<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Bike - Duathlon247</title><link>http://www.duathlon247.com/index.html</link><description>Latest bike articles from Duathlon247</description><item><title><![CDATA[Essential Guide to Road Race Tyres]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5714.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[
(You can also check out our other guides to: Front Lights, Rear Lights and Turbo Trainers). 
Road Race Tyres 
The tyres that you choose for  your bike are a very important factor. They provide the connection between you  and the road surface. Finding a balance between your needs and the various  products available is important both in terms of enjoyment and performance. You  will find a huge range of products available out there and it can be a bit  confusing but there are a few simple steps to getting the right tyre for your  purpose. As a triathlete or duathlete you will need to address whether your  needs are durability, performance or a compromise between the two extremes.  These will be different for many riders but let&rsquo;s look at what we should  consider as the basics of tyre choice. We will look at two key options,  clincher and tubular tyres to help you decide.
Clincher or Hooked Rim
These tyres are for racing style  bikes that use clincher or hooked rims, these are the most common fitment and  hook onto the rim and require an inner tube. The vast majority of everyday  riders use clincher tyres. 
If you require a tyre for all  round use look for something with good puncture protection, an average TPI  (Threads Per Inch) and average weight.
How you do your training is  important here; this could be the daily commute or general cycling where you  need to ensure that durability is high up on your requirement list. If durability  is your priority and speed is not so important look towards the more puncture  resistant tyres and consider going for a wider tyre, these will be less prone  to punctures and offer you more comfort.
For wet road conditions a triple  compound or winter tyre is a good choice, these use a softer compound on the  cornering surface to maximise grip.
  Lighter tyres will accelerate  quickly, but will be more prone to punctures so getting a balance is extremely  important. If you require a fast tyre and speed is the only thing that matters  look for a low weight folding tyre with high TPI.
For ease of use these offer the  best option as fixing a puncture is quite straight forward and they require  less fitting expertise in the first place. In this sector there are tyres to  fit each need so you will definitely need to address the durability versus  speed requirement. With clincher tyres why not consider having a set of tyres  for everyday use and one pair for racing. This will allow you to maximise your  race day potential with a lightweight and fast road tyre but keep your training  as flat free as possible. 
Tubular Tyres
As your racing develops you may  want to consider tubular tyres; more serious racers favour these. In this case  you will probably have a separate set of wheels for race day to maximise your  performance in terms of lightweight and speed delivery. These tubular tyres are  designed for tubular rims; these are glued on using tubular cement or tubular  tape.  A tubular is a sealed unit with an  inner tube sewn into the tyres casing, this means the tubular is perfectly  round in profile and offers a better feel when cornering. The compromise to the  performance is that they are more complicated to fit, typically require a  dedicated wheel type and will be more likely to puncture.
Vittoria have introduced open  tubulars which are the same design as their tubular tyres but with a bead for  use on a clincher rim, these will offer the closest feel of a tubular but the  ease of repair associated with a clincher. Sizing is subtly different to  clincher wheels and can be a bit confusing as most manufacturers still quote  the old imperial sizes. However there are only 2 real sizes: 26&amp;quot; is the  same as 650c, then 27&amp;quot;, 28&amp;quot; and 700c are all the same size.
Our friends at Wiggle have  selected some options for you as great examples to look at if things are just  too over whelming!
Beginners

  
    Vittoria Rubino Road Tyres 2010
      List price&amp;nbsp;&pound;12.99
      SAVE 10% = &pound;1.30
      Wiggle price:&pound;11.69
      
        Top Features  of the Vittoria Rubino Road Tyres 2010
        Nylon 60 TPI  casing, synonymous of good performance.
        New Kevlar&reg;  Endura 3D Compound, with high duration and exciting road-behaviour.
        PRB puncture  protection.
        Updated  tread pattern, with Prisma Vector Design.
        Grommet  rigid bead (4 wires), for an easier fitting.
        Pressure:  7/10 bar, 100/145 psi
    
    
  

&amp;nbsp;
Intermediate

  
    Vredestein Fortezza TriComp Road Tyres 
      List price&amp;nbsp;&pound;34.99
      SAVE 10% = &pound;3.50
      Wiggle price:&pound;31.49
      Top Features of the Vredestein  Fortezza TriComp Road Tyres
      
      
        Competition  tyre for all weather conditions
        Very low  rolling resistance
        Outstanding  riding quality on wet roads
        Maximun grip  in corners
        Curve  control system
        Sportex  Protection Layer
        Use:&amp;nbsp;Road
        Weight(g):&amp;nbsp;225
        Bead:&amp;nbsp;Folding
        Puncture  protection:&amp;nbsp;Yes
        TPI:&amp;nbsp;120
        The best  selling tyre from the Vredestein range !!
    
    
  

PRS &ndash; Puncture resistance system,  this patented anti-puncture technology reduces the chance of a puncture by up  to 90%. Its secret lies in the supple but exceptionally tough separate rubber  layer with enhanced penetration resistance.
  Tricomp technology is based on the use of three different rubber compounds,  each with its own specific properties. This has a positive influence on  durability, rolling resistance and ultimate grip on corners.
&amp;nbsp;
Advanced

  
    Vittoria Corsa Evo CX Tubular Tyre
      List price&amp;nbsp;&pound;54.99
      SAVE 10% = &pound;5.5
      Wiggle price:&pound;49.49
      
      
        Pressure:  8/14 bar (115/200 psi)
        Twin tread  technology
        42mm valve -  Removable
        Use:&amp;nbsp;Road,  Time Trial
        Weight(g):&amp;nbsp;245
        Puncture  protection:&amp;nbsp;Yes
        TPI:&amp;nbsp;320
          
    
  

