Road Cycling

Pre-ride Checks for Your Bike and Bag

Both your steed and your supplies need some attention before you hit the road

Chain and gears

Rachel knew she was forgetting something... Photo: Timothy Armes
The condition of your brakes is one of the most important things about your bike
Don't get distracted by how pretty your handlebar tape is. Although it is nice...
Are your cleats worn?
Amazingly, the BBC weather app recognises the TWC office... ahem.
Clapham to the Le Tour De France wine shop is our most-ridden, obviously.

Chain and gears

Chain of command

Your chain can get pretty gross. Clean it regularly and lube it up: if it’s too dry it wears the chain faster.

How to: Clean your chain in 5 easy steps

On that note, it may be a good idea to check the state of the chain using a chain wear indicator.

Gearing up

Check the shifting between gears. This action should be smooth. If there’s rattling, or the chain skips between cogs, try making small anti-clockwise turns of the barrel adjuster until the chain shifts correctly. Double check that shifting is now smoother. Go to a pro if you’re not confident.

Road Cycling Accessories

Brilliant Bidons: 10 of the Best Water Bottles for your Bike

Here's the problem with cycling: sometimes it's so much fun that you forget to do human stuff like eat and drink. It's ok: you just...

Brilliant Bidons: 10 of the Best Water Bottles for your Bike

Road Cycling Clothing

Review: Le Col Ladies Sport Winter Bib Tights

Beth Hodge gets in full cycling spirit for winter, with the Le Col Ladies Sport Winter Bib Tights.

Review: Le Col Ladies Sport Winter Bib Tights

Road Cycling Clothing

10 of the Best: Three Quarter Length Tights

Three-quarter length tights, or 'knickers' as they're known State-side, are pretty much the ultimate in adaptable cycling bottoms. Perfect for trans-seasonal periods.

10 of the Best: Three Quarter Length Tights