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  • News
Egan Bernal and Pope Francis (picture courtesy Vatican Media)
Egan Bernal and Pope Francis (picture courtesy Vatican Media) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

“Christ on a bike!” Vatican City officially becomes a UCI cycling federation; Some cyclists are rejoicing at UK petrol shortages; Ineos switch to Bioracer for 2022; Disc brake ‘conspiracy’ comments; Ex-pro banned for 9 years + more on the live blog

It’s Friday! Jack Sexty will be blogging you through the morning and afternoon before we all clock off for the weekend
  • by Jack Sexty
Fri, Sep 24, 2021 08:16
49

SUMMARY

  • Rwanda will host 2025 Road World Championships... and decision proves controversial on social media
  • Former pro turned GCN presenter Björn Thurau banned for over nine years "for several violations of anti-doping regulations"
  • Wout approves of the 'best crosswalk ever'
  • Ineos Grenadiers switch to Bioracer kit for 2022
  • Disc brakes: a round-up of your comments on whether the bike industry is having us all on
  • Some cyclists aren't too sad about the UK running out of petrol
  • "Bring back the golden age of the first lockdown"
  • "Alexa, define lucky": rider in U23 worlds race narrowly avoids going through shop window
  • Today at Road World Championships - a very brief round-up so far
  • Inner tube panic-buying, anyone?
  • Isotonic holy water, anyone? UCI announces latest national federations to be affiliated, and one inclusion is raising eyebrows
  • Final reminder: Drink At Your Desk Live with Ned Boulting starts at 4.30pm on our YouTube channel!
Egan Bernal and Pope Francis (picture courtesy Vatican Media)
Egan Bernal and Pope Francis (picture courtesy Vatican Media) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
24 September 2021, 08:16

Rwanda will host 2025 Road World Championships... and decision proves controversial on social media

rwanda cycling - image via twitter
rwanda cycling - image via twitter (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
rwanda cycling - image via twitter
rwanda cycling – image via twitter (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The nation of Rwanda is mad about cycling, so you’d think it’s only right that its president Paul Kagame flew into Flanders to meet UCI boss David Lappartient this week to confirm Rwanda as the first African hosts of cycling’s road world champs. However, some have highlighted the country’s recent human rights record as a reason not to be so thrilled with the announcement… 

News that Rwanda will be hosting the cycling World Championships in 2025 comes in the same week as Paul Rusesabagina was sentenced to 25 years in prison on “terrorism offences” – https://t.co/9zYB6kP13Q

— adam becket (@adambecket) September 23, 2021

Going by that we would never ever hold major events in Germany, Russia, China, Qatar, Argentina, Chile, South Africa to name just a few.

Regimes do change and cant be shunned forever and sometimes sport can help in that process

— sussexfox (@sussexfox1) September 23, 2021

Others, however, defended the decision, with one saying: “…when did human rights become a litmus test for allowing countries to host international athletic competitions?”

Reaction to the story by Rwandan newspaper The New Times seemed largely positive – do you think a Rwandan world champs is positive for the sport? 

24 September 2021, 08:16

Former pro turned GCN presenter Björn Thurau banned for over nine years "for several violations of anti-doping regulations"

Björn Thurau - image via wikimedia commons Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
Björn Thurau - image via wikimedia commons Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Björn Thurau - image via wikimedia commons Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
Björn Thurau – image via wikimedia commons Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Germany’s national anti-doping agency (NADA) has banned the former professional cyclist Björn Thurau for nine years and six months for multiple offences including attempted use, possession, distribution or administration of prohibited substances for doping purposes in cycling. All Thurau’s results from December 2010 to the present day will be voided. 

According to Spiegel, the 33-year-old was named as part of Operation Aderlass, a blood doping scandal of which the German doctor at the centre of it, Mark Schmidt, was jailed for four years and 10 months in January. 

Thurau’s ban comes two years after his professional cycling career ended. His father Dietrich Thurau won Liège–Bastogne–Liège and six Tour de France stages in the 70’s and 80’s, but Björn never won a major World Tour event other than a mountains classification jersey at the 2014 Tour de Suisse. His most recent public appearances were on GCN’s German YouTube channel, where he was working as a presenter as recently as January of this year. 

24 September 2021, 08:16

Wout approves of the 'best crosswalk ever'

😎 https://t.co/g8D5n04x4Y

— Wout van Aert (@WoutvanAert) September 23, 2021

It’s almost as if there’s a famous Belgian hoping to win a world championships on Belgian soil this weekend or something!

24 September 2021, 08:16

Ineos Grenadiers switch to Bioracer kit for 2022

Dave Brailsford press conference 2021 - via Bioracer 2
Dave Brailsford press conference 2021 - via Bioracer 2 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Dave Brailsford press conference 2021 - via Bioracer 2
Dave Brailsford press conference 2021 – via Bioracer 2 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Ineos will end a five year sponsorship deal with Castelli when it begins a partnership with the Belgian cycling and triathlon apparel brand Bioracer for the 2022 season. Sir Dave Brailsford was at the Bioracer House along the World Championships course in Leuven yesterday to finalise the deal. 

Known for its custom kit, Bioracer sees this deal as part of its lofty ambitions to expand into the UK and North American markets, aiming to reach an annual turnover of 100 million euros by 2030.

Its founder Raymond Vanstraelen said: “From day one, Bioracer’s ambition has been to partner with the best riders, and thanks to our work with cycling federations, we have been able to fulfil these ambitious but extending this to a partnership with Ineos Grenadiers is a personal dream come true for me. The very best all-round team of this century shares our constant drive for innovation like no other.”

Brailsford commented: “I’ve known Danny [Segers, Bioracer’s CEO] and Bioracer for a long time and always admired what they do and the way that they do it. I’ve always hoped and believed that we would work together one day so I am genuinely delighted that day had now come. The ethos that underpins their work is built around speed – pure and simple – with athletes right at the heart.”

Known for its custom clothing, Bioracer plans to have measuring and custom fitting sessions with all Ineos riders before unveiling the kit in December. You’ll be able to buy replicas from January 2022. 