Corsa CX has proved successful in  road races all over the world, but the new EVO version is bound to even greater  success.
  With a &ldquo;handmade&rdquo; tubular  structure for superior performance and comfort, it has also got a special latex  inner tube that increases its elasticity and puncture resistance. Further  features are the Kevlar&reg; SiO2 3D Compound with added silica - for reduced  rolling resistance and better grip in the wet Our new high density casing - a  true 320 tpi - delivers unbeatable comfort and superior performance with  inflation pressure of up to 200psi!
New PRB 2.0 puncture resistant belting placed underneath the tread increases  the flat prevention properties of the Corsa Evo CX up to 40%, even while  reducing the weight. The new Corsa Evo CX is tougher and faster than ever  before.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Essential Guide to Jackets]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5707.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[
(You can also check out our other guides to: Front Lights, Rear Lights and Turbo Trainers). 
Introduction to  Jackets - Cycle Waterproofs
It has been said  there&#039;s no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothes. We couldn&#039;t  agree more. If you&#039;re a cyclist in the UK and you want to make the most of your  riding time, you have to invest in a waterproof jacket. Thankfully modern  waterproofs are a million miles away from the clammy, leaky crinkly things we  all had as kids. Modern waterproof jackets owe their existence to the fabric  developed by WLGore -&#039;Gore Tex&#039; - these days there are many versions of this  microporous membrane material that stops rain water from getting in but allows  moisture vapour from sweat to escape. The theory is the hard working membrane  keeps you dry.
In reality, it  actually does work - to a point. There is only so much the material can manage  and you will need to manage the venting of your waterproof jacket during  strenuous activity, such as riding up long steep climbs. So, cyclists usually  look for jackets which have a degree more venting options than jackets made for  hiking, climbing or nipping to the shops, details such as pit zips, packets  with  vented backs and even removable sleeves all help cyclists manage their  core temperature during their ride. If you are staying dryer, you are more  comfortable and more comfort means more fun. Fun is good.
Beyond the weather  cheating fabric, you can have as many or as few technical features as you feel  necessary. One of the best selling jackets from Wiggle has been the multi award  winning Pro Speed model from Gill an eVent (now called the dhb eVent Wickham  jacket) fabric jacket stripped of every unnecessary feature, leaving only it&#039;s  great cycling ergonomics. But if you think you need handwarmer pockets, a map  pocket, stowable hood or arm pit zip vents, then there are models with those  too. Modern waterproof jackets are so comfortable and stylish, you&#039;ll probably  end up wearing them off the bike for other outdoor activities as well as  cycling.
Entry level:
Even entry level  waterproof jackets can be peppered with features and you can expect these  jackets to do the business in foul weather situations. Look for microporous  laminate materials, sealed seams, storm flap, pocket baffles and some ergonomic  tuning for the cycling position.
Intermediate:
  Many of the more  expensive waterproof jackets will feature higher quality materials which will perform  better under more severe rainfall situations. Many feature laser cut, thermally  welded seams removing the needle holes created with traditional thread which  can lead to water ingress. Fit and ergonomics may be more tailored to riding.
  Performance:
This is where the  extra expense makes a huge difference. Premium price means premium quality from  the basic ability to shed water for extended periods, through to a more  function specific design ethos, jackets may be stripped for sleek performance  or loaded with the highest level of features.
Gore Fusion II Waterproof Cycling Jacket (More Details)

  
    
      GORE-TEX&reg;  Performance Shell
      Highly  functional material mix
      Slim fit
      Reflective  print for more safety
      Close-fitting  hood
      Stow-away  hood in collar
      Zip tags  for easy opening
      Zip-underflap  and zip-port
      Napoleon  pocket with zip
      Pre-shaped  elbows
      Adjustable  cuff
      Ventilation  slits with zips at back of sleeves
      Ventilation  in back
      Lasercut  pouched pocket with zipper
      Fold-away  shirt tail, extra-long
      Hem-width  adjustable by easy-to-use covered cord stoppers and elastic draw-cord
      Press-stud fastening for       cord on inside
      
        
    
  

Wiggle price: &pound;242.99 (BUY NOW) 
dhb Wickham eVENT Waterproof Cycling Jacket (More Details)

  
    
      Fully taped seams - makes the garment 100% waterproof
      Waterproof YPK zipper on the front
      Velcro adjustable cuffs
      Drop-tail hem 
      High slim line collar design
      Single-handed adjustable waist pullers
      Reflective piping and dhb branding
      
	  An award winning jacket which compromises nothing when it comes to performance and comfort. Made from the eVENT three-layer fabric &ndash; one of the most breathable fabrics on the market - this superlight shell looks the part and certainly delivers. Its fully taped seams make it 100 per cent waterproof while the Velcro adjustable cuffs, waterproof front zipper and reflective piping and dhb branding all combine to help keep you dry, warm and safely seen. The drop-tail hem and high slimline collar design give this jacket a sleek look.
	  
    
  

Wiggle price: &pound;65.99 (BUY NOW) - SAVE 45%! 
Altura Nevis Waterproof Cycling  Jacket (More Details)

  
    
      Altec waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric
      Airflow underarm/back vents
      Internal front storm flap with rain gutter
      Dropped tail
      Velcro adjustable cuffs
      Drawcorded hem
      Fleece lined collar
      Stores in own rear pocket
      Fabrics Used:&amp;nbsp;Altek 2 layer
      Fit:&amp;nbsp;Performance
      Venting:&amp;nbsp;Pit And Back Vents
      
   The Nevis is now produced in a  more vibrant blue and with a xxxl size option with new features including a  chest pocket with water repel zip, a water repel front zip and increased tail  reflectivity. Altec waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric 
Wiggle price: &pound;44.99 (BUY NOW) 
    
  
]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Essential Guide to Front Lights]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5700.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Introduction to Lights - Front
(You can check out the guide to rear lights HERE too.)
    
