GROWING PAINS and BIKES...

I stumbled upon this earlier this morning and think it's such a great idea. I have three kids of my own so know from first hand experience how frustrating and expensive it is when children grow out of bikes. Sure you can buy and sell in the free ads or on eBay, but it's still a pain.


This, on the other hand, would seem to make much more sense.


The über cool Spanish bicycle makers Orbea have launched a range of bicycles that can be adjusted in size as a child grows.


As you would expect, the handlebar and seat can be adjusted to suit height and reach, but the frame also extends to allow a growing child up to five years of use out of a single bike.

The GROW range of bicycles comprises four models and prices are no higher than for bikes of comparable quality; the 2 1V, which would suit a child aged 4-9, sells for £269.

WINTER TRAINING by RAPHA

My Rapha winter kit generally keeps me on the road regardless of the weather.


Take today for example. The mercury was dipping well below zero, yet as the roads were dry and there was little ice around I took the chance to head out for a quick 20 miles.


Snow is heading this way overnight tonight so this was my last chance for a few days.


So, on went my Rapha winter jersey atop a merino baselayer and I was cosy enough to hit the road. 


The arrival of this seriously cold weather has prompted Rapha to revisit their winter training feature by Joe Hall. And it makes for an interesting read second time around too...

BARGAIN HUNT 34

A couple of bargains to tempt us out on to our icy roads came through to me today. I don't know about you, but I love getting out on the road at this time of year regardless of what the weather throws at me.

At the moment we are faced with icy roads round here. Now I'm uneasy about riding on sketchy roads, given I bust my hip a couple of years back, so I like to take it nice and easy, but when the skies are clear blue and the sun burns bright and low, I find it very cathartic to get out and have my cobwebs blown away. I come back refreshed and buzzing with the knowledge that these winter miles should mean summer smiles...

Anyway, I have digressed somewhat from the topic of this blog entry. Today I found a couple of bargains to make getting out on these wintry highways more appealing. 

Evans Cycles are offering a splendid 50% off Specialized inner tubes - and let's face it we can't head out with too many of these rammed in our jersey pockets at this time of year. Time to stock up methinks. Head over to the Evans website and just enter code 50TUBE at checkout. Alternatively you can download a voucher to print and hand-in if you are lucky enough to live or work within striking distance a store.

Offer ends Friday 3rd February.

If inner tubes simply lack that luxury edge you crave, then perhaps this offer from Rapha will get your heart pumping a little faster. My favourite brand of top-end cycling kit are offering a generous 20% off their classic Rapha softshell jacket. Having owned one of these for years I can vouch for their quality and longevity. I simply love my softshell jacket and it keeps me toasty warm and dry no matter what the English winter throws at me. It really is a fine piece of kit.

To take advantage of this offer, get along to the Rapha website, add a softshell jacket in the colour and size of your choice, and enter NEWZIP12 as the code at checkout. Be quick though, as this offer expires at midnight GMT on Sunday 5th February. 

TIMEOUT TUESDAY

Looking for a new helmet? If so, Cycle Surgery have a great offer on the Specialized S-Works.


They have £50 knocked off the price, bringing it down to £79.99 - a great price for a top of the range helmet.


If Giro's helmets are more you, the Atmos might be more your thing. Cycle Surgery have this reduced from £129.99 to £86.99 - almost as good a bargain as the Specialized...


If you're interested, check out the Cycle Surgery website. This offer is valid for today only...

REINVENTING THE WHEEL by CONDOR CYCLES

In an extract from the excellent Condor Cycles book 'Past Present Future', they focus on how wheel building has been an integral part of the service from Condor and why with the advent of factory built wheels there is still a place for a set of 'hand-builts'.


Watch the video for a fascinating insight into the art of the wheel builder, and check out their website for extracts from the book. 

TIMEOUT TUESDAY

Like Bontrager kit? I have to confess to never having used any myself as I have always had a preference for Italian kit to go with my Campag and Bianchi stuff.


However, if Bontrager is your bag, you might want to get yourself over to Cycle Surgery for their Timeout Tuesday.


For today only they are offering up to 50% Bontrager carbon kit and it looks like there are some serious bargains to be had.


XXX HCM VR road bar is now £99.99 down from £169.99 and the matching stem £79.99 from £149.99. Grab yourself a seatpost to match for £64.99 reduced from £129.99 and maybe even a carbon bottle cage for £22.49 reduced from £44.99.


You  could always put them on your Christmas wish list...

RAPHA RIDES OSLO FILM

Rapha have been busy riding their bikes again. This time it's the über cool urban riders that have been out testing kit, in the Norwegian capital Oslo.


According to Rapha, Norway’s capital Oslo offers a different take on urban road riding. The city’s quiet roads, green spaces and buildings painted in muted colours are juxtaposed to the vibrant chaos of London or New York. But it’s also a city of fronts: where imposing exteriors conceal boutique hotels, immaculate restaurants and bars playing techno late into the night.


I couldn't possibly comment, having never ridden my bike in Oslo, but after watching the film I am happy to concur. As always, the film is a joy to watch.


The film is by Ultan Coyle and the music by Henrik Schwarz.