> How to buy custom cycling clothing — your complete guide

24 September 2021, 08:16

Disc brakes: a round-up of your comments on whether the bike industry is having us all on

Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 - Pinarello Dogma F - Detail (CREDIT Irmo Keizer_Andreas Dobslaf)-02
Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 - Pinarello Dogma F - Detail (CREDIT Irmo Keizer_Andreas Dobslaf)-02 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 - Pinarello Dogma F - Detail (CREDIT Irmo Keizer_Andreas Dobslaf)-02
Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 – Pinarello Dogma F – Detail (CREDIT Irmo Keizer_Andreas Dobslaf)-02 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

It seems like we just can’t stop talking about stopping at the moment, and our latest article on the subject of disc brakes delves into the theory that the bike industry saw us coming and are steadily moving all road bikes to disc brakes as a cynical ploy to rinse more money out of us. 

> 8 reasons not to get disc brakes

After doing some investigating, the conclusion of Mat’s feature is that “the idea that disc brakes are being forced on a reluctant bike buying public is a complete myth,” because there is plenty of evidence to suggest the shift is consumer-led, not top-down as some folks on certain video sharing platforms have theorised. 

What do you think? Sam3 commented: “In this new world, rim brakes will be a quaint leftover but otherwise really irrelevant, much like cars with manual transmission. Especially as the bikes industry reconfigures itself and its supply chain around this new design direction. That’s why. It’s not an illuminati plot to impoverish bikers or anything. I got disc brakes on a bike I bought about 10 years ago, found them to be shockingly better, low maintenance in practice and I would never go back to mucking about with rim brakes – or rim brake wheels. It’s so yesteryear. It’s fascinating that it’s mainly in the british press that I still see these kinds of disc–vs-rim storylines. Everyone else has pretty much moved on.” 

Captain Badger, we suspect with a hint of sarcasm, says: “I for one am sick and tired of the Disc-lobby’s machinations. I’m a hard-pressed v-braker, and this is just another stealth tax. This isn’t what I voted Brexit for! It’s political correctness GAWN MAIRD!” 

nicmason added: “I have hydraulic disc brakes and have never had maintenance problems with them. For sheer stopping power they can’t be beaten. If you’ve never had them I’d recommend trying them. Also I have worn through several wheel rims using rim brakes, I would not return to rim brakes.” 

It seems road.cc readers are team disc. Maybe those rim brake aficionados are just a noisy few, and we’re preaching to the choir after all… 

24 September 2021, 08:16

Some cyclists aren't too sad about the UK running out of petrol

Its an absolute certainty that when the government appeals for calm and not to panic buy #petrol people will go apeshit and start panic buying #petrol https://t.co/cw5difggG1

— 𝕁𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕁𝕒𝕫𝕫 (@JayJay08752584) September 24, 2021

LOL https://t.co/OyLdKmbf75

— The Department of Parks & Recreation 🦌 (@ldnparks) September 24, 2021

Denying Londoners and guests safe and enjoyable cycling worsens the dependence on petrol and diesel – and the impact of shortages when they come 😬 https://t.co/BCsUFkLOU0

— London Cycling Campaign (@London_Cycling) September 24, 2021

Fuel has joined toilet paper, pasta and soap as the latest thing to be panic bought by UK consumers – although this time the pandemic is thought to be only partly to blame, with some petrol stations missing out on deliveries yesterday because of a big shortage of HGV drivers – this news in turn led to some panic buying, which had led to the current situation of some fuel stations running out of fuel today.

While other countries across Europe are also experiencing difficulties with their supply chains, the problem in the UK is thought to have been exacerbated by Britain’s exit from the European Union.

Grant Shapps was quick to clarify today that the UK does actually have plenty of petrol and diesel and that drivers should buy fuel as normal, telling the BBC that refineries have “plenty of petrol”.

It won’t be long before petrol rationing comes back! On the plus side I can enjoy cycling on quieter roads….

— SouthwestCyclist #FBSI (@ejmatthew) September 24, 2021

At least 16 months of walking, running, cycling, skating everywhere with everyone claiming they are enjoying a healthier way of life. One mention of a petrol shortage because of the lack of drivers and everyone is #panicbuying again. pic.twitter.com/kVwMOtFE34

— Fomorunner (@Fomorunner) September 24, 2021

Not all people are sad at the pumps being empty, however, with some suggesting a lack of available fuel could mean quieter roads. Others have noted the irony of Britain transforming into a nation of outdoor enthusiasts over lockdown, and then panic-buying petrol again at the first mention of shortages. 

Could a silver lining in this latest supply crisis be quieter roads to cycle on because everyone has run out of petrol? The only problem being that malt loaf, bananas and jelly sweets are invariably delivered to their final destinations via lorry, so we might not be able to ride very far without getting super tired… 

24 September 2021, 08:16

"Bring back the golden age of the first lockdown"

Ah, bring back the golden age of the first lockdown. Riding the wrong way along all the main roads, 4 abreast, red lights ignored. Magical times.

— ZombyWoof (@ZombyWoof65) September 24, 2021

There’s already been some reaction to our lead story about petrol panic-buying not being all that bad after all. 

24 September 2021, 08:16

"Alexa, define lucky": rider in U23 worlds race narrowly avoids going through shop window

Alexa, define “lucky”.

This race has been intense and full of mishaps. Let’s hope it calms down soon. #Flanders2021 pic.twitter.com/KflewEer7o

— AnnaMac (@AnnamacB) September 24, 2021

That was close! We’ve identified this rider and will have a full story to follow shortly. 

24 September 2021, 08:16

Today at Road World Championships - a very brief round-up so far

World-class performance ✅
World-class celebration ✅

Per Strand Hagenes 👏 #Flanders2021 pic.twitter.com/NyiP1PFDMK

— UCI (@UCI_cycling) September 24, 2021

This morning was the men’s junior road race in Flanders, with Per Strand Hagenes of Norway triumphing after launching an attack on the penultimate climb of the day. He ended up crossing the line 19 secs clear of Romain Gregoire of France, with Estonian rider Madis Mihkels winning a sprint to round off the podium. These poor Lithuanians apparently didn’t make the start line because they turned up an hour late…. 

