External ceramic bearings and space age materials translate into almost the ideal bottom bracket for high-end bikes in demanding applications and the VNT from Van Nicholas is without doubt the smoothest I’ve come across in a very, very long time. Our 122mm test model weighed a remarkable 100g and contrary to my initial feeling there’s … Read more
British rider Charlie Wegelius gets his chance in this year’s Tour de France after a Silence-Lotto team-mate tested positive for a banned blood booster.Wegelius finished 45th in his debut TdF in 2007 (the highest placed Brit) and this year gets his chance to shine now that Dutchman Thomas Dekker is out of the race.Dekker tested … Read more
The CTC was today making its case for cycling to be seen as a normal day-to-day activity in front of high-profile environmental campaigners, including the Prince of Wales.CTC’s policy coordinator Chris Peck was attending the launch of the Sustainable Development Commission’s ‘Breakthroughs for the 21st Century’ project, hosted by Anna Ford, Jonathan Dimbleby and Rosie … Read more
The government released its vision for a low-carbon economy of the future, committing itself to a National Cycle Plan in which cyclist is viewed `as a mainstream form of personal transport.’This plan comes from the transport section of Building Britain’s Future, the policy document released as a draft for the next Queen’s speech.However, such ambitions … Read more
Sir Chris Hoy has been honoured by his native city for his cycling achievements.The Olympic gold medallist was unanimously chosen by a judging panel to receive the 2009 Edinburgh Award and received his honour this week.The 33-year-old, now resident in Greater Manchester, is only the third winner of the award, following in the footsteps of … Read more
We all know what it feels like to get a lungful of exhaust from an old banger in front – now we have the chance to tell experts who are trialling a pollution management scheme.Cyclists in London, Leicester, Gateshead and Cambridge will be asked to carry mobile sensors which measure traffic pollutants throughout the UK, … Read more
The Buga – we’re guessing you pronounce that ‘booger’ and not ‘bugger’, but neither’s exactly great – is Viner’s flat bar offering for the burgeoning cycle to work market and it’s an interesting alternative to your more standard £1k fare. Italian born and bred, the whole of the bike (except the tyres) hails from the … Read more
Here’s a man with an interesting take on bike handling, San Francisco DJ Fred Shred. I like the music, but I’m not sure his braking technique is quite as sound, basically he rides freewheel with no brakes and uses his foot as a brake on the back wheel. And If he isn’t sponsored by Vans he … Read more
With the news of AG2R and Cervelo’s new Tour kit I am tempted to take my road.cc jersey along to the big one this summer.
Our trip starts tonight when most of you sensible people will be tucked up in bed and ends next week with the Perpignan and Barcelona tour stages.
This year promises to be one of the best Tour’s ever with a true top class field and plenty of sub plots.
There are a number of questions I will leave you mulling as my internet access will cease shortly (thanks to Virgin Media cocking up my house but that is another story).
Can Lance do the impossible?
Tom Boonen’s chances of riding in the Tour de France look even slimmer today after it was reported that the court supposed to be hearing his appeal against a suspension for a positive test for cocaine has refused to rule in the case, claiming it doesn’t have jurisdiction.Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO), the organisers of the … Read more