      
        If you&#039;re not currently making use of the dark winter nights to keep up your saddle time, you&#039;re seriously limiting your bike time. Time and technology have moved on from the dark and flickering lights of yesteryear. Modern bike lights are lightweight and longer running, thanks to great advances in battery technology, brighter, thanks to clearer lenses and more finely focussed reflectors. Sooner or later every bike rider is going to need a set quality bicycle lights weather lightweight units just for the odd early/late commute, right up to the latest high tech super bright lights designed for those who like to get out during the night for a more sporting ride.
        
      
    
    Front lights vary in price greatly, ranging from lights to be seen with in city traffic to ones that will light up the trail for off road riding at night, so choosing the right light for your needs is important. LED&#039;s are the common choice for cycle lights now and have many benefits, longer run times and life being the two most important.  Just try to choose the correct light for your needs, the following guide should help you with some of the most common features and terms used on today&#039;s lights.
    Considerations before you buy
    
      
        
        Before buying, it would be worth considering the following:
Where will you be riding? Will it be on well lit roads, country lanes or off road? There is a light for you to fulfill all these needs. If you will be riding on well lit roads a compact styled LED light is the best option, their bright nature means other road users can see them (and you) over duller lights, they are especially effective when used in there flashing mode.

If you are riding on unlit roads, such as country lanes, you will need a light which gives off a beam that you can see with, again LED&#039;s are commonly used, lights intended for this purpose will feature specific lens technology to spread the beam across the riding surface.
      
    
    Off road lighting
    If riding off road you really should be looking at a rechargeable light set, the more you spend, the better you get with regards to lens and battery technology. More sophisticated lenses offer improved light spread which means you can ride quickly, safely, see obstacles more clearly and ride with confidence. Battery technology improves run times, especially in cooler conditions, which can reduce run times in Lead Acid and NiCad battery powered systems. When viewing lights look for run times, brightness levels/type and features such as battery warning indicators for off-road use, if one of these is not featured it can cut short an evening ride and leave you in the dark (always take a backup light for emergencies, compact LED&#039;s are ideal due to their long battery run times). 
    Rechargeable Battery Types


        
          Batteries have a huge impact on the light, the more you spend the better the battery should be, higher quality batteries will provide longer run times and more versatility with regards to charge cycles. The four main battery types which are used in rechargeable lights are as follows, Lead Acid is the most basic, followed by NiCad (Nickel Cadmium), then NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) and finally the superior Li-Ion (Lithium Ion). Battery run times are dependent on a few factors, temperature, bulb output mode and time. Flashing and low output levels will increase the run time, but you cannot ride off road in these modes. Each battery type has different care requirements, which means slightly different techniques for storage and recharging, these must be followed to maximize battery life and avoid damage.
          
        

      Lead acid and NiCad (Nickel-Cadnium) 
	  are the cheapest, they are low in technology and heavier than the more sophisticated Ni-MH and Li-Ion. NiCad batteries need to be fully discharged (but not over-discharged) before recharging to prevent damage to the battery. This means you cannot do small top up charges (which could damage the battery). Always refer to the manufacturers guidelines when charging and discharging a battery. Lead acid and NiCad are also sensitive to cold weather and run times will be reduced, so do not rely on the maximum run times and always keep a backup light with you in case of being caught away from home, a compact LED is ideal as it can be used to get you to and from your off road or unlit section of the ride.
   Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
   are a popular choice of battery as they are easier to maintain than the Lead acid and Ni-Cad battery types, they also do not require a full discharge before recharging, you also have the benefit of twice the capacity of a NiCad, which means increased run times and more versatility.
   Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion) 
   are the most sophisticated of all the battery types and are used in mobile phones and cameras, they offer low weights and superior run times to all other types, but they do cost more than the other three types. But when you consider their low weight, longer run times and ease of maintenance they are often the most cost effective choice in the long term.
Entry Level Lights

          
            Generally the entry level is dominated by commuting lights which use standard off-the-shelf alkaline batteries. It is extremely rare to find filament bulbs as most modern lights now use some form of LED bulbs for durability, long life and better battery performance. Look out for water resistant housings, low battery indicators, quick release mounting brackets.
            
          


Intermediate Level Lights

      
        You&#039;re now starting to get serious about front lights and many at thislevelwill be offered with integrated battery packs or chargers which plug directly into the light units themselves. This means lights can be used and recharged at home ofoffice using chargers supplied with the lights. Some will have helmet mount options too, so check the spec if that&#039;s a feature you think you&#039;d like.
          
        
      

    Performance Level Lights
    
      
        
        The prices of the top of the range bicycle lights can make you wince, butnot as much as their incredible ability to light up the night can. Again most are using LED bulbs but with a variety of lightweight high discharge Lithium based battery types which can give burn times that will have you riding most of the night if you wish to do so.
        
      
    
NiteRider MiNewt Mini USB Front Light
    
       USB Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack
      O-ring mount with easy release tab (fit any bar)

      Only 175 grams!
      110+ Lumens
      3:00 HR Run Time
      System Contains: Battery, Smart charger, Bar mount
       First bike light to feature a Li-ion battery capable of being charged from the USB port of your PC or wall outlet
      Full-featured, yet even more miniature sized, lighting system
      Minewt Mini is suitable for both on and off road use
      MiNewt Mini-USB utilises a glassfibre reinforced plastic casing that is tough as nails
      Light is captured and focused using a specially developed reflector
      Low-loss borofloat glass lens to ensure it produces over 110 lumens of bright usable light
      MiNewt Mini-USB now features a battery charging indicator
      Switching from red to green when the battery is fully charged

    Wiggle price &amp;pound;79.99 (More HERE) 
    &amp;nbsp;
    Exposure Strada Front Light
    