Gli junior della Lituania non sono partiti. Il motivo? Si sono presentati alla partenza con 1 ora di ritardo… 😱🚴♂️🇱🇹#EurosportCICLISMO #Flanders2021 pic.twitter.com/wt4traJdS5

— Eurosport IT (@Eurosport_IT) September 24, 2021

In the U23 race, there has been so many crashes it’s difficult to keep up. There was a breakaway with a gap of just over a minute with about 60km to go, but by the time we’ve sent this post there’s likely to have been another dramatic development… 

🔊SOUND ON

It´s extra special for so many reasons this year to see the U23 athletes riding amidst rows of noisy, cheering fans ❣️🚲#Flanders2021 pic.twitter.com/NuQRx0EuaT

— UCI (@UCI_cycling) September 24, 2021

24 September 2021, 08:16

Inner tube panic-buying, anyone?

I might panic buy some inner tubes, just so I don’t feel left out.

— Peter Walker (@peterwalker99) September 24, 2021

If you don’t own a motor vehicle, perhaps it’s time to stock up. That said, cyclists have certainly known what its like to experience supply issues since the pandemic began… 

> When will Britain’s bike shortage end? 

24 September 2021, 08:16

Isotonic holy water, anyone? UCI announces latest national federations to be affiliated, and one inclusion is raising eyebrows

Christ on a bike https://t.co/NNy8rb6kC9

— Will Strickson (@WillStrickson) September 24, 2021

A routine tweet was sent out by David Lappartient today announcing the latest nations to become UCI member states. Those nations are Equatorial Guinea, Solomon Islands, South Sudan and… the Vatican? 

I don’t think the vestments are very aero?

— Clare McMenemy (@highpoh) September 24, 2021

The Pope’s back yard and the world’s smallest country has also been recognised by the European Cycling Union, and it’s led to a flurry of comments wondering what the Vatican will bring to professional cycling… how will sock height be checked under those vestments, and will any sports nutrition brands step up to make caffeine versions of Sacramental Bread? Will riders be allowed to compete on Sundays? Will the Pontiff be team manager? 

A round up of the best comments and pics so far can be found below. For further reading on why cycling and Catholicism is a match made in heaven, read about when Egan Bernal gifted Pope Francis a Pinarello Dogma here, and when Pope Francis warned about cycling’s ‘dark side’ here. 

@li3jam @altijdzat @justkeeprobbing @slamyourjam @bastiaenstibo @CochinaKid @jef_druyts @HondtJens https://t.co/x40HijxIU9 pic.twitter.com/jjLSWf5ZZu

— René🦜Flup A & Ω 🇪🇺 🇵🇸 (@renevdeuren) September 24, 2021

I can’t wait to see the national team of 🇻🇦 #VaticanCity in a race one day.

Young riders that would dream of winning the rainbowjersey… and becoming Pope one day. #cycling #Flanders2021 https://t.co/JIODFQJzJZ

— CyclingBottle (@Cyclingbottle) September 24, 2021

Who wouldn’t love to do some Vatican City Crits? https://t.co/C3ybEQopXe

— Alex Murray (@leguape) September 24, 2021

24 September 2021, 08:16

Final reminder: Drink At Your Desk Live with Ned Boulting starts at 4.30pm on our YouTube channel!

And we’ve embedded it here for your convenience so you can read all about the world’s holiest cycling federation, petrol panic buying and disc brakes then just press play at 4.30. Enjoy! 

24 September 2021, 08:16

Transport boss tells drivers: “If you’re in a car you’re part of the problem”

Transport boss tells drivers: “If you’re in a car you’re part of the problem”

Oxfordshire county councillor says motorists need to take ownership of congestion – and encourages them to use the bus instead

24 September 2021, 08:16

Wahoo or Garmin, Wahoo or Garmin???

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs Garmin Edge 530 - which is best?

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs Garmin Edge 530 - which is best?

Two of the most popular cycling computers go head-to-head... which one is the best computer you can buy at the £250 price point in 2021?

24 September 2021, 08:16

Join us at 4.30pm on oiur YouTube channel for Ned Boulting, the chance to win posh shoes and more!

Win! Sidi Ergo 5 carbon road shoes worth £275 just by commenting on our Drink At Your Desk Live YouTube show!

Win! Sidi Ergo 5 carbon road shoes worth £275 just by commenting on our Drink At Your Desk Live YouTube show!

Be sure to tune in to Drink At Your Desk Live at 4.30pm today, and simply leave a comment on the video stream to be entered into this mega competition!

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  • cycling, live blog, news, road.cc live blog
Jack Sexty
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Jack is group editor across road.cc, off.road.cc and ebiketips, overseeing all three sites in the F-At Digital group to make sure everything’s up to scratch. He’s been writing about cycling and multisport for over a decade, arriving at road.cc via 220 Triathlon Magazine in 2017. He worked across all areas of road.cc including tech, news and video, and also contributed to ebiketips before being named editor of road.cc in 2021 (much to his surprise). Jack has been hooked on cycling since his student days, and currently has a Trek 1.2 for winter riding, a beloved Bickerton folding bike for getting around town, and an extra beloved custom Ridley Helium SLX for fantasising about going fast in his stable. Jack has never won a bike race, but does have a master’s degree in print journalism, and two Guinness World Records for pogo sticking (it’s a long story).  

49 Comments

49 thoughts on ““Christ on a bike!” Vatican City officially becomes a UCI cycling federation; Some cyclists are rejoicing at UK petrol shortages; Ineos switch to Bioracer for 2022; Disc brake ‘conspiracy’ comments; Ex-pro banned for 9 years + more on the live blog”

  1. Wingguy
    September 24, 2021 at 9:32 am
    0

    The major problem with the

    The major problem with the way the UCI approaches events in controversial countries is the direct involvement of the government. Basically, why does David Lappartient have to meet Paul Kagame? This should be between the UCI and the Rwandan cycling Federation, there is no reason for Lappartient to be giving credence and approval to the political regime.

    As soon as you invite the direct, public participation of pseudo-democratic dictators you have categorically crossed the line into sports-washing.

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    • Sniffer
      September 24, 2021 at 12:24 pm
      0

      I think the problem is the

      I think the problem is the UCI want Government money.  All hosts, and I am sure this will be the case in Rwanda, pay a fee for the Worlds.  A quick google revealed that Yorkshire’s bid pledged £24M of Government money for a variety of purposes.  The UK Government was a ‘partner’ in the bid.

