Everyone has different tolerances for cold and feels its effects in different ways. Some riders might reach for the gloves or the toe covers a few degrees before their mates, or struggle more when their knees are cold so opt for tights or leg warmers when everyone else is in shorts, but our recommended outfits below should give you an idea of how to get kitted out for different temperatures and conditions. A great way…
Looking for some riding inspiration? Why not give our ‘route of the week’ challenge a go? This week we’ve chosen a road bike loop, with an easy skill level. Take a look and see how many loops you can do! Ride Overview: START: KenardingtonFINISH: KenardingtonDISTANCE: 6.26 milesELEVATION: 325 ftSKILL LEVEL: Easy Let us know how you get on!
We all love riding late into the evening on warm summer days, but what about when things start to turn dark and grey? We’ll run through some things to consider when choosing a light so you can carry on riding all year round while staying safe, and without breaking the bank. Lumens? Runtime? Batteries? Some of the terminology around bike lights can be confusing but the two most important things to look at when choosing…
While some of us might choose to ride solo to escape everything life has to throw at us, cycling with friends or strangers can be infinitely more rewarding and enjoyable. At ACTIV we’re not just about racing, we love to get out just for the joy of riding a bike, explore the path less travelled or pop to our favourite coffee shop for a flapjack. We’ll show you the best way to join a group…
You hit the forest trails every weekend or maybe enjoy exploring the local countryside by road. Now you want to dip your toe into racing and you’re wondering how to make the step. Well, we’re here for you at Activ Cycles. Read on for our advice on how to get started with road, cyclocross and cross country racing. Upgrade your bike for racing Harder riding requires higher performance gear. There are endless possibilities when it…
Summer is well and truly behind us. The roads are wet, the trails are sloppy and the nights are getting dark. But that doesn’t stop us jumping in the saddle and clocking up the miles. With just a few adjustments to your set-up, your main machine will be safer, more practical and better performing in the wetter conditions and colder temperatures. It’s time to winterise your bike. Mudguards A practical touch that’ll help keep your…
It’s hard not to love Surly when you start reading about them. This isn’t some hipster brand that makes mountain bikes like they were before mountain bikes were cool, they simply don’t care about cool. Behind the unusual range names – Karate Monkey, Ghost Grappler, Preamble – and colourways like Nose Drip Curry and Champagne Supernova, there’s a simple set of values: utility, versatility, durability. Surly make steel bikes where the ride experience is above…
How do you get comfortable hitting rollers fast? How do you keep control over your bike on rhythm sections to retain speed? Jumping and pumping are two essential skills for everyone from enduro racers to riders who take their fun fairly seriously. In this blog, Kish and Keefer tell you what you need to know to start developing these techniques. Jumping If you’re going to hit anything above a moderate blue trail at any speed…
Cyclocross season is here. But what is it, what type of bike and equipment do you need, and how can you join in? We’re here to answer all your questions so read on for the essential lowdown on this autumn-winter sport. What is cyclocross? Cyclocross – often abbreviated to “CX” – sees riders competing on technical outdoor courses of grass, dirt, mud, sand… even snow. There are usually plenty of natural features to negotiate, like…
The world’s most popular Trek just got a boost from Bosch. The Marlin+ range launches today with the global powerhouse brand aiming it squarely at riders who want an affordable e-bike that’s lots of fun on the trails but is great for city and commuter cycling too. Trek Marlin+ at a glance Marlin+ is a mid-powered hardtail e-bike which has trail-ready geometry but which retains the versatility that makes its analogue brother so popular. It…
