4ucycling

Regulation of bike-share schemes should aim at the goal of creating long-term sustainable mobility options on bicycles. This, in our opinion, can best be achieved by providing the opportunity for bike-shares to place a necessary amount of bikes on the streets to provide a proof of concept and thereafter grow their scheme provided that the bikes are utilised. Regulators should seek to prevent bike-share systems from applying predatory pricing, that is, reducing prices below the long-term sustainable level. To make matters more concrete, our suggestion is that cities should allow bike-share schemes to place an initial maximum number of bikes (for example, 1 bike per 1,000 citizens) and require a certain level of usage on the bikes to be achieved before the bike-share scheme can scale. Considering that cities would like to increase bike usage, permits should be allocated to bike-share companies without fees to ensure that cost is not passed onto users. Cities should establish minimum ...

 The 24.8-mile (40-kilometer) bike segment of an Olympic-distance triathlon, sandwiched between the swimming and running portions, is the longest of the three disciplines—and the most critical to winning the overall race. It’s where you can make up or lose the most time. For performance-optimizing tips, National Geographic Adventure asked Susan Williams, 2004 Olympic bronze medalist in triathlon and the only American to medal in the sport to date. During her race in Athens, Williams suffered a crash near the end of the bike course and was passed by a handful of cyclists, but got back in the saddle quickly and chased down the competition for a spot on the podium. Here are Williams’s tips for mastering cycling for triathlon. 1. ADD AERO BARS Triathlon-specific time trial bikes are different from traditional road bikes in that they have tighter geometries: A triathlon bike has a more compact frame to get your body in an aerodynamic position to cut down on drag. But they...

1. Cold wind makes your eyes water something fierce. Wear cycling glasses that curve around your face. 2. If your feet are really cold, try plastic bags inside your shoes. Because of the clamminess, however, this should not be a permanent solution. 3. Keep an ENERGY BAR or two in your pocket or tool bag. Fuel for the furnace. 4. Apply duct tape over the helmet vents if it gets too cold. 5. You might not feel like it in the cold, but drink plenty of water. 6. Still not warm enough? PEDAL HARDER. It always makes you feel better.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IS ALL about being out there, free to explore the natural terrain—but it also requires more technical skill than any other form of riding. Nobody knows that better than Rebecca Rusch, a tough-as-nails pro mountain biker who’s garnered seven national mountain biking titles in addition to winning the legendary Leadville 100 four times. “Technical riding has never been my strong point,” Rusch says. “I’ve definitely had to put in my time to up my game.” She recommends you do the same—and concentrate on your weaknesses—if you want to access more trails and have more fun in the saddle. There’s nothing better for mastering skills than repetition, Rusch says, and a good bike park with chairlift access and purposebuilt mountain trails is the ultimate, allowing for tons of practice in a given day. You can choose from different levels of terrain and progress as you become comfortable. Pump tracks—small roller- and berm-filled playgrounds—are the best place to learn cornering ...

Everybody knows that cleaning a bike is nowhere near as fun as riding one. But ignore this at your peril, as maintenance is crucial to keeping bikes in as good a condition as possible. This is especially the case when it comes to matt finish and unlacquered carbon fibre frames, which are increasingly popular among bike brands and cyclists alike. While there are numerous bike cleaning products on the market, maintaining such frames isn’t the same as looking after shiny and glossy ones. Thankfully, Essex-based company Crankalicious has developed a line of products capable of cleaning and protecting matt frames. Founded in 2016, Crankalicious aims to produce the most technically-proficient cycle care products on the market. All of the company’s products are made by hand in small batches on site at their HQ in Elsenham, Essex, using the highest quality ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging. What is a matt frame? Whereas standard ‘shiny’ frames have a flat surface that...

Experienced riders will likely have several, but for those just setting out on their cycling adventure – it pays to know what you’re looking for. Battling with the wrong bike for your needs isn’t just tiring, it’s a waste of hard-earned cash. Think about where you are planning to go with it the majority of the time and who with? Is it training, commuting, family fun, trail riding or are you even considering getting into racing? To help you figure all this out, we recommend visiting one of our stores to speak to an expert colleague and where you could start test-riding a few options. It may also be reassuring to know that every bike bought at Evans Cycles comes with our Right Bike Guarantee, a 30 day, no quibble exchange policy. To start narrowing it down a little, we’ve outlined 4 very common types of bikes and the functions that define each. Hopefully, you’ll identify yourself with one before further exploring our online treasure trove. You need a Road Bike if… …you’ll be riding...