      Once you take the money from Government it will be hard not to meet the Heads of Governments if they want to meet the UCI.

      The fee to the UCI for Yorkshire was reported to be 5M Euro.

      Rwanda is also spending £30M over the 3 years on Arsenal shirt sleeve sponsorship.

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  2. peted76
    September 24, 2021 at 9:41 am
    0

    A Rwandan word champs… it’s

    A Rwandan word champs… it’s a bit mind boggling…probably because I know nothing about Rwanda beyond a vague stereotype that it’s full of angry people with guns who value human life very little.

    Bringing new countries in is a good thing and sport should not be political.. how does the UCI chose a host? On the surface it seems the head honcho’s at the UCI just go to whoever waves the most money in their direction.. I know elite sport is an ‘industry’, but for all us grass roots cyclists, sport should not be ‘brought’ and sport at the ‘highest level’ and should morally be better. I also know the world doesn’t work like that and I’ll happily keep having these conversations. We need to keep having these conversations.

    Qatar was another controversial world champs a few years back, I don’t think they had anyone from Qatar actually in the mens road race.. we had the same conversation back then. Sagan won it with long hair.

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    • Captain Badger
      September 24, 2021 at 10:15 am
      0

      peted76 wrote:

      A Rwandan word champs… it’s a bit mind boggling…probably because I know nothing about Rwanda beyond a vague stereotype that it’s full of angry people with guns who value human life very little.

      …

      — peted76

      No, that’s the US….

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    • Wingguy
      September 24, 2021 at 10:46 am
      0

      peted76 wrote:

      A Rwandan word champs… it’s a bit mind boggling…probably because I know nothing about Rwanda beyond a vague stereotype that it’s full of angry people with guns who value human life very little.

      — peted76

      Machetes mostly, but that was a quarter of a century ago. 
       

      Overall I think an African WC is an absolutely fantastic move and long overdue, and the fact that Rwanda has a bad government shouldn’t be held against the cyclists of Rwanda and the region in general (and unlike Qatar it’s a region that does have cyclists). The problem is Lappartient’s eagerness to personally schmooze and promote dictators and leaders of repressive political regimes. It’s amoral.

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      • GMBasix
        September 24, 2021 at 11:06 am
        0

        Wingguy wrote:

        Overall I think an African WC is an absolutely fantastic move and long overdue

        — Wingguy

        Couldn’t agree more.  See:  https://www.toilettwinning.org/

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      • ErnieC
        September 24, 2021 at 8:06 pm
        0

        Wingguy wrote:

        A Rwandan word champs… it’s a bit mind boggling…probably because I know nothing about Rwanda beyond a vague stereotype that it’s full of angry people with guns who value human life very little.

        — Wingguy

        Machetes mostly, but that was a quarter of a century ago. 
         

        Overall I think an African WC is an absolutely fantastic move and long overdue, and the fact that Rwanda has a bad government shouldn’t be held against the cyclists of Rwanda and the region in general (and unlike Qatar it’s a region that does have cyclists). The problem is Lappartient’s eagerness to personally schmooze and promote dictators and leaders of repressive political regimes. It’s amoral.

        — peted76

        so we don’t punish the people because they have a lousy Government, tell that to the people of Zimbabwe. 

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        • TheBillder
          September 25, 2021 at 7:23 am
          0

          Like a lot of foreign policy,
          Like a lot of foreign policy, damned if you do, damned if you don’t. There’s a lot wrong with Kagame’s Rwanda, but the alternative could be worse – compare Libya before and after Gaddafi was toppled. Consistency is important but it can be infected with whataboutery.

          The UCI could make much more of a human rights point, and in a world where even stock markets are starting to be interested in Environmental, Social and Governance issues (ESG), they should have no problem in being seen to push. They have more leverage than they might think.

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  3. Miller
    September 24, 2021 at 10:42 am
    0

    Rwanda went through hell in

    Rwanda went through hell in the 90s. The kind of divisions that exist there run deep and long and you don’t need to look far to find other examples. 

    However it’s a nation that loves cycling and could do with some happiness. I think it’s fantastic that the Worlds are going there.

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  4. M20MAMIL
    September 24, 2021 at 11:48 am
    0

    ‘Land of Second Chances’ by

    ‘Land of Second Chances’ by Tim Lewis tells the story of the establishment of the Rwandan cycling team and Jock Boyers involvement in setting it up. It’s possibly the best cycling related book I’ve read. Some of these riders had seen multiple family killed. 

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    • Kendalred
      September 24, 2021 at 1:17 pm
      0

      M20MAMIL wrote:

      ‘Land of Second Chances’ by Tim Lewis tells the story of the establishment of the Rwandan cycling team and Jock Boyers involvement in setting it up. It’s possibly the best cycling related book I’ve read. Some of these riders had seen multiple family killed. 

      — M20MAMIL

      Thanks M – now mentally added to reading list!

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    • visionset
      September 24, 2021 at 1:23 pm
      0

      thx just orderd off Abe for

      thx just orderd off Abe for £2.77 all in 🙂

       

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  5. OnTheRopes
    September 24, 2021 at 12:39 pm
    0

    All very well being smug

    All very well being smug about fuel shortages until we run out of food, oh yeh and bike spares too.

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    • brooksby
      September 24, 2021 at 1:02 pm
      0

      I think the Govt’s core

      I think the Govt’s core problem here, when they are telling everyone “Don’t Panic!”, is that they have told so many lies so many times that nobody actually believes them any more; to the point where when they are saying “Don’t worry, everything will be fine” you know we’re probably facing an Extinction Level Event…

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    • Pyro Tim
      September 24, 2021 at 1:10 pm
      0

      OnTheRopes wrote:

      All very well being smug about fuel shortages until we run out of food, oh yeh and bike spares too.

      — OnTheRopes

      What fuel shortage? There isn’t one , just a delivery problem. A few petrol stations didn’t get deliveries yesterday, it was poorly reported, and now people are panic buying. Christ on a bike, what is the world coming to?

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      • Jack Sexty
        September 24, 2021 at 1:49 pm
        0

        I’ve tried to clarify this as

        I’ve tried to clarify this as best as possible in the post on the subject, the problems are being caused by delivery problems and now panic buying. 