       Output: 480 Lumen Output on Max
      Emitters: Seoul P4 x 2
      3 hour burn time on High Beam, 10hr on Dip Beam plus flashing mode (days!)
      Lithium Ion Battery Technology - long life, low memory
      Smart Port Technology - run rear lights etc (not at same time as remote switch)
      Quick Release Bracket
      Light Mode Indicator/Fuel Gauge
      Cable free - fully contained design
      Accepts Piggyback batteries - extend the burn times
      Weight: 228g with QR bracket
      Sealed against the elements
      Two year full warranty
      The only highout LED front light on the market that is specifically designed for Road use
      The twin collimated lens technology gives two beam batterns, Flood and Flat
      Remote switch is supplied as standard so the light can be operated easily from the handlebars with thick winter gloves on
    
Wiggle price &amp;pound;219.49 (More HERE) 
&amp;nbsp;
Light And Motion Seca LED 900 Ultra Rechargeable Front
    
      New leader of the pack for when you need maximum output and maximum run time!
      High output 6 LED lightset
      Custom engineered reflector provides an optimised beam pattern which gives a broad coverage and long line-of-sight
       A tight top cut off; no wasted light into the sky, concentrated centre for a long line of sight
      Reflectors are the best way to control beam pattern, whereas lenses filter light and can dramatically reduce output
      Multiple power settings with programmable cruise or race modes
      Cast aluminium heat sink and cooling fins
      Stainless steel posi-click on/off button
      Includes multi-chem smart charger with short 3.30 hour recharge time
      9-cell 11.1v Li-Ion battery weighs only 486 g
      Low battery warning and auto shut-off to prevent damage
      Universal, tool-free bar and helmet mounts included!
      Multi-sport head strap compatible
      Lumens / run time, High: 900 / 3.30 hours, Medium: 450 / 7 hours, Low: 225 / 14 hours, Flash: n/a / 100+ hours
      Includes hard storage case with internal dividers for storing lights when not in use
      System weight: 686 grams
    
Wiggle price &amp;pound;524.49 (More HERE) ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Essential Guide to Rear Lights]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5699.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[
(You can check out the guide to front lights HERE too.)
Rear lights are essential safety items for any rider looking to ride in the dark. With the roads around the UK busier than ever with more cars and lorries than any other country in Europe, it is essential that as cyclists using the roads, we are seen as clearly as possible by drivers. We believe it&#039;s worth having more than one rear light fitted and in operation in-case of a failure, this means a secondary light is active until you notice the first has stopped, a common system is to use one in flashing and one in constant mode, this maximizes visibility and improves the chance of being seen.
Light technology has been changing in recent years. The days of traditional light bulbs are over and all modern rear lights use LED bulbs - they&#039;re lighter, brighter and longer running - and finally legal as your sole source of rear light. They are now becoming commonplace in the automotive industry due to their long life and efficient light output, one car to use them to great effect is the Audi R8.
LED&#039;s produce a piercing beam, which can be seen through poor weather conditions such as fog and rain, most also have the option of a flashing mode which draws even more attention to them. LED&#039;s stands for Light Emitting Diode, a Diode consumes much less power than a normal filament bulb, this improves run times considerably, upwards of 50 hours is not uncommon and makes them very cost effective in the long term.
The choices boil down to how many LED&#039;s you want the light to have, their relationship (stick or cluster) and the sort of lighting programmes you want (static and a wide variety of flashing options). All rear lights come with a quick release mounting bracket to attach them to seat posts, and some also come equipped with clothing clips so the lights can be fitted to the loops found on the rears of some jackets or attached to the straps of cycling packs.

Entry Level:
These will probably rely on between one and three AAA batteries for power with the exception of the super small single LED units which use a single watch battery. These diminutive rear lights are best used as a back up to other more substantial rear lights.
Intermediate:
As the price of rear lights increases slightly, you can expect the lights to have increased levels of waterproofing - water ingress is the number one killer of all rear lights short circuiting them.
Performance:
Welcome to the best quality rear lights. Waterproof housings, quick release mountings, power efficient circuitry to maximise run times, top quality LED bulbs and reflector designs for the brightest possible lights.
Blackburn Mars 3.0 LED Safety Rear Light (More details) 

  
    
      Seven super bright red LEDs
      Custom lens optics
      Patented flashing rate
      Premium quality LEDs
      Side LEDs provide 180 degrees of safety boosting light output
      Water-resistant case helps protect the batteries and electronics inside
      Tough rubber moulding for durability, knock resistance and added protection
      150 hour run time in flashing mode
      Bike mount included, and an integral clip allows light to be fitted to bags and clothing
      Requires 2 x AAA batteries (Panasonic batteries included)
      Blackburn no-quibble lifetime warranty
      To change batteries: Remove 3 screws in rear of light and unclip orange section from main body
    
    
  

Named after a bright red planet visible from afar, the Mars 3.0 rear light has seven super-bright red LEDs inside a sleek water-resistant case, and has a no-quibble lifetime warranty.
Wiggle price: &amp;pound;14.49 (BUY NOW) 
NiteRider Cherry Bomb Rear Light (More details) 


Light Source - 3x LEDs
Light Mount - Seatpost or clip
Battery - 2x AAA (included)
Flash Mode - Flash or steady
Weight - 84g



  
    
    The NiteRider Cherry Bomb is one of the most visible standalone tail lights available.
      It&#039;s super bright 1/2 watt central LED puts out enough light to ensure you are seen from as far as a mile away. NiteRider then combine this super bright LED with a special lens that spreads the light horizontally, but not vertically. 
    The horizontal dispersion of light ensures you&#039;ll be seen by anyone, anywhere behind you. And if thats not enough, the super bright central LED is flanked by a couple of additional ones that combine to make its startling flashing mode the most noticeable around.
  

