It’s May, the Force be with you!
You won’t have heard of Force. They’re a bargain brand from central Europe. We’ve just got some of their stuff. Here’s some absolute steals... Read more.
Tips for riding after work
The clocks are about the change and soon you’ll be able to squeeze a daylight ride in after-work. Hurray! Follow these simple tips to make the process as hassle... Read more.
Tools every home workshop should have
Our dirty dozen of essential tools for the home bike mechanic. Save money and get the satisfaction of repairing your own bike by yourself. Having the right tools... Read more.
Pedro’s 12 best tools
Pedro’s are back! And their stuff is better than ever. Here’s our personalised pick of the very best bits of their range.... Read more.
Which races are the Classic Races?
It’s a question that you’d think would have a straightforward and definitive answer. But it doesn’t. Debating what makes a Classic – and... Read more.
11 ways to make your bike feel like new again
Without spending any money. Or much money anyway.... Read more.
The most cost-effective weight saving upgrades
Everyone likes to save weight off their bike. No one likes to spend lots of money doing so. So we’ve worked out which are the best bits to upgrade on your... Read more.
Which Rockshox Fork is for You?
We stock LOADS of different suspension forks from Rockshox. Here’s a handy guide to help you whittle them all down to a manageable shortlist.... Read more.
13 things cyclists should do… but don’t
Cyclists are full of advice. Our blog is full of it. But just how many of us actually practice what we preach?... Read more.
Highlights of the 2016 Sensa road bike range
With a revised Giulia and radically overhauled Dura, the 2016 range of Sensa looks more impressive than ever.... Read more.
Show us your bike and win!
Send us in a pic of your bike and we’ll share the best of ’em on our Instagram page and in a monthly blog round-up. You could also win a Merlin Wear... Read more.
Top 10 blog posts of last year
Listicles dominate the er, list. Old races, unimportant things, bike tweaks, bikeporn, reviews, How Tos and arguments.... Read more.
Why choose a TomTom Bandit over a GoPro?
The GoPro is the market leader among action cameras. But it’s not a perfect product. TomTom’s action camera has one clear advantage.... Read more.
Just what are gravel bikes exactly?
Are they calmed-down cyclocross bikes? Or are they touring bikes put through the marketing machine? Or are they actually something genuinely new?... Read more.
The benefits of of Baggy MTB Shorts!
Things to avoid and things to look out for when buying baggies. And answers to why MTBers wear baggies in the first place.... Read more.
Benefits of Mountain Bike Jackets
Sometimes the most expensive jacket isn’t always the best choice. Here’s a comprehensive guide how to choose what’s best for you.... Read more.
What makes a good Mountain Bike Shoe?
Stiff or bendy? Smooth or knobbly? Ratchets or laces? There are as many types of MTB shoe as there are types of MTB. Here’s how to pick what suits you best.... Read more.
What makes a good Mountain Bike Flat Pedal?
Flat pedals are a great example of how something without many features or moving parts can still be a component that varies wildly in performance.... Read more.
The crazy world of pre-WWII extreme cyclists
It’s hard to believe some of the things that our cycling ancestors got up to – and got away with! Here are some of our favourite misadventures.... Read more.
What Length Mountain Bike Stem do I need?
What length is best? Is it possible to go too short? Are long stems good for anything at all? All the answers are here.... Read more.
What Mountain Bike Helmet do I need?
With prices ranging from £30 to £200, MTB helmets are a funny category. Let’s cut through the hype and see what you really need.... Read more.
How to cycle around horses
Avoid the dramas by following these five golden rules.... Read more.
Buyers guide to mountain bike headsets
Demystify headsets by reading this guide. What things you need to measure before ordering. How to tell an integrated headset from a regular headset and everything... Read more.
How to stop your cycling clothes from stinking
Standard detergents only wash the surface of the clothing, they don’t penetrate the weave which means that sweat bacteria is missed. To get rid of that bacteria... Read more.
Why are there so many different types of chain lube?
What’s the difference? When should you use what? Is there any real difference anyway? Is any lube better than no lube at all?... Read more.
How to prevent cycling aches and injuries
Paul Sanderson from PS Physiotherapy gives us his tips on how to prevent aches and injuries whilst cycling.... Read more.