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      • Sniffer
        September 24, 2021 at 2:05 pm
        0

        Even in normal times we are

        Even in normal times we are not far from draining the system of fuel.

        All UK refineries are operating well below maximum throughput as demand has been lower than normal and margins extremely poor.  Therefore there is no shortage of fuel available and capacity that can be brought on.

        The problem is that there is far more ‘storage’ of fuel available in vehicles than in refineries and depots.  If we assume that the average car fuel tank is 50% full (probably an overestimate) then if a significant number of people fill up ‘just in case’, which is more accurate than panic buying, then the supply chain will be disrupted hugely leading to local shortages.

        Throw in driver shortages and we are not far away from local supply issues.  I would expect them to be very short lived though.  As once you have filled yoiur car, you can’t fill it twice.

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        • Pyro Tim
          September 24, 2021 at 2:23 pm
          0

          Our whole supply chain for

          Our whole supply chain for everything has been based on “Just In Time” for a long time. With the driver shortages, this can not happen at the moment. Factories will stop, there will be shortages on the shop shelves. It’s caused in part by the problems with ocean freight, but mostly due to lack of drivers. As a Freight Forwarder, I have seen this 1st hand. I am struggling to get things collected, and when I can the prices have trippled. Poor driver facilities have stopped Brits wanting to work in haulage, and we’ve got by relying on Eastern Europeans who are prepared to put up with it. Until we start catering properly for drivers at service stations, and elsewhere, it’s not going to get better, unless you raise salaries significantly. The lack of infrastructure for drivers is endemic here, and so much worse than the rest of Europe. I know Truckers are not a cyclists favourite group, but we can’t live without them.

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          • hawkinspeter
            September 24, 2021 at 3:54 pm
            0

            Pyro Tim wrote:

            Our whole supply chain for everything has been based on “Just In Time” for a long time. With the driver shortages, this can not happen at the moment. Factories will stop, there will be shortages on the shop shelves. It’s caused in part by the problems with ocean freight, but mostly due to lack of drivers. As a Freight Forwarder, I have seen this 1st hand. I am struggling to get things collected, and when I can the prices have trippled. Poor driver facilities have stopped Brits wanting to work in haulage, and we’ve got by relying on Eastern Europeans who are prepared to put up with it. Until we start catering properly for drivers at service stations, and elsewhere, it’s not going to get better, unless you raise salaries significantly. The lack of infrastructure for drivers is endemic here, and so much worse than the rest of Europe. I know Truckers are not a cyclists favourite group, but we can’t live without them.

            — Pyro Tim

            Sounds like we need to build in a bit of slack into our supply chains. I don’t know if the numbers would support it, but I suspect that just-in-time logistics is assuming that rare disruptive events that cause these kinds of issues are actually rarer and more costly than they’ve allowed for. However, the competition between companies probably won’t allow a company to buck the trend and spend more on resilience as they’d end up charging more.

            Even though there’s the problems with truck drivers killing cyclists, I’d much rather that the drivers got paid a decent salary to encourage more professionalism and higher skill levels (I think of it as a skilled profession). Also, we need to remove lots of cars off the roads to make it easier and quicker for trucks to get around. Like you say, they’re important to all of us.

          • wycombewheeler
            September 24, 2021 at 4:05 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

             

            Sounds like we need to build in a bit of slack into our supply chains. I don’t know if the numbers would support it, but I suspect that just-in-time logistics is assuming that rare disruptive events that cause these kinds of issues are actually rarer and more costly than they’ve allowed for. However, the competition between companies probably won’t allow a company to buck the trend and spend more on resilience as they’d end up charging more.

            Even though there’s the problems with truck drivers killing cyclists, I’d much rather that the drivers got paid a decent salary to encourage more professionalism and higher skill levels (I think of it as a skilled profession). Also, we need to remove lots of cars off the roads to make it easier and quicker for trucks to get around. Like you say, they’re important to all of us.

            — hawkinspeter

            The trouble is, that in normal times when manufacturers can get what they need ‘just in time’ those that chose to do so will have a competitive edge over that that choose to keep x weeks worth of parts to ensure manufacture is not interupted. particularly when parts are sizable and require a lot of storage space.

          • hawkinspeter
            September 24, 2021 at 4:16 pm
            0

            wycombewheeler wrote:

            The trouble is, that in normal times when manufacturers can get what they need ‘just in time’ those that chose to do so will have a competitive edge over that that choose to keep x weeks worth of parts to ensure manufacture is not interupted. particularly when parts are sizable and require a lot of storage space.

            — wycombewheeler

            Conversely, they’d get a big competitive advantage whenever the supply chain does have a breakdown which I’d suspect is going to happen more often with the climate catastrophe etc.

          • wycombewheeler
            September 24, 2021 at 4:49 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            The trouble is, that in normal times when manufacturers can get what they need ‘just in time’ those that chose to do so will have a competitive edge over that that choose to keep x weeks worth of parts to ensure manufacture is not interupted. particularly when parts are sizable and require a lot of storage space.

            — hawkinspeter

            Conversely, they’d get a big competitive advantage whenever the supply chain does have a breakdown which I’d suspect is going to happen more often with the climate catastrophe etc.

            — wycombewheeler

            yes, those companies who have been carrying the higher costs of storage facilities for the past 15 years, will have an advantage now where their rivals are disrupted.

            Providing they are still in business.

          • hawkinspeter
            September 24, 2021 at 4:53 pm
            0

            wycombewheeler wrote:

            yes, those companies who have been carrying the higher costs of storage facilities for the past 15 years, will have an advantage now where their rivals are disrupted.

            Providing they are still in business.

            — wycombewheeler

            It’s like gambling – do you go for the small, frequent wins or hold out for the larger, “rare” wins? Maybe now some firms will pivot from just-in-time to a-little-before-time.

        • wycombewheeler
          September 24, 2021 at 4:11 pm
          0

          Sniffer wrote:

          If we assume that the average car fuel tank is 50% full (probably an overestimate) then if a significant number of people fill up ‘just in case’, which is more accurate than panic buying, then the supply chain will be disrupted hugely leading to local shortages.

          — Sniffer

          probably an underestimate, there will be some people who filled up just before getting home, with a tank 100% full, but no people with tanks at 0% as they would be stranded by the roadside.