Bikepacking might be the adventure cycle touring trend of the moment but it’s not actually quite as new a pastime as you might think. Matt Lamy looks at the details behind the buzzword and reveals that bikepacking is an experience that many cyclists can enjoy relatively easily and inexpensively. What is bikepacking, then? The simple explanation of bikepacking would be to say it’s backpacking with a bike. However, as with most things cycling, it’s a little more detailed than that. Bikepacking involves taking your bike on self-supported, multi-terrain, multi-day adventures with the focus on using off-road routes. It’s about truly exploring the wilderness, days at a time, by bike .

Planning fun activities in your back garden or heading to the local park on bikes are brilliant ways to learn a new skill. The best part is, you can get started anytime you like. Here are two simple activities for you and your kids from experts British Cycling, along with suggestions for the perfect places to get out and ride. They’re great for adults looking to sharpen skills too, so jump on your bike and get involved. Skill #1 – Riding one-handed All bike riders need to take a hand off the handlebars at some point, to perform tasks like signalling to other road users and reaching for a water bottle. Practicing this skill will help your child to develop confidence and stability – essential for riding a bike. How it works You’ll need to create an oval course by placing markers on the ground. Loads of household items will do the job – such as a couple of jumpers. Next, set up an area where you’ll hold the water bottle, otherwise known as the feed zone, on one side of the str...

In autumn and winter it's often dark and wet, so make sure you're visible when out and about. Don't forget to take your lights out with you when cycling. Lights and the Law The Highway Code states that, at night, cyclists must have white front and red rear lights. Bikes must also be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. Having white front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted, but we recommended you also use a constantly-illuminated front light, particularly if you are riding in areas without street lighting. Hovering your mouse cursor over the symbols on the weather panel on this page will display daily sunrise and sunset times, so that you know in advance when you're going to need lights. Contact your local cycle shop for advice on buying the right lights for your bike. Be Seen If you’re cycling in dark or dim conditions, you should: Ensure that you have front and rear bike ligh...

To keep your bike in tip-top condition, before every trip, you should - Check that your tyres are pumped up Check that your brakes, lights, handlebars and seat are in good order and tightly secured. On a monthly basis, you should: Clean and lubricate your chain and check your gears are running smoothly; Wipe the dirt from your wheels and check the tread on your tyres.  If possible, check your brake pads and your brake cables. On an annual basis, you should: Give your bike a thorough service. Reputable cycle shops will have a mechanic who can do this for you. More detailed bike maintenance information is included in Sustrans’ Get Cycling guide, which can be downloaded below.  

Don't skimp on the cost of buying locks - they're often the only thing stopping your valuable bike from being stolen! There are a wide range of locks available and, generally speaking, you should be looking to spend at least £20 on a lock. Ask your local cycle retailer about Silver or Gold standard locks. These offer the best protection. The police also recommend you use two different types of locks to secure your bike if possible, such as a cable lock and a D-lock, as thieves are rarely equipped to break into both. Security A good bike, if well maintained and well secured, will last for several years. Don't let yours get stolen! Local cycle shops can offer advice on how to protect your bike against theft, and recommend the right lock for your bike, but here are a few handy hints: Get your bike security marked if you can. See the Safer York Partnership website for more information on this. Invest in a good quality lock such as a D-Lock, extension cable or heavy ch...

This year, why not dust off your bike, get back on the saddle and fall in love with cycling all over again! Here are our top tips for getting back into cycling: Get your bike checked over – there are a number of great bike shops in York who'll be more than happy to get your bike in tip-top working order ready for hitting the road again. You can also see our handy bike maintenance tips. Need a new bike? Your local bike shop will be happy to advise on the right bike and accessories for you, or pick up a bargain reconditioned bike. Haven't cycled for a while? Take a leisure ride and explore York – we've several easy to ride, scenic leisure route maps to get you riding again – with café stops to top up energy levels and toilet facilities all marked en route! Feeling a bit rusty on two wheels? Build your confidence on the road and brush up on your cycle skills with our superb one-to-one, personalised urban cycle skills training sessions. We come to you at a time to suit. ...

Whether you're starting to cycle for the first time, getting back in the saddle after a number of years away, or already cycle but would just like to cycle more, you'll enjoy lots of benefits by choosing cycling for some of your everyday trips: It’s a fast, cheap and stress-free way of getting from A to B It’s the perfect way to fit more activity into your daily routine – cheaper and much more fun than driving to work or going to the gym It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends or to meet new people It increases your life span – on average, cyclists live two years longer than non-cyclists It gives you a natural healthy glow and the endorphins make you feel great Cycling allows you to enjoy those little pleasures guilt free – a 20-minute bike ride burns off the same number of calories as in a cappuccino, a bar of chocolate or a 175ml glass of wine!

