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Whether it's five miles or five hundred miles, riding a bicycle is more fun than anyone ever told me! My New Year's Resolution to cycle 10 miles a day or 40 minutes on a spin bike has meant that by the end of May I have cycled 2,600 miles! Because of my cycling wardrobe the weather has not stopped me from cycling (unless it really is -5 degrees or with wind gusts of 25 mph). Cycling in style and in comfort is really important to me as I don't really want to be covered in logos looking like a Ninja as I buy groceries or attend meetings. I have found some things that work for me but am always looking for new pieces. For me, Evans Cycles and Cycle Surgery for the basics. My two favourite brands for my wardrobe are www.velorution.com and www.velovixen.com but I am always looking for new pieces. I would love to know what works for you and why. Happy cycling!

Monday 22 April 2013

Blinging the Brommie for the Brompton World Championships 2013!




Mice Log Star Date 112. @30daysofbiking Day 22. 12 miles, 10.7 mph average speed, 17.8 mph max in 1h10.

The importance of being comfortable on a bicycle can be the difference between a long bike ride and a short one!  The Brompton is normally used for pootles so up until now I have stuck with the saddle that it came with.  

Things have taken on a bit of a change as I am now in a team taking part in the 2013 Brompton World Championships at Goodwood Park in August  (which is probably the grandest sentence I have ever written and will ever write in my life!!) 

As a chap on You Tube said  at 0.44 secs or so from 2011 BWC  "it's the only time I'll ever be able to buy my way in to the front of the grid at a World Championship"!!

Having being measured, a couple of years ago, for my road bike, I now know that we all have "sit bones" which are the part of you that are supposed to take your weight on the saddle.  If the saddle is too narrow, the sit bones aren't supported properly. Brooks saddles seem mighty popular so off to Velorution in Great Portland Street to investigate.

The Brooks range is varied - some saddles have springs, some don't, some are unisex, some aren't, some are wider and longer than others. And they all come in a range of colours.


As the Brompton already has suspension there was no requirement for further springs. For me the Women's B17s Imperial was perfect.    

I was warned that, as with new leather shoes, the saddle will need to be worn in.
 

So far so good - I can't believe the difference in having my sit bones supported properly.  The next thing to worry about is rain - as with all leather goods I need to protect it so will buy some leather protector tomorrow. 

The only downside is that because it is not made Brompton specific - it is quite uncomfortable to carry the Brompton and hurts my hand!!  I shall look out for recommendations as to how to improve this and in the meantime will wear gloves!

 The Brommie does look rather cool tho'! 

Mice Log Sunny Rest Day 111



10.79 super pootley miles around London on the Brommie with a top speed of 19.3 mph!!
 

This was the perfect day to amble about London on two wheels.  I headed east to say Hello to a friend in Look Mum No Hands and took in some sunshine on the way.


Hyde Park was absolutely packed so I hared down Park Lane which was a little more scary than I thought it would be! 


Great to see so many cyclists - bring on the better weather!!