          Ignoring those that routinely do not fill up their tank, because of cash flow constraints, as these people will not be rushing out to fill up anyway, as they can’t affoord to.

          “just in case” of what? just in case of fuel stations running out? this is the very defition of panic buying. And does not help me when I need to transport teenager and all stuff to university at the other end of the country this weekend.

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          • Sniffer
            September 24, 2021 at 4:29 pm
            0

            You are right about
            You are right about underestimate. That is actually what I meant.

            Yes, I agree that ‘just in case’ and panic buying are equivalent. People just don’t recognise they are panic buying, they do recognise they are just filling up in case it is harder later.

      • wycombewheeler
        September 24, 2021 at 4:13 pm
        0

        Pyro Tim wrote:

        All very well being smug about fuel shortages until we run out of food, oh yeh and bike spares too.

        — Pyro Tim

        What fuel shortage? There isn’t one , just a delivery problem. A few petrol stations didn’t get deliveries yesterday, it was poorly reported, and now people are panic buying. Christ on a bike, what is the world coming to?

        — OnTheRopes

        Indeed, on the one hand less than 0.1% of petrol stations being closed is hardly a reason for everyone to go crazy, but on the other hand stating there is plenty of petrol in the refineries does not help people as they can’t go to the refinery to buy it. 

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      • bikeman01
        September 24, 2021 at 7:33 pm
        0

        And I’ll be most of the panic

        And I’ll be most of the panic buyers are pensioners who normally make a full tank last a whole year.

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    • Hirsute
      September 24, 2021 at 1:22 pm
      0

      I did think: great my trailer

      I did think: great my trailer is here and I have a new thru axle, all sorted for a weekly shop. Then it occured to me that the deliveries may not have made it to the supermarket.

       

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    • Awavey
      September 24, 2021 at 2:12 pm
      0

      Plus everyone is driving
      Plus everyone in a car is driving around like an insane person looking for fuel, and then being quite aggressive in the queues, which isnt making cycling very easy or relaxing.

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    • Captain Badger
      September 24, 2021 at 3:24 pm
      0

      OnTheRopes wrote:

      All very well being smug about fuel shortages until we run out of food, oh yeh and bike spares too.

      — OnTheRopes

      Best ensure that fuel supplies are directed to where they’re needed most – eg emergency services, public transport, and supply chain

      The rest of us perhaps need to adapt and survive…

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      • OnTheRopes
        September 24, 2021 at 2:01 pm
        0

        Just so long as my aircraft

        Just so long as my aircraft is refuelled for my flight to Majorca tomorrow smiley

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        • Captain Badger
          September 24, 2021 at 3:06 pm
          0

          OnTheRopes wrote:

          Just so long as my aircraft is refuelled for my flight to Majorca tomorrow smiley

          — OnTheRopes

          Of course, an essential service!

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      • wycombewheeler
        September 24, 2021 at 4:07 pm
        0

        Captain Badger wrote:

        All very well being smug about fuel shortages until we run out of food, oh yeh and bike spares too.

        — Captain Badger

        Best ensure that fuel supplies are directed to where they’re needed most – eg emergency services, public transport, and supply chain

        The rest of us perhaps need to adapt and survive…

        — OnTheRopes

        supply chain for what? e.g. is it more importnt that essential workers have fuel to get to work (I know many could chose to cycle) or that supermarkets are able to maintain a plentiful supply of bottled water, soft drinks and alcohol?

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        • Captain Badger
          September 24, 2021 at 9:08 pm
          0

          wycombewheeler wrote:

          All very well being smug about fuel shortages until we run out of food, oh yeh and bike spares too.

          — wycombewheeler

          Best ensure that fuel supplies are directed to where they’re needed most – eg emergency services, public transport, and supply chain

          The rest of us perhaps need to adapt and survive…

          — Captain Badger

          supply chain for what? e.g. is it more importnt that essential workers have fuel to get to work (I know many could chose to cycle) or that supermarkets are able to maintain a plentiful supply of bottled water, soft drinks and alcohol?

          — OnTheRopes

          Indeed, a fascinating question.

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      • Mungecrundle
        September 24, 2021 at 5:26 pm
        0

        Stock up on roadkill while
        Stock up on roadkill while you can.

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        • Captain Badger
          September 24, 2021 at 9:07 pm
          0

          Mungecrundle wrote:

          Stock up on roadkill while you can.

          — Mungecrundle

          Rude…

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    • No Reply
      September 24, 2021 at 8:34 pm
      0

      There’s no shortage of fuel,

      There’s no shortage of fuel, there is plenty. The problem is there is a shortage of drivers to deliver it. It seems to be petrol, there isn’t a shortage of diesel. As usual, the media have caused the panic buying.

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  6. Rendel Harris
    September 24, 2021 at 2:24 pm
    0

    Headline but no story about

    Headline but no story about UCI recognising Vatican cycling? Don’t see why that should stop me being the first to say Christ on a bike though…

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    • chrisonabike
      September 24, 2021 at 4:40 pm
      0

      You called?

      You called? Oh, too many for you.

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  7. peted76
    September 24, 2021 at 4:21 pm
    0

    There’s a guy at work who was

    There’s a guy at work who was running on fumes getting here.. of the five garages near the office, not one has any fuel.. he’s had to call his dad! LOL

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  8. Nigel Garrage
    September 24, 2021 at 5:07 pm
    0

    Funny enough I panic-bought a

    Funny enough I panic-bought a new chain last week in anticipation of even more price rises in the future (well, Wiggle had a decent offer on KMC x11-ELs)… must be something going round!

    When we really need to start worrying is when people start panic buying food, which I feel might happen sooner rather than later – perhaps UK Govt should re-impose rationing, should do wonders for the nation’s wasistline if nothing else!

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    • Sriracha
      September 24, 2021 at 5:58 pm
      0

      So you’re worried about the
      So you’re worried about the chain supply chain?

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  9. Freddy56
    September 24, 2021 at 6:54 pm
    0

    Sky were using Bioracer made

    Sky were using Bioracer made but not branded team kit ALL through the Rapha sponsored years so they have had a working relationship

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    • Awavey
      September 24, 2021 at 7:39 pm
      0

      I was convinced theyd already

      I was convinced theyd already made the announcement the moment they said they werent using Castelli anymore

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  10. Spangly Shiny
    September 25, 2021 at 6:59 am
    0

    Wahoo or Garmin, which is
    Wahoo or Garmin, which is better?

