We continue our 25 Days of Sickness with a deep dive into some Park Tool P-Handle wrenches. Park Tool is a staple in the bike industry and inside we take a look at their Hex Wrench Set and Torx Wrench Set. Video Overview If you go into just about any bike shop today you will see these wrenches in their mechanics tool area and it’s for a good reason. The Park Tool P-Handle wrenches are often a go-to tool for shop mechanics and we’ll explore them more below. The P-Handle wrench sets are available in Hex/Allen format as well as Torx. Sizes include most everything you’ll find on a most bikes today 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10mm in the Hex set T6, T8, T10, T15, T20, T25, T30, and T40 in the Torx set The Park Tool P-Handle sets include pegboard mounting hardware and a holder for the wrenches with labels for each size. The holder has been improved and is much easier to read now. The holder is also available separately (HXH-2P and HXH-2T). The three holes on the front of the holder also allow you to install 3 additional wrenches like a 3 way, or other hex multitool.   The nylon handle is ergonomic and comfortable in the hand for all day use. Additional leverage can be placed on the long end and braced with your hand to provide good torque through the head for additional leverage if needed. I have had a set since 2004 that are still going strong after all this time and are still well within spec. The long end of the Hex/Allen is a ball end which allows you to maneuver the wrench into a fastener if it’s hard to reach. You can get a good amount of torque this way but the straight end of the hex is a more ideal end to use for final torquing or initial release on a allen bolt in our experience. Torx bits have become more common on bikes lately and Park Tool makes a similar style wrench to suit those fasteners as well (T6-t40 included). Looking at the Torx wrenches in detail they take similar queues to the Hex/Allen set in form and function. Unlike the Hex set however, the torx bit on the long end of the wrench is straight and not a ball style. There are a lot of hex wrenches to pick from today. They all offer benefits that vary depending on your needs. Beta, Craftsman, Husky, Silca, Tekton, PB Swiss, Feedback Sports, and many more. A longer length hex wrench will give you more leverage / torque in a given situation and that can be good or bad depending on your needs so it’s not uncommon to want different types if you wrench on bikes a lot. The ergonomic handle and P-style wrench aren’t as easy to spin bolts as quickly as a traditional T-handle style wrench. The overall balance and ball-end of the tool can make it trickier to spin bolts quickly with the long end comparatively but you can spin bolts nicely by using the short end if there is ample room. Park used to include a plastic sleeve on their P-handle wrenches that helped spin them a little bit but it also had its flaws as the rubber o-rings eventually fail and the sleeve can fall off. Check out the video for how that used to work above.   We love using these Park Tool wrenches as they are very useful in the workshop and in the field. They give good leverage in most every situation. The ball end has it’s plusses and minuses but works quite well for bikes. The ball end is great for getting into tough to reach spots due to their ability to work off-center of the bolt but are not as confident for high-torque situations. To finish torque or release torque I often revert to the straight champfered end of the tool if conditions allow for it. Tolerances on these P-Handle wrenches are good on my set from 2003 still. The new ones were evenly as well for the ones I checked. For example my 2003 4mm measured 3.97mm and the new ones I got measured 3.98mm on each of the 3 sides of the allen. If the tool is too big it won’t fit in the all bolt and if its not evenly spaced across the 3 sides of the hex then you can round out a fastener. Park Tool also makes their HT-6/ HT-8 / HT-10 that are more comfortable for torquing pedals and cranks easier compared to the P-Style wrenches you see here. Often bolts/pedals can benefit from the extra length of a deeper allen. What could be improved? As far as updates to future Park’s P-handle wrench sets we wouldn’t mind seeing these updates in future revisions Different colored heads or size identifying colors would be a nice addition. This way you could easily know by sight which size is which specifically for the smaller allens or torx that can be harder to differentiate Easier to read sizing on the handle would be nice for cases when you don’t have them inside the holder.   P-HANDLE HEX WRENCH SET : ITEM # PH-1.2 MSRP $75.95 P-HANDLE TORX® COMPATIBLE WRENCH SET : ITEM # PH-T1.2 MSRP $71.95 Check back daily throughout the month of December as we post more content in our 25 days of Sickness!