Buyers guide to road cassettes
Is your cassette worn out? Or maybe you feel the need for easier gears on hilly terrain? Here’s a comprehensive guide how to choose a replacement cassette.... Read more.
Buyers guide to energy, hydration and recovery
Riding a cheap bike but being properly fuelled will give you better results than riding an expensive bike and eating junk. You are the engine for your bike and it... Read more.
Review of Gore Bike Wear Alp-X Pro Windstopper Soft Shell Shorts
Super comfy wind chill battlers. The Alp-X Pro Windstopper Soft Shell shorts make you realise how rubbish all your other shorts are.... Read more.
Fizik road saddle shapes explained
If you’re interested in having one of Fizik’s saddles on your bike then you first need to read this. Our guide explains what the different shapes of... Read more.
The Benefits of Cycling racks and panniers!
Saddle packs and rucksacks can only do so much. Let your bike carry your load. Here’s a guide of what to look for when you’re considering a new rack... Read more.
Maxxis 2015 tyre range explained
Maxxis are back! And they really are better than ever. Trail tyres, enduro tyres, downhill tyres, 26″, 27.5″, 29″… There’s something... Read more.
Why you should use a saddle bag for your bike!
Experienced road riders know that a saddle bag is a necessity. Here’s what to look out for searching for the most suitable one for you.... Read more.
WTF is MIPS?
Some new high-end helmets have little yellow dots with MIPS written on them. What’s all that about then?... Read more.
When car manufacturers make bicycles (U.G.L.Y.)
25 examples of the wild world of bicycles that have been designed by car brands. Why did they make them?... Read more.
How to choose handbuilt cycling wheels…
Here’s our easy-to-follow guide of how to put together your perfect wheel from Merlin Cycles.... Read more.
Brand Focus on Transition Bikes
The low-down on the get-down cult brand of mountain bikes. Giddy up!... Read more.
How to deal with cycling in high winds
Some hints and tips for surviving and enjoying cycling when it’s windy.... Read more.
January’s Best Bike Races
It’s the middle of winter up here in the nothern hemisphere so that means two things for racers: heading down to the Australian heat or sticking around and... Read more.
Buyers guide to dropper seatposts
They go down. They go up. Here’s what else to look for in a dropper seatpost.... Read more.
Buyers Guide to Mountain Bike Chainsets
Single ring? Double ‘n’ bash? Triple? Here’s an easy to digest explanation of your options.... Read more.
Buyers guide to bike storage
These bike storage ideas can be broken down into two camps. Stuff you can buy. Stuff you can make yourself.... Read more.
10 minute pre-winter bike check
Prevention is better than cure. Stop a problem before it starts – or gets any worse – with this easy-to-do bike checkup. It features the word ‘lube’... Read more.
How I dress to survive winter MTBing
A head-to-foot breakdown of recommended clothing and gear to wear when you’re out mountain biking in winter.... Read more.
Cycling Christmas Gifts For Under £100
A smattering of ideas in the £50-£100 price range. So we’re talking some pretty serious gifts here. This is just a handful to get your juices going. There’s... Read more.
What size Hydration Vest do I need?
Our helpful guide to the different types of hydration pack available. You’re guaranteed to learn which are suitable for you.... Read more.
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Worst Places in the World to Ride a Bike
From ill-conceived cycle lanes through to total bans on all cycling, here’s a list of places to scrub off your holiday shortlist with immediate effect.... Read more.
Brand Focus on Tacx Trainers
Tacx are the Daddies of turbos and rollers. A family run firm that design and make everything from their HQ in the Netherlands. This means they can stay in control... Read more.
Buyers Guide to MTB Handlebars
They aren’t just straight pipes. Selecting the most suitable handlebar for your bike and your riding is important. It’s thankfully nicely straightforward.... Read more.
Top 10 night riding essentials
The clocks are about to change and that means one thing – lots of filth-splattered cyclists having a quick post-ride pint in a pub. Night riding season is... Read more.
Beginners guide to bike lights
We live in something of a golden age for bike lights. Lights are now brighter, lighter, easier and tougher than they’ve ever been. Gone are the days of delicate... Read more.
Top 10 cyclocross essentials
Are you already very ‘cross? Or just ‘cross curious? The end of September brings many things – the official start of Autumn for one – but... Read more.