The NiteRider Cherry Bomb fits in seconds to either your seatpost or bag with its integrated clip. It has also been designed to run just as well on rechargeable batteries (many lights suffer from poor performance with rechargeables), so you can be kinder to the environment. All in all it is the ultimate commuter tail-light.
Wiggle price: &amp;pound;19.99 (BUY NOW) 
Fibre Flare Ultimate Safety Tail Light (Single) - More Details 

  
    
      Visible over 300 metres (over 1000 feet)
      Up to 20 times more illuminated surface area than regular rear lights
      75hrs burntime (flashing mode) using 2 x AAA batteries
      Silicone slings for frame attachment are included k 180&amp;iexcl; + visability
    
      The ultimate safety light! Fibreflare uses the latest super-bright fibre-optic technology in a bendable tube with multiple attachment options.
      Versatile design allows this product to be mounted on seatposts, chainstays, bags or clothing. It includes steady and blinking functions in the world&#039;s fully omnidirectional bike light.
    Wiggle price: &amp;pound;26.99 (BUY NOW) 
    
  


]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Essential Guide to Turbo Trainers]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5698.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[
(You can also check out our other guides to: Front Lights, and Rear Lights). 
Cycling is a time and labour intensive sport, there are no shortcuts to success. Perhaps not good news for the time poor among us, but there is a piece of equipment all cyclists should own which will help maximise the training time you do have - especially when it&#039;s dark, wet or just inconvenient to be &#039;out there&#039;. A turbo trainer.
A traditional turbo trainer is basically a tubular steel bi/tripod which holds your bike by the rear axle, attached to the trainer is a steel or rubber cylinder on which the rear tyre sits. As you ride the bike, the rear wheel turns the cylinder which in turn is attached to a resistance unit. Some adjust the resistance applied to the rear wheel automatically as your power output increases, others are user adjustable. Most will accept a wide range of wheel sizes covering 26in mountain bike, 650c and 700c road sizes. There are also versions which work in unison with a PC and others which don&#039;t require a separate bike, adaptations of the static bikes found in gyms and health clubs - ideal if you&#039;ve got the space. When buying a turbo trainer you need to know what you&#039;re looking for as there are a lot of small but critical differences between essentially identical looking pieces of equipment. There&#039;s the type of resistance unit, wind, magnetic or fluid - each make different amounts of noise (wind being the loudest and fluid being the quietest), manual or auto resistance adjustments, computer readout.
Only you will know how much technology you want or need from your turbo trainer. Wiggle stock a range of units from several manufacturers across the price band from entry level right up to something a pro racer will recognise. Training on a turbo trainer allows you to focus on particular aspects of your riding or fitness without the distractions that occur when out on the road or trail, there are no cars, no rain or slippery mud to deal with, just you your bike and your goal for the session. Some riders love turbo training, loving the hum of the spinning tyre, others find turbo training hard mentally because there&#039;s little outside stimulus. You&#039;ll know in minutes which you are. For those who need something extra to keep them spinning, some trainers come with instructional DVD&#039;s for a degree of coaching, other users may simply opt for an MP3 player and inspirational music, or their favourite bike DVD for inspiration through the perspiration.
When you&#039;ve got serious training ahead, get it done on a turbo trainer.
Entry level:
To experience the benefits of owning and using a turbo trainer needn&#039;t cost a fortune. Wiggle has a wide range of solid, easy to use entry level turbos from the top brands and all are designed to make the most of your valuable training time.
Intermediate:
  Race regularly or just like to be on the very best form every time you hit the roads or trails, these trainers offer all the versatility you need. You can expect these trainers to be sturdier, quieter and smoother running than the cheaper ones. Look out for electronic accessories to enhance your training.
Performance:
  These are the top level competition indoor trainers, often using smoother, quieter and stronger construction combines with state of the art electronics to create a state of the art indoor training.
Tacx Bushido Wireless Ergo Trainer (More Details) 
The world&#039;s first wireless ergotrainer. The Bushido is the newest ergotrainer by Tacx and by far the most advanced available today. Its technically revolutionary design only goes to confirm why Tacx leads the way in the world of trainers.
The Bushido is entirely wireless, you do not need to plug it into the grid. Demanding cyclists like you can now ride wherever they want in the world, indoors and outdoors.
But that is not all there is to the Bushido. Not only will the handlebar-mounted computer show you all the necessary information (power, heart rate, cadence, speed, time, etc.) on its graphic display, it also features capacitive keys that will react to the energy from your fingers. Operation is stunningly easy; the menus have been designed such that you can start at once.

  
    If you are looking for more and personalise the Bushido with your own training programs and user information than of course you can too. It goes without saying that the sturdy frame stands firmly on any surface or floor. The Bushido also has a very powerful braking system with a flywheel that is entirely integrated into the shell. The Bushido is equipped with led lamps. If you put out more power the red LED lamps will light up more brightly; if you are riding at a lower intensity the green LED lamps will have the upper hand. This is a fun way of visualising your performance.
    
    
  

The Bushido combines top notch technology and great design. Because there are no cables, set-up will take just 30 seconds. With the Bushido it is even possible to do a pre-programmed warm-up work out only minutes before the start of your race. There is no need for a power socket and you can put the Bushido where ever you like. 
With the Tacx Trainer software from the Upgrade PC Bushido, you will have the countless possibilities of the Tacx Virtual Reality trainers at your disposal and you will be able to ride routes with Google Earth.
Wiggle price: &amp;pound;599.00 (BUY NOW)

Tacx Satori Blue High Power Cycle Trainer (More Details) 
Supplied with the trainer, padded storage bag and Amstel Gold cycling DVD, the Satori is the warm-up trainer of choice for Pro Teams. The very robust Satori frame will stand its ground almost anywhere and has been designed to withstand incredible forces.