Pinkbike's tech editors weigh in on your most pressing forum questions.( Photos: 5, Comments: 6 )

CityM8 Electric Scooter Information provided by M8Tech CityM8 Sport Mopeds provide 100% electric power with zero emissions. Whether you’re a novice or experienced motorcycle rider, you can easily use these fun little bikes to commute to your office, run errands around town, or visit the supermarket. All at low cost, stylish looks, and saving the planet one throttle pull at a time. Electric-powered motorcycles are getting a lot more popular these days because people are tired of the high cost of getting around town, traffic hassle, and want to help to save the environment. We at M8Tech believe in this thinking, and we figure why not save money, help save the planet, and look good doing it. Come along for the ride! Benefits of Buying an Electric Sports Moped – Electric Sport Mopeds have a number of benefits over the full-size motorcycles. Electric Sport Mopeds can help you save on consumption of gas/fuel. Requiring zero fuel which means you can travel many miles without worrying about the fuel expenses. Our CityM8 has fewer moving parts which mean less maintenance and repair costs as compared to gas engine motorcycles as the motor is in the rear wheel. CityM8 is super quiet with almost no noise pollution as compared to gasoline-powered motorcycles. We at CityM8 can’t tell you how much fun you’ll have with short rides around the city, beating traffic as you zip past all the stopped cars—plus with the style of the M8—you’ll look good doing it Why Choose CityM8? CityM8 offers reliable access to premium quality Sport Mopeds. Our Mopeds are fun, comfortable and easy to ride. The CityM8 was specked-out and built by enthusiasts just like you. Our team has ridden motorcycles for years, and have found that Electric bike are just as fun and enjoyable as the gas powered bikes. The thing is…times are a changing and electric power is the future, and the future is now! The CityM8 electric Sport Moped is powered by a class-leading brushless 2000-watt motor, which allows it to rip at a maximum speed of 35 mph with plenty of torque and a climbing angle of 25 degrees. Deep in the body of the CityM8 lies a 72v lithium battery, which when fully charged is good for miles of quick trips around town. In terms of comfort, the M8 electric bike doesn’t disappoint with its fully adjustable 140mm rear shock, and 140mm upside down front fork. With regards to safety, the M8 electric motorbike is fitted with disc brakes at the front and rear, and wide 12 inch super grip tires for a smooth ride each time. Bike Description: Key Features – Zero Emissions Zero Fuel Necessary Low Maintenance Easy to Ride around Town in Style Features of the CityM8 Electric Sport Moped Brushless 2000-watt motor Maximum speed of 19mph (street mode) / 45mph (track mode) 72v lithium battery provides up to 60 mile riding distance per charge Disc brakes at the front and rear Tubeless 12 inch tires Weighing in at just 210 lbs, and measuring 69” (L) x 31”(W) x 69”(H), the CityM8 electric sport moped is a great choice for both novice and seasoned riders. Its frame is made with carbon steel dressed with stylish plastic paneling for aerodynamics, and style. It arrives completely built—handlebars only need to be re-attached. Other great features of the CityM8 Electric Sport Moped include an easy to read LED display, LED headlights / indicator lights. If you’re looking for an electric bike that can take you places quickly with utmost safety, and without breaking the bank, the M8 Electric Sport Moped is worth a second look. Specifications: Type: Sport Moped Fuel: Electric Power: > 2000W Voltage: 72V / 20AH Motor: Brushless Max. Speed: 19 (street use mode) – 45mph (closed course use) Certification: CE Condition: New Brand Name: CityM8 Place of Origin: Wuxi, China (Mainland) Model Number: CityM8 Brake(F/R): Hydraulic Disc Max Power: 2000W Battery: 72V20AH lithium-ion Weight: 210 lbs Front Suspension: USD spring/oil fort fork 140mm/5.5 inch Rear Suspension: Coil spring, air/oil with compression/rebound setting, 140mm/5.5 inch Wheelbase: 1310mm / 51.5 inches Standard Range: 30 miles (track mode) / 60 miles (street mode) Climbing: 12 – 25 degree Charge time: 6 to 8hours Tire: 120/70-12 tubeless Color option: RED / BLUE m8-tech.com THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO GET ELECTRIC BIKE ACTION In print, from the Apple newsstand, or on your Android device, from Google. Available from the Apple Newsstand for reading on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Subscribe Here For more subscription information contact (800) 767-0345 Got something on your mind? Let us know at hi-torque.com The post CityM8 Electric Scooter appeared first on Electric Bike Action.