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  11. TheBillder
    September 25, 2021 at 7:15 am
    0

    “Björn never won a major
    “Björn never won a major World Tour event other than a mountains classification jersey at the 2014 Tour de Suisse”… Well not any more. That’s a good long ban, and I hope he gets a visit from the police if he’s been supplying drugs to others illegally.

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  12. kingleo
    September 25, 2021 at 11:09 am
    0

    Motorists: are your journeys

    Motorists: are your journeys necessary, can you use a bicycle?

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    • ktache
      September 25, 2021 at 11:37 am
      0

      I can see some drivers

      I can see some drivers keeping their precious fuel, once finally obtained, for only the most essential journeys.

      The later bits of the fuel protests were a commuting cyclist heaven, not quite the 70’s Sunday roads of early lockdown, but getting there.

      The thing about panic buying is that you are foolish if you don’t get in there early.

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      • ktache
        September 25, 2021 at 11:50 am
        0

        And maybe if the desire to

        And maybe if the desire to keep tanks full continues for any length of time, causing shortages at the pump, which a shortage of fuel delivery drivers will only exasserbate, maybe a reduction of the heavyness of some of our heavy right footed drivers, a closer adoption of the more fuel efficient speed limit, and maybe, with fingers crossed, less pointless overtaking while approaching queues of traffic or red lights.  Though of course that would mean looking beyond the cyclist, which would mean adopting a completely different way of seeing…

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14,000 on cycle storage waiting list as bike theft rockets and cyclists complain: “If you can’t get a space, you’re not going to be inspired to buy a bike”
14,000 on cycle storage waiting list as bike theft rockets and cyclists complain: “If you can’t get a space, you’re not going to be inspired to buy a bike”
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2
LIVE BLOG
“Instant karma”: Driver close passes cyclist on blind bend towards oncoming car… and immediately gets pulled over by police officer, who asks him: “What’s your problem?”; Cycling’s boring war: Is Tadej Pogačar “destroying” racing? + more on the live blog
“Instant karma”: Driver close passes cyclist on blind bend towards oncoming car… and immediately gets pulled over by police officer, who asks him: “What’s your problem?”; Cycling’s boring war: Is Tadej Pogačar “destroying” racing? + more on the live blog
news
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Could this be the safest road bike ever built? Canyon thinks so
Could this be the safest road bike ever built? Canyon thinks so
Canyon's futuristic Predict prototype uses a 360° sensor network, on-bike AI processing and an augmented-reality helmet system to spot dangers before you do, offering a glimpse into the future of connected cycling
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Silca Ultimate Tubeless Valves 70mm
Silca Ultimate Tubeless Valves 70mm
Effective and very nicely made, assuming you like black and don't want a high-flow design
review
0
Vittoria Corsa Pro Tubeless Tyres
Vittoria Corsa Pro Tubeless Tyres
Fast, supple and confidence inspiring - a superbly rounded race tyre package
review
10
“He didn’t give a s**t”: New York police officer drives into bike lane and hits cyclist… before claiming rider “came out of nowhere”
“He didn’t give a s**t”: New York police officer drives into bike lane and hits cyclist… before claiming rider “came out of nowhere”
“I asked him to apologise and he said, ‘I would, but I don’t like your attitude’,” the cyclist recalled
news
6
ADO Air 20 Ultra
ADO Air 20 Ultra
Good-quality e-folder for not much. The automatic three-speed motor isn't without its quirks, though
review
0
Talented 16-year-old cyclist Shane O’Brien killed in collision with parked lorry during training ride
Talented 16-year-old cyclist Shane O’Brien killed in collision with parked lorry during training ride
The Irish teenager raced for British junior team Camsmajaco, the feeder squad for Netcompany Ineos
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2

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The new Orbea Wild e-MTB dumps Bosch motor and boards the Avinox hype train
The new Orbea Wild e-MTB dumps Bosch motor and boards the Avinox hype train
tech news
0
If I had £1,500 to start mountain biking with, this is how I would spend it
If I had £1,500 to start mountain biking with, this is how I would spend it
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Roval Terra CLX III wheelset
Roval Terra CLX III wheelset
Exceptional wheelset with superb comfort and class-leading low weight that offers a refreshing alternative to the aero arms race
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Shimano brings “flagship innovation” and “thick” brake rotors to its XT mechanical drivetrain
Shimano brings “flagship innovation” and “thick” brake rotors to its XT mechanical drivetrain
But that's not all as there are also two new pedals on the way
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Seven magnificent off-road bikepacking adventures that could change your life
Seven magnificent off-road bikepacking adventures that could change your life
If you’ve ever dreamed of simply packing your essentials and riding off into the mysterious sunsets of far-off lands, here are 7 magnificent bikepacking routes to help inspire that dream to become a reality.
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Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M High Performance gravel tyres
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M High Performance gravel tyres
The most versatile gravel tyre out there
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Tango and Cash: Can the all new Orange Phase e-MTB live up to its price tag?
Tango and Cash: Can the all new Orange Phase e-MTB live up to its price tag?
UK brand Orange has become one of the latest to jump on the Avinox hype train. Despite the high price, Andi reckons the all new Phase could be a winner based on his first ride review
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Shimano unveils updated Deore groupset promising better durability and shifting under load, plus refined braking power
Shimano unveils updated Deore groupset promising better durability and shifting under load, plus refined braking power
Shimano brings its Deore mechanical family to the modern age, promising a host of improvements and refined performance
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2

Read more...