  
    
    The brake consists of a very powerful Neodymium magnet, an extra large steel flywheel and a handlebar mounted shift lever. At low pedalling frequencies this trainer can generate extremely high power. It is for instance possible to generate 400 watt at the relatively low speed of 27 km/h (17 m/h).
    The Satori Blue is supplied with an exclusive high quality carrier bag and with a Video Cycling film in order to make your training more adventurous and pleasurable. In the film of the Amstel Gold Race you are cheered on by the thousands of spectators along the roadside.
  

Wiggle price: &amp;pound;189.49 (BUY NOW)

CycleOps Classic Wind  Turbo Trainer (More Details) 

  
    The CycleOps wind trainer represents great value, offering solid performance at   a great price. Simple and elegant in design, the wind trainer&#039;s fan uses air to   create smooth, progressive resistance. Vortex blade design is high-power,   low-noise, that generates progressive resistance for an effective realistic   workout, whether spinning or climbing is your focus. Simply increase your effort   by shifting gears like you would on the road.
      Wiggle price: &amp;pound;111.99 (BUY NOW) 
    
    
  


Elite Ghibli Parabolic Rollers (More Details) 

  
    
    Simple to fold away and transport with three thermoplastic drums mounted into an adjustable frame allow all sizes of cycle to be used. The cycle can move freely and therefore requires constant balance - giving a more realistic ride feel indoors, whatever the weather. The parabolic shape helps the cycle stays in the centre of the rollers for safer use - rollers have never been so easy to ride!
      Smaller centre section diameter increases effort required. Sealed bearings guarantee a smooth, efficient pedaling action and is very quiet in operation. Super smooth rollers using larger diameter drums with a Parabolic shape to help keep you centered on the rollers.
    
  

The Elite Ghibli Parabolic Rollers are ideal for a recovery session or to warm up at an event, they fold flat enough to be carried in the boot and provide an ideal warm up solution when on your race tyres or tubulars. Why risk a puncture warming up on the road?
Rollers offer very low resistance and are ideal to get your heart rate and muscles warmed up, they have been used for years by track cyclists in-between events due to the stop start nature of the sport. They also help hone your bike handling skills and improve pedalling technique, making you smoother and more efficient when on the bike.
Wiggle price: &amp;pound;143.99 (BUY NOW) ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Multipower Bike Tips]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5690.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[
  
    
          
  
  
    Nutritional challenges  for cyclists:
      Cycle training, whether for triathlon, road racing or time trialling, usually involves long hours of training either on the road, turbo, rollers or race circuit. As a result, regular riders require a high energy, nutrient rich diet in order to stay with the pace on long rides, recover properly between weekly training sessions or races and prevent mid-season fatigue or illness. It is not uncommon for club cyclists and age group triathletes to cover 150-200 miles a week in training with elite and pro-riders frequently covering twice this distance!
        The average calorie and carbohydrate needs of a club cyclist average 38-48 Kcal / Kg of bodyweight and 5-8g carbohydrate / Kg / day. Elite / Pro riders may need around 60 Kcal / Kg and 8-12g carbohydrate / Kg respectively! 
      
      Pre-training
      Following an overnight fast, it is important that a swimmer boosts depleted bloodA well-planned pre-ride meal, consisting of &lsquo;slow-burning&rsquo; carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein will release a steady supply of sugar into the bloodstream to fuel the early stages of your ride. This &lsquo;baseline&rsquo; energy supply can then be easily topped up with fast-release carbohydrates on the road. 
      Some ideal pre-ride meals, eaten about 2 hours before the start could include any of the following:
            
    
      
        
      
      
        In a two hour + race, it&#039;s important to keep   your glycogen levels high throughout.  
          I always make sure I have a 750ml bottle   full of Multipower Iso Drink and two Multi Carbo gels on the bike.
      
      
        
      
    
  
  
    
        Porridge (half milk / half water) with sultanas and apple.
        Scrambled egg or baked beans on oatmeal or granary toast.
        Dried fruit (apples, apricots, peaches, pears) stewed in apple juice with low fat yogurt and honey.
        Wholemeal English Muffins with peanut butter and jam.
        A ham salad sandwich on granary bread.
        A bowl of chunky vegetable soup and a wholegrain baguette
    
      Try to drink at least 500ml with this meal, water or an electrolyte drink are good choices, but a hot drink such as weak tea or hot blackcurrant / honey and lemon can be a good psychological boost on cold days.
      During training
      During endurance rides, a common mistake is not to start taking fuel on board early enough, especially if it&rsquo;s not long since your last meal. However, if you are planning to be out for 3-6 (or more!) hours of riding, you still need to start topping up your blood sugar within the first half an hour of the ride. The dreaded &lsquo;bonk&rsquo; or blood sugar low that can leave you feeling at best empty and despondent and at worst wheels-up in the gutter, can creep up on you very suddenly. Trying to get your blood sugar back to normal whilst continuing to burn energy riding is extremely difficult and not very enjoyable!
      On the other hand, stopping mid-ride for a great big &lsquo;fry-up&rsquo; isn&rsquo;t a great idea either! A large, high fat meal will sit in your stomach and may feel as if it is going to end up on the road rather than propel you up it!
        
      The best strategy is to start eating and drinking early and snack regularly as you go; then make the &lsquo;coffee stop&rsquo; another light top up say of fruit cake and a drink or toast and hot chocolate rather than a full meal; this will leave you feeling energised but not bloated and sluggish.
      Ideas for &lsquo;on the bike&rsquo; snacks include:
      
        Malt loaf or Hot X Buns.
         Fig rolls or dried fruit bars.
        Energy or cereal bars.
        Filled Panini halves (Tour rider&rsquo;s favourite fit perfectly in jersey pockets, please wrap well!!)
        Home-made trail mix (Throw together handfuls of dried fruits, bite size cereals, nuts and seeds, home-made popcorn and a few chunks of dark chocolate (on winter rides only!)
        Jelly sweets or liquorice (in moderation)
        Oat cakes or plain biscuits.
        Bananas and other fruit that will travel well.
      