Cascade Components' new link makes it possible to make your Megatower even more mega.( Photos: 6 )

If you’re looking to get the most out of your winter training, then you’re already going to be head and shoulders above those cyclists who go into hibernation come autumn, only to return in the spring once the temperature is back in double digits. That head start gives you the opportunity to put the building blocks in place for next year, whether building your base on long cafe rides, putting together a winter training plan, or making the most of the turbo trainer. Winter can be a tough time to be a cyclist, though — and that’s just the challenging conditions on the roads and trails. That doesn’t mean you should give up and join the fair weather cyclists on the sofa. Here are 10 training mistakes to avoid between now and spring, and how you can overcome them. Not having the right kit First thing’s first, having the right kit is essential to surviving winter on the bike. While your bravery is admired if you’re still riding in a pair of bib shorts and short-sleeve summer jersey long into December, it’s a recipe for picking up illness, or worse, hypothermia. A pair of bib tights should be a wardrobe staple come this time of year to keep the worst of the cold weather off, while your top-half choice will depend on the conditions – from a long-sleeve jersey on milder days through to a waterproof and windproof jacket for when things get really bad. Covering your hands and feet with gloves and overshoes respectively will also keep your extremities warm, while a cap will keep the chill off your head. Best winter cycling clothing: a buyer’s guide Having the right kit will go a long way to improving your winter riding. Robert Smith/Immediate Media Wearing too much kit Great, you’ve now got all the gear. But that doesn’t mean you have to wear it all at once. While you want to be warm on a ride, there can be too much of a good thing — starting off snug and cosy can soon turn into a wet, soggy mess once you’ve got a few miles under your belt, and with this comes the dreaded wind chill. To counter this, it’s best to wear a number of layers that can be added or removed as conditions change during your ride. Matt Bottrill of Matt Bottrill Performance Coaching swears by a gilet as a lightweight, easily-stowable layer to keep the wind off your chest, without overheating. “At this time of year, the weather can change and you can get cold quickly, so always have layers of clothing,” he says. “If you can keep yourself warm and dry [through winter], you’re more likely to have consistent training.” How to layer up for winter cycling Not planning ahead If you have a goal in mind for next season, whether it’s a challenging ride, sportive or race, winter is the perfect time to start preparing for the year ahead. While it might seem too early to be training for next season, the work you do now will stand you in good stead come summer. As with any training, it’s best to have a plan to help you focus on what you want to achieve – rather than doing sporadic sessions where there’s no progression. Each session should be part of a bigger jigsaw that leads towards your overall goal, according to Bottrill. “While you’re training, you should be thinking about the next training day,” he says. “I’ve always said that you want to plan two weeks in advance to sort out the structure of your programme.” How to create a winter training plan | 5 steps to make this your best winter yet Not sticking the bike on the turbo the night before If your winter training involves a morning turbo workout — the turbo is a great way to get the most out of your training time — this mistake can end up costing you a whole session, just by not doing something that takes a few minutes in advance. “If my bike’s not on the turbo ready to go, that session just doesn’t happen,” says Dr David Nichols, cycle training consultant for Wattbike. “It’s about making it as convenient and easy to happen, and pretty much any excuse not to set the alarm and get on the bike is good enough not to do the session.” Set yourself a reminder in the evening to get your bike on the turbo and you’ll have one less reason not to do that morning workout. 8 reasons why you should train indoors this winter Make sure your lights are charged and ready to go. Georgina Hinton/Immediate Media Not keeping your lights charged If you like to ride outside, rather than on the turbo trainer, you need to ensure your lights are charged in advance. It’s easy to think that ‘no lights’ equals ‘no training’ and therefore an extra hour in bed, particularly with the lack of daylight through winter. If you do muster the motivation to get out, remembering to charge your lights will reduce the risk of them running out mid-ride. A simple way to keep on top of this is to take the lights off your bike to be charged after every ride (or every couple of rides if your lights have a long battery life). Best bike lights for road cycling Riding too far from home While it can often be tempting to discover new roads on long training rides, Bottrill recommends sticking to tried and tested routes not too far from home during the depths of winter. Being miles from the nearest bike shop or stood on the side of the road in the cold trying to fix your bike isn’t fun. Bottrill says he always rides circuits at this time of year for that very reason, never straying too far from home in case of mid-ride mechanicals. While it might not be the most interesting way to train, it limits the potential for things to go wrong. Plus, you’ll have new routes to look forward to discovering in the spring. If you do head off the beaten track in winter, make sure you have everything you need to stay well fed and watered, and the essentials required to fix common mechanicals. Forgetting to hydrate When riding in the summer, you’d never think of leaving the house on a long ride without a couple of bidons full of water. So why should things be any different come winter? Sure, it’s not as warm, but you need to keep your body hydrated — you’re still working hard, even if your perspiration isn’t as obvious. “It’s one thing that gets neglected — when it’s not warm, we don’t hydrate,” says Bottrill. “Also, once you’ve done your training sessions, especially if you’re using gym bikes, sanitise your hands so you don’t pick up infections.” How to stay hydrated on the bike Winter on the bike can be tough. Follow our tips to get the most out of the season. Andy McCandlish/Immediate Media Not eating properly post-ride Riding your bike over the winter months can be a great way of keeping trim during the excesses that come with the festive period. But while it’s tempting to dive into a selection box or mince pie as soon as you finish your ride, it’s important to refuel your body properly with the nutrients it needs to start the recovery process. “It’s key to replenish your glycogen stores,” says Bottrill. “Once you’ve finished your training, remember to take in your protein and carbohydrates.” You can always save those Quality Street for dessert… 8 tasty festive food swaps for the Christmas season Not recovering between interval sessions If you’ve only got less than an hour for a training session, then a HIIT workout – where you intersperse short, high intensity intervals with short periods of recovery – is a time-efficient way of keeping your fitness up over winter. But it’s also important to factor in recovery time between sessions, due to their intensity and what they take out of the body. ”If you’re doing that day-in-day-out, you’re going to burn out really quickly,” says Bottrill. “If you have 30-40 minutes of training time, there’s a benefit, but you can’t do it every day. It’s not feasibly possible because you can’t hit that high intensity.” 