Top 5 Places to Ride Your Bike in Scotland (Before the Border Closes)
Yep, you’re right. This is a fairly blatant attempt at jumping on the Independence Day hoopla. Nonetheless it feels like a good time to celebrate what Scotland... Read more.
How to dress for autumn
Autumn conditions can best be described as mixed. If you’re out riding for any decent amount of time during Autumn, chances are you’ll experience warmth,... Read more.
The Best MTB tyres for Autumn 2014
You simply can’t have too many tyres. Any mountain biker worth their salt should have a pile about waist high somewhere in their house. But what sort of tyres... Read more.
Five great bikes for commuting
Whether you’re looking to start commuting or you’re an existing regular commuter, here’s a bunch of sorted bikes for getting to work on.... Read more.
Brand Focus on Sensa Road Bikes
As their exclusive UK stockist we understandably end up getting a lot of questions about Sensa bikes. No doubt there are loads more people out there who are interested... Read more.
Brand Focus on Sportful
Although they feel like a relatively new company, Sportful actually date all the way back to 1946 when Olindo and Irma Cremonese moved to the foothills of the Dolemites... Read more.
Paracyclist Jon Gildea Learning to Time Trial
Riding against the clock and racing against yourself is not easy. Until recently I’d been focussed on road competition and I knew I had a long way to go to refine... Read more.
How to get better at mountain bike climbs
Everyone mountain biker should try to get better at climbing. The better you get at climbing the less time you’ll spend doing it. Which frees you up to do... Read more.
Top tips for womens road bike setup
Bikes fit humans and humans fit bikes. Gender is not as important as some would have you think. ... Read more.
Road VS MTB Cycling Shoes
There are different types of cycling shoes for different types of riding. A couple of things they all have in common is that they have stiffer soles than normal... Read more.
Buyers guide to suspension forks
It’s relatively easy to pick a fork that fits your bike. Even with all the various different standards all it takes is a quick sift of the spec info.... Read more.
Visit our shop
We are based in Chorley, Lancashire. Very close to the M6, M61 and the M65 motorways. We’re a quick and easy visit for a lot of people.... Read more.
Buyers guide to road disc brakes
Like it or not, disc brakes are coming to road bikes. In fact, they’re already here. Here’s a guide to the essential info.... Read more.
Top tips for commuting on your bike
A lot of people would like to be able to cycle to work. The truth is that it’s not that hard and it offers loads of benefits. It saves money, it’s greener,... Read more.
A Guide to Strava Racing
In a sense, everything and everyone on Strava is racing. Every ride is a race. Strava times your rides and segments and ranks them. Even if your Strava account and/or... Read more.
How to install a Hope 40T-REx
The Hope 40T-REx is one of a new generation of drivetrain bits. Designed for people who want to run a single chainring up front but still retain a decently wide... Read more.
Buyers guide to GPS computers
Whether you want to explore an area or just have a look at where you just rode, a good GPS device is a very handy thing to have. They can look complex but the essentials... Read more.
What is Strava?
The two unique things about Strava are its social interaction and segments. Strava is a website and Smartphone app that records your rides via your phone or GPS... Read more.
How to go tubeless
This How To guide features a Stans Tubeless Conversion kit (because we think it’s the best one available) but the instructions are applicable to all tubeless conversion... Read more.
Buyers guide to mountain bike tyres and tubes
Tyres occupy a special place in the mountain biker’s heart. Mountain bikers are very, very interested in tyres. Finding yourself with inappropriate tyres can really... Read more.
Buyers guide to mountain bikes
We bust through the jargon and give you the essential info about mountain bikes and mountain biking. There are a few different genres and some are more specific... Read more.
What are downhill mountain bikes?
Big forks, big tyres, big travel, big bikes. Downhill mountain bikes are very specific machines built for launching down steep gnarly tracks as fast as possible.... Read more.
What are enduro mountain bikes?
How does an enduro bike differ from a trail bike? Or an all-mountain bike? There may not be a massive difference but small details all add up. Here’s our rundown... Read more.
What is a XC (Cross Country) mountain bike?
XC bikes are focussed on being light weight and offering rapid climbing. If you want a bike for covering miles in a speedy manner then this guide will help you find... Read more.
Buyers guide to trail bike MTBs 2014
A trail bike is what most of us are looking for when we're shopping for a new mountain bike. A good all round off-road bicycle that can turn its hand to... Read more.