      Again, in cold weather, a thermal bottle containing a hot drink can encourage you to drink enough if cold fluids don&rsquo;t appeal, you will still sweat a lot especially when wearing several layers.
      Post-training
      Eat and drink within 15-30 minutes of getting off your bike! This is one of your most important strategies to accelerate recovery, reduce post-race soreness and help your immune system. Palatable, easy to consume options could include:
      
        Low fat chocolate milk.
        Rice pudding.
        Recovery drinks (carbohydrate:protein mix)
        Sandwiches.
        Cereal and milk.
        A banana and a sports bar.
      
      Accompany these with a sports drink or add an electrolyte tablet to your water to help rehydrate your body faster.
      
      Competition
      A pre-competition meal is vital to top-off muscle and liver glycogen stores that a well planned taper or recovery period will have loaded up. As well as fuelling the muscles, liver glycogen provides fuel for the brain to ensure that you are concentrating on those sharp corners and technical flying dismounts !! In addition, racing with sufficient fuel in your system will reduce the impact of high intensity exercise on the immune system thus warding off the dreaded post-race coughs and colds.
      Generally, follow the same principles as a pre-training ride meal &ndash; tried and tested foods are always the best (and safest) option! However, as in previous articles, keep the fat and fibre content of the meal low as when exercising at high intensity, these nutrients may cause stomach upset. So choose white bread or bagels rather than wholegrain, add banana to your porridge rather than lots of dried fruit and have egg or low fat soft cheese rather than beans on toast on race day!
      If you have eaten this meal 2-3 hours before racing, a good proportion of this carbohydrate will have been used up with just the pre-race excitement (or panic!) and bike racking / registration activities. So remember to top up your blood sugar with a gel or approximately 200-250ml of sports drink about ten minutes before the start (practise this before a high intensity workout).
      During an endurance event such as an Olympic distance (or longer) triathlon or a road race or longer distance time trial, you will need a PLAN to get your nutrition right as your focus on the day will (hopefully) be on racing not food and drink; you need to be able to switch to &lsquo;auto-eat mode&rsquo;! In shorter distance races (up to say half-Ironman / 50 mile cycle races), gels and sports drinks are usually adequate. However for Ironman and century rides, many athletes find that solid foods can help to offset distracting hunger pangs. Whichever fuel you choose, formulate a plan that will give you 30-60g of carbohydrate along with 1-2 litres of fluid an hour. Cutting energy bars or other foods into portions containing approximately 20g of carbohydrate and eating one piece every 20 minutes is a good way to monitor your intake or set your watch to bleep every 15-20 minutes to remind you to drink / take on fuel.
      Finally, always ensure that you have a snack and electrolyte drink or recovery drink in your transition or kit bag that you can face consuming immediately after the race (see post-race nutrition). 
      Remember
      Planned Picnics Power Pedalling Perfectly &ndash; enjoy your ride!
    &amp;nbsp;
  
  

  
    
      
        
      
      
                  
        
                    
        
      
        Multi Carbo Bar - Creatine
          Energy bar with 60% carbohydrates and 17% high-quality lactoprotein 
          
          
        Recovery Bar
          Delicious plain-chocolate coated carbohydrates-protein bar
          
          
        
      
        
      
          
    For more info check out the Multipower website
       ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pedal it Pink in 2010]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5681.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Breast Cancer Campaign&rsquo;s women-only cycle ride, Pedal it Pink, sponsored by Santander, is set to take the nation by storm in 2010 with three events already announced and more to follow.

The first Pedal it Pink of 2010 will take place in Lee Valley Park, Essex/Herts, on Sunday 28 March.  So if you have a &lsquo;get fit goal&rsquo; for the New Year this is a perfect event to enter to help motivate you to keep training.

Following the success of the very first Pedal it Pink, which took place in Liverpool in spring 2009, the event will return to Sefton Park on Sunday 18 April 2010, with hopes of being an annual challenge in the city. 

Olympic cycling champion, Victoria Pendleton is an ambassador of Pedal it Pink and took part in the first Liverpool event with her mum. She said: &ldquo;I really enjoyed the event, it was refreshing not to ride on a road for a change. It was so good to see so many women out there supporting such a great cause and everyone was really supportive of one another, clapping and cheering each other on.  What a great way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon!&rdquo;

Pedal it Pink has a variety of cycle routes to choose from so there is something to suit all abilities. Beginners can opt for the 5k Family Lap (which is also open to the men and children in your life) and those wishing to push themselves that little bit further can select either a half (13.1miles) or full (26.2miles) marathon distance. At each event, all routes will be completely enclosed within a park, so it&rsquo;s safe, traffic-free and suitable for all existing and aspiring cyclists.

Each year 45,500 women and 300 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. Although it is the most common cancer, thanks to research funded by charities such as Breast Cancer Campaign, around 80 per cent of women diagnosed today will be alive in five years&rsquo; time.  

Samantha Gold, Senior Events Manager at Breast Cancer Campaign said: &ldquo;We are delighted to announce the new 2010 dates and venues for Pedal it Pink.  Our first year was such a huge success with over 1,200 ladies pedalling away in pink to help the charity to fund vital research into breast cancer. 

&ldquo;We have raised over &pound;100,000 so far through Pedal it Pink and would like to encourage you to help us continue to add to this amount by joining us for the 2010 events.  Not only is cycling a great way to stay fit but the challenge of the event is sure to make it a fun day out for friends and family with all proceeds going to a very worthwhile cause.&rdquo;

Further Pedal it Pink events are planned for 2010 including one up North and another further South, as well as a repeat of the Nottingham event, which will take place at Holme Pierrepont on 17 October 2010. Details of these events will be available on the website as soon as they are confirmed.