6 hardcore training sessions to take your cycling to the next level Overdoing it Although it might be tempting to try and get a real leg-up ahead of next season, it is possible to burn out before you’ve even got there. “We call them winter warriors,” says Bottrill. Instead, he recommends setting goals and working out a structured plan that will help you achieve those objectives. After all, you want to get to spring ready to take your training to that next level, rather than arrive at your peak. How to know when you’re overtraining

Everything in fashion is circular and it appears bicycle tech is too. While new technology is often hailed as groundbreaking, or never before seen in cycling, you might be surprised to hear what’s been around before. Our assistant editor Jack and writer Simon delve into the annals of cycling history to pick out the tech that was well ahead of its time. Our fortnightly podcasts also make it on to our YouTube channel! Subscribe to the BikeRadar Podcast We have an ever-expanding range of podcasts available on a wide range of podcast services. The BikeRadar Podcast comes out every fortnight and covers a multitude of topics, and there’s an eight-part Mountain Bike Tech Talk series too – a more in-depth podcast discussion on mountain bike tech. All our BikeRadar Podcast episodes are listed below. Our Road Tech Talk series has recently kicked off and in Episode 1 we discuss 1x drivetrains on road bikes (Spotify / iTunes) We also have a BikeRadar Meets podcast, where we interview interesting and influential people within the bicycle industry. Episode 1, with Jeff Steber of Intense Cycles, is live now (Spotify / iTunes) and can be streamed below. Finally, there’s our ad-hoc BikeRadar Shorts podcast, which is a reactive news-based podcast in shorter form. The latest edition covers Shimano’s gearbox patent, uncovered by BikeRadar‘s Jack Luke. Previous BikeRadar Podcast episodes Episode 1 — Cycling Plus‘ Bike of the Year Special (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 2 — MBUK‘s Trail Bike of the Year Special (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 3 — The BikeRadar Podcast | How do £10k bikes even exist? (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 4 — The BikeRadar Podcast | SRAM versus Shimano, and more! (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 5 — The BikeRadar Podcast | Why do all bikes look the same? (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 6 – The BikeRadar Podcast | Is it time to ditch ‘The Rules’? (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 7 – The BikeRadar Podcast | Road tubeless — the what, why and how (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 8 – The BikeRadar Podcast | Purism be damned, this is why we love e-MTBs (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 9 – The BikeRadar Podcast | Do you really need more than one bike? (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 10 – The BikeRadar Podcast | How MTB racing influences bike design (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 11 – The BikeRadar Podcast | Future trends in road cycling (Spotify/iTunes) Episode 12 – The Bikeradar Podcast | Future trends in mountain biking (Spotify/iTunes)

The winter months are well and truly here in the Northern Hemisphere and, with the risk of bad weather or poor light blighting many a ride, cyclists will be turning their attention to the turbo trainer, indoor bike or rollers to keep their training on track. It’s easy to understand why; indoor cycling has a range of benefits, from beating bad weather to targeting specific training goals when you’re short on time. From the pros of the peloton to riders new to the sport, almost anyone who turns the pedals can benefit from training indoors. We caught up with three expert coaches to find out why. Use indoor training to fast-track your outdoor riding. Joby Sessions/Louise Broom Time-efficient One of the biggest benefits of using a turbo or gym bike for your training is how little time it takes compared to going out for a ride. If you’re short on time – and who isn’t? – riding indoors can help you squeeze in a training session when you otherwise wouldn’t. “It’s convenient, it’s set up ready to go and there’s no time wasting,” says Matt Rowe of Rowe & King Cycle Coaching. “You can get on the bike, warm-up, and you’re into a session; cool down, finish, in the shower, done. “If you’re planning on doing that outside, you’ve got to find a route and, if you live in a city centre, you’ve got to get out of the city. By the time you’ve even warmed up you could have done your whole session.” What’s more, and as we’ll come on to, the specificity and uninterrupted nature of indoor cycling means you can make big training gains in a relatively short amount of time. How to create a winter training plan | 5 steps to make this your best winter yet Beat bad weather This one goes without saying. Because indoor cycling takes place out of the elements, you don’t have to deal with the worst of winter weather – be it rain, wind, snow or ice. The right winter gear can go a long way to keeping you comfortable outside, but sometimes riding in poor weather is just unpleasant. There’s safety to consider, too. If the roads are covered in snow or ice and you don’t want to miss your workout, stick to the indoor trainer. The best cycling kit for riding in the rain Smart trainers are equipped with built-in power meters. The latest direct-drive trainers replace the rear wheel of the bike. Simon Bromley/Immediate Media Train with power Indoor training technology has improved significantly in recent years, most notably with the rise of smart trainers and interactive training apps. Smart trainers are equipped with built-in power meters, allowing riders to target specific training goals with much greater precision. Take an FTP test to determine your zones, then you can follow power-based workouts – whether you want to improve your endurance, climbing performance or sprint speed. Smart trainers also offer external resistance control. You can either set a specific wattage for the trainer to lock on to or allow a third-party app such as Zwift to control the trainer based on the demands of your workout. That means, if you’re doing an interval session, you’ll hit the exact numbers required to get the most out of the workout. “Smart trainers and smart bikes are now so powerful they are