Cycling offers many personal and practical benefits. It's good for your health You may be interested to know that: The National Forum For Coronary Heart Disease found that regular cyclists enjoy a level of fitness equal to that of someone ten years younger. According to a British Medical Association report, cycling will improve your fitness, help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your risk of a heart attack and help to reduce stress. A British Heart Foundation study concluded that cycling at least 20 miles per week reduced the risk of heart disease to less than half that for non-cyclists who take no other exercise. As well as improving your health and wellbeing, cycling can be lots of fun, not to mention a cheaper, quicker and less stressful way of getting from A to B. It's low on cost Bicycles require no Vehicle Excise Duty, no MOT, no compulsory insurance, no breakdown recovery services and, above all, no fuel! A good bicycle, if well maintained, will last for many year...

Here are our tips for riding safely during late Autumn, Winter and early Spring. Be Prepared Be Seen Keep Warm Ride Safely Be Prepared Check your brakes are working properly as they will be less efficient during wet weather. Ensure moving parts are always well lubricated to keep them working and to help keep out water. Clean your bike regularly during winter to prevent any corrosion as a result of the salt used in road grit. Mudguards will help keep you and your bike clean during wet weather. During wet or icy conditions allow yourself extra time for your journey and adjust your speed to the conditions. Remember the sun will be much lower during the winter months and glare will be especially bad when the road surface is wet. Having a pair of sunglasses to hand or a peaked hat will help keep out some of the glare. Be Seen Make sure everyone can other people can see you by using good a good quality front (white) and rear (red) light, these are required by law together with ...

FOLLOW THE LAW Your safety and image of bicyclists depend on you. You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going. BE PREDICTABLE Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes. BE CONSPICUOUS Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others and don’t ride on sidewalks. THINK AHEAD Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles. RIDE READY Check that your tires are sufficiently inflated, brakes are work...

If you're pretty sure your bicycle fits properly, any hand discomfort you experience may be related to how you ride and your equipment. Remember the most important rule of hand comfort: change hand positions often. Even if your bike is equipped with flat bars it's possible to move your hands around to grip different parts of the bar. Also, consider adding bar ends to provide additional spots to hang on. Dropped Handlebars These are the bars found on many touring and all road-racing bicycles. As shown on the right, there are many places to rest your hands, which means you can change grips regularly to prevent any pain or numbness. Most riders use the positions they like best. For example, the top illustrations depict extreme  positions designed for fighting headwinds or racing because they place you in an aerodynamic and powerful "tuck." The middle illustrations show higher holds excellent for climbing when standing (fingers wrapped around the brake hoods) and when...

One of the best features of cycling shoes is that they last far longer than other sports shoes. For example, you must replace running shoes every six months (or sooner) because the materials inside the soles lose their ability to provide cushioning. Also, regular sneakers are in constant contact with the ground and the soles and uppers wear rapidly. Contrarily, if cared for, a quality pair of pedal pushers could last five or even ten years! These easy tips will help you get the most from your shoes: Maintaining the fit: We recommend wearing only cycling socks with your riding shoes because these thin socks won't stretch the shoes, which can ruin the snug fit so important for efficient pedaling. Walking: Shoes made for off-road use or touring sport lugged soles and recessed cleats that are made for easy walking. Road-specific shoes, however, are designed for optimum power transfer when pedaling. While these shoes may include heel and toe tabs for walking, it's best to walk as...

Installation When installing bar ends, make sure that the fasteners and clamping area are placed in an Bar ends add comfort and efficiency to flat handlebars!unobtrusive fashion so your knees don't contact them and get sliced and diced in a crash. It's also a good to idea to check them for tightness frequently, because if a bar end slips while you're pulling hard, it can be disastrous. Adjusting Bar Ends Position bar ends on the handlebar to match the natural angle of your hands and wrists when you grasp the bar ends. If you're bending your wrists to hold on, change the position of the bar ends until your wrists are in a neutral, relaxed position. This may take a little experimentation. For most riders the bar ends are angled slightly upwards but not too steeply. If you set them too high, when you stand to climb, you'll have to bend your wrists a lot, which can strain the wrists and prevent you from maintaining a safe grip. Weight Watch If you're concerne...

Modern high-end light systems offer enough brightness to give your riding companions sunburn (kidding!). And, they come in a wide variety of price points. But, how much light is needed for safe road or off-road riding?We have a wide assortment of bicycle lights for every purpose! Light It Up To illuminate the road or trail ahead for your own eyes, not just to be seen at night by others, 10 watts is a good starting point. In general, the greater the headlight's wattage, the brighter the light. There are also systems with yellow and white light, the latter being brighter at the same wattage. Find The Right Features Modern lighting systems are packed with features. There are twin- and single-beam headlight systems. There are different battery types (rechargeables are found on better lights). There are ingenious quick-release mounts so you can install and remove the light in a blink. Most lights offer high- and low-beam options like your car (use the high beam for downhills, pitc...