If you would like to register for one of the Pedal it Pink rides and help put the brakes on breast cancer, please visit www.breastcancercampaign.org, email pedalitpink@breastcancercampaign.org or call 020 7749 3700. 

Cycling is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, which helps to burn fat and if done regularly contributes to a healthy lifestyle.  Cycling is also great for toning leg muscles and can burn up to 500 calories an hour. ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spinervals launches it’s UK website]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5649.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[UK  Triathlon Distributor &#039;Tri Specific&#039; is pleased to announce the launch of it&#039;s  Spinervals website. Having been appointed as the official UK supplier, the  dedicated site will offer the complete Spinervals and Coach Troy training DVD  ranges from the USA.
With the  dark, cold nights drawing in and the turbo trainers being dusted off once  again, Spinervals will give you the perfect training partner this winter, to  stay motivated and work hard towards a successful 2010 racing season. Be it  working on your base aerobic cycling fitness, strength specific or indoor hill  sessions, Coach Troy Jacobson will certainly motivate you to the max and enjoy  your time on your indoor trainer. Be warned though &amp;ndash; it could be very hard  work!
Not only  will you find the infamous Spinervals Competition and Fitness cycling workouts  but also Runervals series - for dedicated treadmill workouts, Ultra  Conditioning - helping you to improve your off season strength and conditioning,  Flexible Warrior - covering yoga and flexibility for triathletes, the Iron Girl  and Snow Angel series offering novice and women triathletes specific and  progressive training sessions across all sports. What ever your level and race  goals for 2010, Coach Troy will be able to help you raise your game this winter  and hit the start line in the best shape.
Spinervals  have been used worldwide by triathletes and cyclists for many years and cover  all abilities and training phases from base, strength, power, hill and  threshold / interval sessions and even a &amp;lsquo;hardcore 100&amp;rsquo; session for you budding  iron distance athletes. Check out the site for more about Coach Troy and the  range of almost 100 titles.
The full  range of Spinervals and Coach Troy training DVD&amp;rsquo;s are available now at our  secure online store at www.triathlonspecific.com and at triathlon and cycling stores nationwide, including www.tfn.uk.com. ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[The New 2010 Shimano Ultegra 6700 Complete Carbon bike for £999 from Planet-X Bikes]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5629.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Planet-X have created one of the best buy bikes in 2009 by teaming their award winning SL Pro Carbon frame, the NEW 2010 Shimano Ultera 6700 groupset, currently retailing at &pound;825, and bringing it to you at a staggering &pound;999.

This is the new 2010 Shimano Ultegra 6700 groupset, lighter, more stylish and advanced by the latest Dura-Ace technologies.

Two weeks ago they launched the &pound;999 SL Pro Carbon with Shimano Ultegra SL and within 24-hours they were sold out.

Go to their website for more details of the specification and some great big pictures. It&#039;s an exceptional race quality bike and extraordinary value.

Or you could make the jump to Ti. They are also offering the New 2010 Shimano Ultegra 6700 groupset on their Award Winning Ti Pro Road and Ti Sportive frames, again at a silly price. Their Ti Pro Road was rated 10/10 by 220 magazine and Cycling Weekly, and Cycling Plus rated their Ti Sportive 9/10.

The NEW 2010 Shimano Ultegra 6700 Groupset has transfomed its appearance. Carbon brake levers, hidden cables and the bolt-free face of the hollow outer chainring are all adopted from the top-end Dura-Ace group.

Call them now on 01302 724000 or 01302 722111 if you need expert advice about sizing or have any questions about this offer and one of their experienced cyclists and cycling champions working at Planet X will be happy to help you.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Review: Skins Cycle (men)]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5575.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Following on from yesterday&#039;s review of the Skins Cycle women&#039;s bib shorts today Ironman athlete, John Franklin, takes a look at the men&#039;s bib version



Another day another compression garment! It seems the sporting market is saturated with new compression gear so any new product needs to be able to stand out from the crowd if it wants to compete, especially when said product retails at around the &pound;127 mark placing it very much in the &ldquo;high end&rdquo; price bracket.

Skins is an Australian company which has its origins in Aussie Rules Football and Rugby. They began by producing gear designed specifically for recovery and then diversified by targeting the &ldquo;during exercise&rdquo; market. They are one the sponsors of Team Columbia-HTC (aka Cav + lead-out train at the present time) and these bib shorts are designed to reduce fatigue whilst riding. The unique sizing guide is one of the things which I have always found sets Skins products apart. Obviously fit is central to the effectiveness of compression gear and often just having S-XXL options is not sufficient. By cross-referencing height with weight you get the product which best fits you.

  
    
    As for the ride quality these things are amazingly comfortable. They are snug in all the right places with a really comfy chamois. Cheaper bib shorts can leave room for chaffing on long rides but that certainly isn&rsquo;t the case here. They are comfortable exactly where you would want them to be without being over tight and cutting of circulation, in short, Skins have achieved the perfect balance. I rode the Chiltern sportive in them (107 miles, 9000ft of climbing and just over six hours in the saddle) and they performed admirably. They were high wicking when the sun was out and dried quickly following a sudden rain shower. My only gripe is that the logo seems to peeling after just two 30c washes, hardly a major issue and not one which impacts the performance.

Testing the effectiveness of compression gear in terms of performance is always a tricky subject and different companies will always claim to increase performance by X%. What I can say for sure is that after six hours plus my legs felt sufficiently strong to run on and that they have now replaced my old bib shorts as first choice whenever I&rsquo;m riding my road bike; definitely worth the price tag.

For more information on all Skins products or to find a stockist click here.
  




]]></description></item></channel></rss>