essentially a lab-standard bike at home,” says Dr Dave Nichols, cycle training consultant for Wattbike. “The fact you have the ability to control power, to give targeted intervals and the bike will hold that wattage target for you, is pretty much as good as any laboratory setting,” adds Nichols. Training with heart rate vs training with power | Which is best for you? Ride without interruptions That leads us to the next benefit: indoor cycling allows you to ride without interruptions. When riding on the road, it can be hard to complete a specific training session – particularly targeted intervals – without your rhythm being disrupted by the undulating nature of a route, or the need to stop for traffic or junctions. Indoor training removes those interruptions and uncontrollable variables, so you can focus solely on completing your workout. Best smart trainer 2020: top-rated turbo trainers Wheel-on trainers see the rear tyre sit against a drum to create friction. Simon Bromley/Immediate Media Keep it consistent The structured, focussed nature of indoor cycling also ensures consistency from one training session to the next. If you have a goal in mind, whether that’s completing your first century ride or racing as an elite-level rider, indoor cycling allows you to keep your training on track. “Every session counts,” says Nichols. “If you go on a club ride, it depends on who’s there. On an indoor bike, it’s about you and what you need to do to make the most of your training ride. “It’s predictable, you know how it’s going to go, what it should feel like and whether you’re improving or not. It’s a really good environment for setting and doing training.” However, it’s important not to lose focus on why we ride – getting out into the great outdoors. You can use indoor training to complement outdoor riding, not replace it. How to get fit fast | Handy shortcuts to boost your endurance It’s more interesting than ever If your perception of indoor training is slogging away for hours in a cold garage or spare room with just a wall in front of you to look at, then it might be time to rethink a turbo session. Interactive training apps have brought indoor training to life. “The key to training is consistency and having the motivation to get on the bike, and things like Zwift are a great way of motivating yourself to train,” says Matt Bottrill of Matt Bottrill Performance Coaching. Nichols agrees, adding: “[Indoor training] is much easier to get on board with than about 10 years ago when it meant sitting on a noisy, wheel-based trainer in your garage. Now, you can be in that virtual world, doing it with friends at the same time and you’ve got races and group rides you can do, too.” Best Zwift setups for every rider — from budget to ultimate Indoor training is more advanced than ever. Wahoo Focus on technique Indoor training allows you to focus on technique, most notably your pedal stroke. “If every pedal stroke you make requires 0.5% less energy, and you make 1000s of pedal strokes within a ride, that’s going to seriously add up,” says Nichols. Bottrill recommends using the indoor trainer to work on your dead spot – where you lose efficiency and are not producing any power. “Doing drills in training to work on your dead spot is a great way of improving, especially for those riders who are new to cycling,” he adds. 6 ways to pedal like a pro cyclist Ride anywhere, at any time You don’t need to invest in a smart trainer or smart bike to feel the benefits of indoor training. Most gyms have some form of spin class or static bike, while there are also specialist turbo clubs at certain studios. You can also combine indoor cycling at the gym with weight training or other off-bike exercises, Bottrill says. That’s particularly the case in winter, when the off-season gives you an opportunity to work on other areas of your performance, alongside targeted sessions on the indoor trainer. Indoor cycling: how to get started Want to train indoors? Here are four ways to get started. Turbo trainer Smart trainers, such as the Wahoo Kickr, have changed the way cyclists ride indoors. Dave Caudrey / Immediate Media Turbo trainers are the most common form of indoor trainer for cycling and have come a long way in recent years thanks to the introduction of power-equipped smart trainers. All turbo trainers require the use of a bike to function. On entry-level models, the rear wheel rests against a cylinder and resistance is adjusted manually, while at the top end, the rear wheel is removed and your bike is connected to the trainer via a cassette. This not only enables third-party resistance control (so resistance can be controlled via a training app, hence why it’s ‘smart’) but also offers a more realistic ride quality and improved power measurement. Mid-range, wheel-on smart trainers are also available. Indoor training bike Indoor bikes take up a lot of space, but are always ready to ride and offer a wealth of training data. Reuben Bakker-Dyos / Immediate Media For riders who have the space (and budget) for a dedicated indoor training bike, there are a number of models on the market that will leave you with a seriously high-tech piece of kit for your home. In fact, a range of brands launched a dedicated indoor training bike in 2019. As well as shaking up the smart trainer market, Wahoo has its own Kickr Bike, while power meter specialists Stages launched the Stages Bike. The Wattbike Atom is another popular option and all offer the ability to track a wide range of metrics. Indoor training bikes are inevitably bulkier than turbo trainers that can be packed away, but having a dedicated indoor machine set up and ready to go means you just need to jump on to start your workout. Rollers Rollers are ideal if you’re short on space or for warming up before a race. Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com Although they might look odd, rollers are essentially a self-propelled treadmill for the bike. Like turbo trainers, they require a bike to be used, but there’s no installing a rear wheel or connecting the drivetrain to a cassette – simply pop your bike on the drums, get up to speed and ride. Although great for improving your leg speed, core strength and balance (with nothing holding you and the bike upright other than momentum), it’s not normally possible to adjust (or automatically control) resistance in the same way that you can with a smart trainer or indoor training bike. Spin class Spin classes may not offer the same level of realism for dedicated cyclists, but they are extremely accessible. Shimano Although not typically as focussed or realistic as the other indoor training tools described here, spin classes are easy to sign up to and can help keep your motivation up through winter – especially if you’re new to cycling. Most gyms will offer regular group spin classes, while higher-end boutique studios will include clipless pedals and sessions that target specific training techniques, such as HIIT and intervals. Some even offer power-based training, replicating the type of sessions you might complete on a smart trainer or smart bike.

