to be the next Chris Hoy. Getting onto a track accreditation session at the Manchester and Newport velodromes is easier said than done as slightly older cyclists try to emulate the gold medallists. Preciously brilliant junior cyclists are coming out of the woodwork at a rate that would make Italian and French talent scouts weep.

Tickets for major events such as the World Cup and the Revolution series have sold out weeks in advance. The Tour of Britain surfed a wave of popular support in such unlikely strongholds of cycling as leafy Buckinghamshire and rainy, population-sparse mid-Devon. And next year, perhaps most important of all, a wave of high-profile evening ‘nocturne’ circuit races, run by two different organisers, will take over the centres of a dozen British towns.

The chances are, 10 years down the line, cyclists will all look back to the spell between Beijing and London – because we all measure time in Olympiads now, don’t we? – and reflect: we never had it so good. Unless, of course, Brailsford gets his British pro team in the Tour de France, and it gets even better…

William Fotheringham is one of Britain’s most successful cycling authors and writers. His books include: Put me back on my bike – In search of Tom Simpson, Roule Brittania, Fotheringham’s Sporting Pastimes, and Cycle Racing How to Train, Race and Win.

Winter 2008

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Cyclescheme Cycle Commuter Issue 1

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Transcript of Cyclescheme Cycle Commuter Issue 1