How to choose the right size road bike
Whatever kind of road bike you’re buying; make sure it fits you properly. Don’t go for a bike simply because it’s cheap or your favourite colour. The wrong... Read more.
A guide to road bike disc brakes
The latest development in road cycling technology is disc brakes, and like helmet use and Rapha clothing, opinion is divided by them. There are both pros and cons... Read more.
What was the best decade for bikes?
Get ready to argue! Everyone has their own favourite era for cycling. Here’s our take on each significant decade since the birth of the bike.... Read more.
What is a sportive exactly?
The term “sportive” is banded about willy-nilly these days. If you’re not entirely sure what it means – read this.... Read more.
My old cycling clutter: SiDi and TIME shoes
What’s that smell? It’s Patrick and his secret collection of wiffy old cycling shoes.... Read more.
My old cycling clutter: Shimano 7400 Dura Ace
Our Patrick finally dusts off the Dura Ace from his velvet-lined treasure chest of old bike bits.... Read more.
10 (and a half) New Year resolutions
If, like most of us, you’re struggling to find the motivation to ride at this time of year, have a look at the hints below to help you get going.... Read more.
The Best Mudguards of 2015
You can fit mudguards to pretty much any road bike these days. Yes even those with close clearances and no mudguard eyelets.... Read more.
Goods In-terbike
AKA our Las Vegas Interbike Show Top 10. It’s not often you get SpongeBob Squarepants and cyclocross together.... Read more.
The Benefits of Using Heart Rate Monitors!
If you want to get fitter – for a race or ‘just because’ – then the best thing you can get is a heart rate monitor. Here’s all you... Read more.
How to pick the perfect Road Bike Helmet
Just as there are a few different types of road bike, there are a few different types of road helmet. Here’s the lowdown.... Read more.
Buyers guide to road bike wheels
Whether you’re a commuter, a recreational cyclist, or competing in races and triathlons, you need to make sure you have the right wheels. Here’s how to do... Read more.
Which Road Bike Chainring do I need?
Worn out your chainrings? Or just looking to tweak your gears a bit? This buyers guide will help you work out what’s what.... Read more.
The benefits of road bike handlebar tape!
All you need to know. You do change your bar tape more than once in a blue moon don’t you?... Read more.
Comparing the different types of Road Bike Brakes…
Traditional caliper brakes through to cutting edge hydraulic disc brakes – we explain them all here.... Read more.
Buyers guide to road pedals
Switching to clipless pedals is one of the best ways to increase your power output and pedalling efficiency. It can also be one of the most daunting things to try.... Read more.
20 stereotypes you see at RideLondon
The whole spectrum of bikes and riders is on display at this huge sportive. See if you can recognise yourself amongst any of these stereotypes.... Read more.
Buyers guide to saddles
With literally hundreds of saddles to choose from, buying a saddle can be a daunting process so here’s a few tips to help you.... Read more.
Which type of Front Derailleur do I need?
Here are the basics about choosing the right replacement front mech for your bike.... Read more.
Buyers guide – Road Rear Derailleurs
Here are the basics about choosing the right replacement rear mech for your bike.... Read more.
Buyers guide to multi tools
It’s only a matter of time before a multi tool will save your ride. Here’s what constitutes a good multi tool.... Read more.
Buyers guide to track pumps
Almost any track pump is better than no track pump but there are a few things to look out for when deciding what’s best for you.... Read more.
Road Bike Stems to Consider in 2015
When choosing a stem the main things to consider are length, rise, bar diameter and material. Don’t get too hung up though, it’s a relatively easy decision making... Read more.
Buyers guide to road bike seat posts
There are a few things to bear in mind when choosing a new seat post so here’s what the differences are and what they mean for you.... Read more.
Buyers guide to road chainsets
What makes a good chainset? Which chainsets aren’t suitable for you and your riding? What options are worth considering? All these cranky questions are answered... Read more.
Buyers guide to base layers
Base layers are available in a variety of different styles and materials each with their own differing properties. Some are better for certain situations than others.... Read more.
How best to pack your bike in a bike bag
Making sure your bike arrives in one piece means breaking it down and placing it into a well padded bike bag or box. It may be time consuming but it is well worth... Read more.
Stand Out Features of Road Cycling Jerseys
They may all look the same just with different colours but look closer and you’ll see many well thought out features cyclists will appreciate. A quality, well... Read more.
Bib Shorts VS Regular Cycling Shorts!
Cycling shorts – there’s nothing screams louder that you’re a cyclist than a pair of lycra shorts. Although they all look the same there are many subtle differences... Read more.
Buyers guide to road handlebars
Here are a few pointers on what to look out for when choosing a handlebar.... Read more.
Top 10 UK and Ireland Sportives To Do In 2015
Short ones, long ones, hard ones, very hard ones, nice ones. Take your pick from this handily concise list.... Read more.
Photo Timeline – Sidi Shoes
A timeline and photo gallery about this most iconic of cycling shoe brands.... Read more.
Buyers guide to winter tights
Men in tights. Women in tights. It’s a cycling rite of passage to brave up to pulling on the full length Lycras. Here’s what to look out for when you’re browsing... Read more.
Buyers guide to turbo trainers
What’s the difference between fluid, fans and magnetic? How are turbo trainers are used? Who should buy what? All the answers are here.... Read more.
![By Hugo Pujszo desde La Carlota (foto de Hugo Pujszo) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.merlincycles.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/1024px-Nieve_LaCarlota.jpg)
Buyers guide to winter road bikes
Here are a few tips to look for when buying a winter bike. You’ll need provision for mudguards, not to mention fatter tyres. Strong wheels and lower gears are... Read more.
Why Cyclocross?
Cyclocross bikes are often called the ultimate do-it-all machines. Flat or hilly, rough or smooth, work or play – the ‘cross bike can tackle it all.... Read more.
Buyer’s guide to road tyres for autumn
We hate to say it but it’s time to start thinking about setting up the bike for the autumn season and that should start with tyres.... Read more.
How to get better at road climbs
We’re not all built to climb hills fast so if you struggle don’t worry, you’re not alone. Apart from the obvious cutting out the cakes and fats and losing... Read more.
Cycling for fitness or weight loss
Doing the same old thing will make you stale so look out for new tracks or take that road you always wondered where it went. Better still plan a day on new routes... Read more.
Road wheels: aero vs weight
Road wheels used to be a simple affair with the options being the number of spokes and whether you wanted tubular (tyre and tube in one carcass) or clincher (tyre... Read more.
How to set up your new road bike
Setting up a road bike for different positions (comfort, race or endurance) is relatively simple so here’s a few tips to help set up your bike to get the best... Read more.
L’Eroica Britannia
If you’re a fan of vintage bikes and lifestyle then L’Eroica Britannia in Bakewell, Derbyshire from 20-22 June is the place to be. It is the British version... Read more.
How to look after your tyres and tubes
Give your rubber a quick once over MOT. Check the tread. Check the sidewalls, Check the pressure, Here’s our quick tick list of how to do it.... Read more.
How to look after your carbon road bike
Got a carbon road bike and using it during the winter months? Follow our six step guide to safeguarding your frame from the elements.... Read more.
Interactive Cycling Events Map
Merlin Cycles have collected together the locations and dates of 70 of this year's top cycling events.... Read more.
The Mudguard Debate
If you do any group riding in bad weather then there’s one piece of equipment all your riding mates will thank you for – mudguards. They are a very altruistic... Read more.
Top 10 Winter Accessories
OK, let’s face it, winter may not be the most inspiring season to cycle in but that’s no excuse to stop riding just because the weather is bad. You usually find... Read more.