In der Kategorie „The Lab“ präsentieren wir spannende Produkte, die wir für euch ausprobiert haben. Manche waren monatelang im Einsatz, andere haben wir nur kurz abgecheckt. Diesmal verraten wir euch, wie sich die O’Neal FLOW SPD Schuhe im Test geschlagen haben. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); Schuhe verschleißen beim Biken häufig sehr zügig – warum also Hunderte Euros ausgeben, wenn sie eh nur ein Saison halten? Mit 90 € UVP fällt der O’Neal FLOW SPD in die Kategorie „günstig“. Der erste oberflächliche Eindruck bestätigt das auch. Das Design ist Geschmackssache, bei den Farboptionen ist Schwarz/Schwarz die einzige, die nicht unnötig die Augen reizt, und die Materialien sind auch nicht ganz auf dem Niveau, das man von Specialized, ION oder Bontrager gewohnt ist. Mit 499 g pro Schuh ist der O’Neal FLOW SPD auch in Sachen Gewicht eher am oberen Ende der Skala angesiedelt. Die Verarbeitung scheint zumindest solide, also nichts wie Cleats drangeschraubt und ab auf die Trails! Komfortabel wie Omas SofaDie Polsterung ist dick und verliert auch über die Zeit nicht an Volumen. Dank viel Mesh und Perforationen ist das Fußklima im FLOW SPD trotzdem ungewohnt angenehm. Wie auf FlatsDie Sohle des O’Neal FLOW SPD ist für einen Klickschuh ziemlich weich. Nicht optimal für maximalen Leistungs-Output, aber super bequem und man fühlt sich wie auf Flat-Pedals. We like! Sitzt, passt und hat LuftKlassische Schnürsenkel mit Riemen dauern beim An-/Ausziehen etwas länger, aber halten den Fuß bequem und konsistent im Schuh. Die anfängliche Skepsis wandelt sich dort nach kurzer Zeit in wachsende Begeisterung. Der FLOW SPD sitzt wie angegossen und ist auch nach einem Tag im Bikepark so gut wie nicht zu spüren. Dank der Schnürsenkel und dem zusätzlichen Klettverschluss kann der Schuh hervorragend an den Fuß angepasst werden. Die Sohle ist vernünftig gedämpft und weicher, als man es von anderen Klickschuhen gewohnt ist. Trotzdem ist sie nicht unangenehm – man hat ein Gefühl wie in Flatpedal-Schuhen und auch auf langen Abfahrten werden die Füße dennoch nicht müde. Zusätzlich gibt’s das gewisse Etwas an Feingefühl, das steifere Modelle häufig vermissen lassen. Genauso angenehm zeigt sich die Polsterung: Weich und gut positioniert, bietet sie jede Menge Komfort und hält den Fuß dennoch spielfrei im Schuh. Nichts drückt oder fühlt sich zu locker an. Die Außenseite verfügt über viel Mesh und Perforation und das Fußklima lässt sich auch im Sommer noch als angenehm beschreiben. Insgesamt haben sich über den gesamten Testzeitraum von 6 Monaten keinerlei Schwächen oder Defekte gezeigt. Ein kurzer Vergleich mit den anderen Modellen von O’Neal: Der SESSION SPD mit Neopren-Gamasche und Klickverschlüssen kostet zwar nur 10 € mehr, verfügt aber lange nicht über den gleichen guten Sitz und Komfort. Wer es wetterfester braucht, kann zum PINNED SPD greifen – aber auch hier ist der Sitz nicht ganz so gut gelungen wie beim FLOW SPD. Der LOAM WP SPD und der TRAVERSE SPD waren zum Testzeitpunkt noch nicht verfügbar. Gut und günstig: Die O’Neal FLOW SPD-Schuhe sind perfekt für alle, die zwar Klickpedale fahren, aber nicht auf steifen Brettern stehen wollen. Sie punkten dank ihrer weichen Sohle und dicken Polsterung mit sehr viel Komfort und bieten trotzdem eine adäquate Belüftung. Wen die Optik nicht stört, der bekommt zum Kampfpreis von 90 € ein hervorragendes Paar Schuhe. Definitiver Kauftipp! Stärkensuper bequemgenau richtig weiche Sohlegutes Fußklimahervorragendes Preis-/LeistungsverhältnisSchwächenoptisch kein Highlight Tester Andi Testdauer 6 Monate Preis 90 € Mehr Info oneal.eu