The new Orbea Wild e-MTB dumps Bosch motor and boards the Avinox hype train
The new Orbea Wild e-MTB dumps Bosch motor and boards the Avinox hype train
tech news
0
ADO Air 20 Ultra
ADO Air 20 Ultra
Good-quality e-folder for not much. The automatic three-speed motor isn't without its quirks, though
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I was hit by an illegal e-biker who ran a red light. Tougher regulation can’t come soon enough
I was hit by an illegal e-biker who ran a red light. Tougher regulation can’t come soon enough
Jamie was minding his own business before an illegal e-biker clipped his bike's rear wheel. Surely it's time for authorities to take this more seriously?
blog
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Free update for Yamaha e-bikes, Lime increases fleet for US footie fans, Voi weighs in on London parking debates + more
Free update for Yamaha e-bikes, Lime increases fleet for US footie fans, Voi weighs in on London parking debates + more
Lime is offers “valets” for US footie fans, Voi wants operators to unite, and NYC brings charging units to the city’s sidewalks...
feature
0
Barcelona to ban private bike share schemes from 2027, as mayor slams e-bike parking “mess”
Barcelona to ban private bike share schemes from 2027, as mayor slams e-bike parking “mess”
The decision to expel the likes of Lime and Voi from the Catalan capital, which is set to host the start of this year’s Tour de France, comes as Barcelona expands its public Bicing service – which is not available to tourists
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5
Megamo launches dedicated e-road bike powered by super-powerful Avinox motor
Megamo launches dedicated e-road bike powered by super-powerful Avinox motor
The new Megamo Upon is designed from the ground up as an e-road bike, pairing a carbon frame and integrated 600Wh battery with Avinox’s powerful M2S motor system
tech news
6
“Most cargo bikes are built to haul stuff. Levo 4 X is built to haul ass”: The Specialized Levo 4 X goes bikepacking
“Most cargo bikes are built to haul stuff. Levo 4 X is built to haul ass”: The Specialized Levo 4 X goes bikepacking
If there's not already enough versions of Specialized's Levo 4 around, the brand has unveiled another and it's primed for bikepacking adventures and yes, it's a Levo 4 but with racks
tech news
5
E-bike operators including Lime and Forest slapped with £210,000 in fines for sloppy parking, plus Mercian is making an e-bike, Bosch launches certification system + more
E-bike operators including Lime and Forest slapped with £210,000 in fines for sloppy parking, plus Mercian is making an e-bike, Bosch launches certification system + more
We've heavy fines for Lime and Forest, but a lighter bike from Tenways for you in this week's round-up of all things e-bike
feature
0

Latest Comments

Aluminium can 5 hours ago

Presumably there is some ideal city where everything is within cycling distance but there's also lots of space to store bikes. Hmm. I wonder if some of those car spots that occupy the same space as 10 bikes (or more) could be utilised?

in: 14,000 on cycle storage waiting list as bike theft rockets and cyclists complain: “If you can’t get a space, you’re not going to be inspired to buy a bike”
chrisonabike 7 hours ago

If you're cycling in the UK. But just be careful about picking up discarded perfume bottles, watch who you drink tea with, don't cycle near Russian warships etc.

in: “Bad policy as well as bad politics”: Wes Streeting slams “extraordinary” timing of £4.5bn cycling and walking investment after defence secretary’s resignation over funding
GravelIsNothingNew 8 hours ago

Vittoria Corsa NeXT are the answer for anyone who actually isn’t pro. Still better than Conti GP5000’s, more durable, better ride feel and better price. …the best way to not pay too much? Buy something else.

in: Vittoria Corsa Pro Tubeless Tyres
john1967 9 hours ago

I'm am more at threat from dangerous drivers than I am from russian snipers

in: “Bad policy as well as bad politics”: Wes Streeting slams “extraordinary” timing of £4.5bn cycling and walking investment after defence secretary’s resignation over funding
mdavidford 9 hours ago

But again, it's irrelevant to the argument.

in: Michael Gove vs the disgruntled camera cyclist: Sometimes optics matter more than being in the right
Blackthorne83 9 hours ago

The thing that makes cycling more dangerous (among others) is poor skill and situational awareness. Both of which will be exacerbated by this thing full of screens sensors and other distractions which will do nothing to help a novice ride better.

in: Could this be the safest road bike ever built? Canyon thinks so
chrisonabike 10 hours ago

Good to hear that people are keen and they won't be doing the Lambeth Walk if they can help it. Now, can we have a rule that new buildings (that the government wants more of built) have to include decent cycle storage space? Like in NL? (Of course not - that would be insanity as nobody cycles, and anyway Nige and Kemi and anyone else will be shouting "nanny state" and "government overreach". And frankly the planning process is a giant hot mess as it is and we're already worried about being slated for missing housing targets ...)

in: 14,000 on cycle storage waiting list as bike theft rockets and cyclists complain: “If you can’t get a space, you’re not going to be inspired to buy a bike”
Pub bike 11 hours ago

Those wheels are certainly a major advance in road safety for squirrels trying to cross the road.

in: Could this be the safest road bike ever built? Canyon thinks so
chrisonabike 11 hours ago

@momove maybe they mean "more pure cycling *marketing*"?

in: Could this be the safest road bike ever built? Canyon thinks so
Terry Hutt 11 hours ago

It needs to read license plates, look them up, and tell you the registered owner has 26 prior driving offences. Ideally it would remotely hack their car and turn the engine off. Driver: I only get 'undred yards down road and another one of those bloody smart bikes shuts me down. Took me two hours to get t' pub.

in: Could this be the safest road bike ever built? Canyon thinks so

Most Popular News

1. 14,000 on cycle storage waiting list as bike theft rockets and cyclists complain: “If you can’t get a space, you’re not going to be inspired to buy a bike”

2. “Instant karma”: Driver close passes cyclist on blind bend towards oncoming car… and immediately gets pulled over by police officer, who asks him: “What’s your problem?”; Cycling’s boring war: Is Tadej Pogačar “destroying” racing? + more on the live blog

3. “He didn’t give a s**t”: New York police officer drives into bike lane and hits cyclist… before claiming rider “came out of nowhere”

4. Talented 16-year-old cyclist Shane O’Brien killed in collision with parked lorry during training ride

5. A perineal problem: Organisers of World Naked Bike Ride remind bare-bottomed London participants to use seat covers on shared bikes following cleanliness concerns

6. Channel 5 to show daily Tour de France highlights – plus live free-to-air coverage of next year’s UK Grand Départ

7. “Residents deserve better than panic headlines and half-understood claims ricocheting around Facebook”: Councillors launch defence of “Quiet Lanes”; Chris Froome’s retirement shenanigans suggest TdF return; Pogačar dominant + more on the live blog

8. Affluent residents “less receptive” to cycling due to “high car ownership”, newly-approved active travel plan warns

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