Shimano Enduro Tour, Round 3 – Derby, TAS.Event Management Solutions brought the third round of the Shimano Enduro Tour to Derby after stopping in WA and QLD. Into the Derby Tunnel, duck! While the racing and practice were running, there were still plenty of crew riding and shuttling the trails. Evolution’s new Buggy Shuttle service can take riders from the Devil Wolf section up to Black Stump for zippy runs down some great tracks! Launceston’s Izzy Flint looked so good during practice and took the win on Sunday with a gutsy display of smart race-craft and bike skills. Dave Ludenia scoping faster ways to ride the technical sections. Ben McIlroy flies past with epic pace. While the racing and practice was running, there were still plenty of crew riding and shuttling the trails. Evolution's new Buggy Shuttle service can take riders from the Devil Wolf section up to Black Stump for zippy runs down some great tracks! We love you, Derby! Fingers crossed the EWS will return again one day soon. Former National Gravity Enduro Champ, Chris Panozzo took a 120mm travel Santa Cruz Tallboy to the podium with an impressive display of racing. Don’t call him an XC rider, multiple National Champ Cam Ivory breaking the mould and blasting the rocks during practice. Few riders negotiated the crack, on trail Detonate like 17 year-old Izzy. Very smooth and controlled. Dropping Izzbombs. Zoe Cuthbert rides with immense commitment, watching her drop off the large granite boulders and hold speed through the big turns was amazing. Panozzo under a tall one in the lower parts of Roxanne, a solid track to negotiate at race pace. Timmy Eaton not slowing down through the rocks. We crashed Team Shimano’s team dinner, a good bunch of people indeed! Pre-race parm and a pint. Well, for the photographer anyhow… Paul and a golden Derby pint of Scottsdale brew. Team manager Toby loves Derby more than most, it appears! Pre-race prep. Pre-race Instagram. Paul van der Ploeg’s Giant Reign 29 dialled and ready. Chris Panozzo’s Santa Cruz Tallboy, short travel, who cares. Izzy Flint’s Merida One-Sixty gleaming all of the colours in the morning sunlight. Race day, time for the first long pedal up. Fresh soles for Sunday. Handguards gaining in popularity, for good reason. Ludenia aims up for the long session of rock-eating on Shearpin. Crowds heckling their lungs out. Connor Fearon was on a tear all weekend, and took a convincing win. Rowena Fry stamped her authority once again on the trails of Derby, backing up her EWS podium with a win this weekend. Yiew! Fixing carnage. Any moisture in the Derby dirt was drying quickly under the harsh Tassie sun. Zoe on the long road to the top before more hard descending. Chainsaws and two-stroke to fill your senses. Rowena picking lines like a pro. Plenty of stats to back up the tired body. There was a bar at the finish line… Shelly Flood always smiling, despite the obvious! Hoppy pain relief. The Kona crew on their Tasmanian trip, loving life, off to Maydena for the National Champs next. Little Rivers had their new pop up bar Side-Tracked in full swing. Distinctly Connor. Cam Ivory, done! Elite Women’s podium; Rowena Fry, Zoe Cuthbert and Leanna Curtis. U21 Women – Izzy Flint, Fenella Harris, Emma Bateup. Elite Men – Connor Fearon, Dan Booker, Chris Panozzo. And that’s a wrap for the Shimano Enduro Tour! Row Fry, series champ! And Jodan Prochyra takes overall, too. We love you, Derby!Fingers crossed the EWS will return again one day soon. The post Racing Enduro in Derby | The Shimano Enduro, Asia-Pacific EWS appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.

Cyber Monday is here and Amazon has a huge range of deals on offer. That inevitably means there’s a lot to trawl through, so we’ve done the hard work for you and picked out the best deals for cyclists. That includes winter kit, bike lights, tools, turbo trainer accessories, chamois cream — and yes, a coffee machine. Read on for more or head to Amazon to browse the full range of deals. Otherwise, most retailers are still offering a wide range of Black Friday deals — check out our Black Friday round-up for the best offers. Black Friday bike deals | The best offers for cyclists in 2019 Save 29% on the Supersta USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set. Save 29% on the Supersta USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set 600 — now £14.97 This Supersta bike light set includes a 600-lumen front light and a rear light with 6 different modes. Both lights are USB rechargeable. We’ve haven’t reviewed these lights on BikeRadar, but they are highly-rated on Amazon. This offer has limited availability. Buy the Supersta USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set on Amazon Up to 35% off Sealskinz winter apparel. Up to 35% off Sealskinz winter apparel Winter has well and truly arrived in the north hemisphere so this deal on Sealskinz gear caught our eye — save up to 35% on the latest kit. That includes a wide range of waterproof gear, covering socks, caps, overshoes, gloves and much more. If you want to kit up for winter, this is your chance. Up to 35% off Sealskinz winter kit on Amazon Get this Muc-Off Chamois Cream for less than a tenner. Muc-Off Chamois Cream for less than a tenner Planning on putting in plenty of miles over the next few months? This chamois cream from Muc-Off should come in hand and is available for less than a tenner. This is one of Amazon’s lightning deals, with limited availability — so move fast. Buy Muc-Off Chamois Cream on Amazon Save 27% on the CooSpo Heart Rate Monitor. Save 27% on the CooSpo Heart Rate Monitor — now £17.47 Want to train with data without breaking the bank? An affordable heart rate monitor is the way forward. This CooSpo heart rate monitor has 27% off for Cyber Monday. It’s Ant+ and Bluetooth compatible, and works with a wide range of apps, including Zwift. Buy the CooSpo Heart Rate Monitor on Amazon Up to 32% off Fitbit activity trackers and smartwatches. Up to 32% off Fitbit Ace 2, Inspire HR and Ionic activity trackers Amazon is offering up to 32% off Fitbit Ace 2, Inspire HR and Ionic activity trackers and smartwatches for Cyber Monday. There’s something for everyone here. The Ace 2 is Fitbit’s activity tracker for kids, while the mid-range Inspire HR includes a heart rate monitor. The Ionic, meanwhile, is a top-end smartwatch, with heart rate, GPS and much more. Up to 32% off Fitbit activity trackers and smartwatches on Amazon Save £40 on this Nespresso coffee machine. Nespresso Creatista Plus by Sage — extra £40 off for Cyber Monday Okay, it may be a cliche but most cyclists love coffee. Whether it’s a pre-ride coffee, mid-ride cafe stop or post-ride coffee (and cake). The Creatista Plus from Nespresso will take care of your pre-ride coffee needs and has been reduced to £249 for Cyber Monday. That’s £40 off Amazon’s usual price and more than £200 off the retail price. This deal is only available for a limited time and stock is disappearing fast, so be quick. Save an extra £40 on the Nespresso Creatista Plus Save 39% on the Pro Bike Tool Adjustable Torque Wrench. Save 39% on the Pro Bike Tool Adjustable Torque Wrench An adjustable torque key is an essential item in any cyclist’s tool kit and Amazon is offering 39% off the Pro Bike Tool wrench set. The set comes with 3, 4, 5mm Allen bits, and a T25 Torx bit, so will cover most of the key bolts on your bike (a 6mm Allen bit is available separately). Three preset torque levels cover 4, 5 and 6Nm. Once again, this is a lightning deal with limited available. Once it’s gone, it’s gone! Buy the Pro Bike Tool Adjustable Torque Wrench on Amazon Up to 26% off Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS smartwatches. Up to 26% off Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS smartwatches Cyber Monday is the ideal opportunity to save on tech, including Garmin’s range of Forerunner 45 GPS smartwatches. The Forerunner has a built-in heart rate monitor and comes with a range of sport-specific apps for cycling, running, yoga and more. It also offers smart notifications, so you can stay connected on the move, and can even keep track of your VO2 Max. Up to 26% off Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS smartwatches on Amazon Save 22% on Anker Wireless Headphones. Save 22% on Anker Wireless Headphones — now £15.99 We don’t recommend wearing headphones on the road or trail but they will undoubtedly help pass the time on the turbo trainer. Wireless headphones are particularly good as you don’t have to worry about getting tangled in a cable — perfect when riding out of the saddle or doing max effort intervals. These wireless headphones from Anker have been reduced by 22% for Cyber Monday. Buy the Anker Wireless Headphones on Amazon Save 29% on the Pro Breeze 16-Inch Pedestal Fan. Save 29% on the Pro Breeze 16-Inch Pedestal Fan with Wireless Remote — now £49.99 Anyone who’s used a turbo trainer for more than five minutes knows you need a very good fan to keep cool. This highly-rated Pro Breeze pedestal fan has £20 off for Cyber Monday. The fan has a wireless remote so you can change the intensity on the fly, without having to shift from the saddle. It features four modes of operation (Natural, Night, Quiet and Normal), with three fan speed settings. The unit is height adjustable, too. Buy the Pro Breeze 16-Inch Pedestal Fan on Amazon