About bikes, cycling and cycle to work - Tredz Blog

Jody's World Championship update

On his return from the para-cycling world championships in Bordeaux, Jody called in to show us his latest medals. The gold looks rather good on the green jersey! We took the opportunity to have a chat with him about his training and some other stuff.

We were keen to know if he'd modified the spec on his bikes at all to help achieve his impressive results, but both the team issue bike for racing (Trek 5.5 Madone) and his 'Tredz issue' bike for winter training (Giant SCR 1.0) are identical to the one you or I would buy. No excuse for anyone there then...

Cycling for weight loss - week 6

Going steady

Gus's weight loss seems to have settled around 3 lb per week. Weighing in originally at over 21 stone he’s now six weeks into his routine of diet and cycling and is down to 19.7 stone. Four months (17 weeks) left to hit 16 stone!

This week's stats:

Ridden: 58.9 miles (95 kms) (last week: 46.6miles (75 kms))
Ave speed: 13.87 (22.5 km/hr) (last week: 10.01mph/16.1 km/hr)
Time on bike: 4 hrs 12mins (4hrs 51mins last week)
Current weight: 19.7 stone (125.1 kgs)
Weight loss: 3 pounds (1.35 kgs) (4lbs/1.81kg last week)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Bike iPod speaker

Not sure of the usefulness of this gadget, but didn't want to withold this preview (only available in the US at present) to unaware iPod loving UK cyclists.

Much debate in the office about its pro's and con's and as we're not able to buy one for the blog to test drive it, sadly we can't give you an informed opinion at the moment.

We do wonder however if this will be the start of the 'boom box bike' phenomenon. Tinted helmet visors next?

Cycling holidays take off

After the bad press about the many negative effects of our holidays on the environment it's encouraging to read that cycling holidays are as much as 30 per cent more popular than they were two years ago, Mintel's market research reveals.

Last year, 450,000 cycling holidays were booked while the number of people getting on a bike as part of their break grew to 2.25 million.

That seems good news, regardless of whether this is due to an increased awareness of health and fitness issues, concerns about the environment or because we want to do something different.

"Although fly and flop still dominates the mass market, many well-travelled and well-off consumers are growing bored with sun worship and are seeking more active experiences," commented Richard Cope of Mintel.

Some of my mates like to argue about what's a 'true' cycling holiday. Forking out a fair amount of cash to have everything organised and stress-free, or heading off with your bike, a map and a phrase book not knowing what will come across your path. To me this is exactly the beauty of it, whatever your preference, free range or organised, that is your holiday.

It'll be interesting to see if this increased interest in cycling on holiday will continue back home and boost the numbers of people joining cycling clubs and those cycling to work. I don’t suppose any of our blog readers could forward this question to Mintel?
Posted by Caroline

MTB Masters World Championships

We've had news from our 'other' man in France, Julian, who was one of over 1000 athletes taking part in the Mountain Bike Masters World Championships last weekend.

After doing battle with EasyJet, who were less sympathetic to the needs of competition cyclists than to their own commercial interests, Julian and his fellow traveller and Kona rider Andrew Titley ended up flying out minus their spare kit.

At Pra Loup, the track was dust! In some places 2ft of it which was difficult to ride without spiked tyres. Julian had to use the same tyres as for Moelfre, his spikes having been left behind in the excess luggage.

Julian was well ranked after the qualifying runs on Friday and kept his position in the top 5 until some 200m before the finish. A good run into the river followed by an unexpected compression bounced him away from his bike. Despite a super fast recovery it lost him several places, finishing in 29th place 18 seconds after the winner, Shaums March. Full event ranking here, event pictures here.

While it was most disappointing to have such a set-back, Julian qualified for next year's World Championships for which he's definitively taking his car.

Cycling for weight loss - week 5

Another 4lbs off Wee Hee!

Well enough about me, this week I thought I would review some of the kit I’m wearing, namely the Enduro Hummvee Baggie short.

If you’ve been following my weight loss progress you will be aware of my stats, for those of you who haven’t checkout my weight loss Blog.

So if you are of similar girth too myself but can still turn the pedals, these shorts in an xxl will fit a 48”-50” waist with 29” thighs, these are the shorts for you. (This is the first specific cycling short that fit I have bought in ten years)

The shorts themselves are made from a hardwearing nylon that is comfortable and washes well. The pockets are well placed with 2 leg pockets ideal for keys and a mobile phone. On a warm day or a long climb the Humvee has a 6-inch zipped ventilation pocket and leg adjustment using a Velcro strap.

The inner short coolmax padded short is quite technical for a short of this price, and is detachable so you can wear your humvee over any make short/liner.

Tune in next week!

The stats after five weeks of diet and cycling:

Ridden: 46.6 miles (75 kms) (last week: 66.9 miles (107.7 kms))
Ave speed: 10.01 (16.1 km/hr) (last week: 12.65mph/20.4 km/hr) - lower due to an off-road ride
Time on bike: 4 hrs 51mins (4hrs last week)
Current weight: 19.10 stone (121.3 kgs)
Weight loss: 4 pounds (1.81 kgs) (3lbs/1.35kg last week)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

World Championships Bordeaux - 22 August update

He's making it sound so easy: Jody's Bordeaux update for today includes another world record! His time of 50.14 in the Team Sprint was a cracking improvement after 51.08 in heats and got Jody gold again. He was followed by the Chinese (51.8) and the Chech Republic in third place.

Daily updates and all the details are published on Cycling England as soon as they become available.

Watch the videos of both the Team Sprint and the Kilo on YouTube.

Bike hire scheme in Paris is a success

Several sources report that the Vélib bike hire scheme launched in Paris this summer has been most popular despite its quirks. The right colourscheme of the cycles no doubt outweighs the fact that they may be "not suitable for racing or riding hands-free" according to Laurent Fignon, twice Tour de France champion who's otherwise most impressed with the bikes.

It will be interesting to see how the scheme will fare when Paris returns from its holiday season back to work in September.

While several European cities run a similar scheme or are considering one, Beijing has started a "rent a bike" programme to cut pollution in the run up to the Olympics to tackle pollution and congestion in the city.

Going by how complicated the Paris scheme appears to be, a weekend in Paris might be a worthwhile training for anyone planning to visit the Olympics next year.

Gold medal at World Championships

We just heard from Jody in Bordeaux: he's achieved another  gold medal and set a new world record time of 1.08.71 (2nd place came in at 1.11) in the LC2 Kilo. Despite having a cold and a temperature! We wish Jody good luck tomorrow in the Team Sprint.

Para-Cycling World Championships Bordeaux

400 cyclists from 40 nations are taking part in the World Championships in Bordeaux:

• Aug 19th – 24th: World Championships (track)
• Aug 26th – 28th: World Championships (road)

We received an interim update from our sponsored rider Jody Cundy, member of the GB team, who arrived in Bordeaux last week and we look forward to next week's results. Good luck Jody!

As soon as he's back, Jody's straight into the Welsh National Track Championships Aug 31st – Sept 1st.

Sleepless in the Saddle - after a nap

From 'our own correspondent' James, written as soon as he caught up on his sleep following the event.

This year's Sleepless in the Saddle was held at the Catton Hall Estate near Tamworth. It's a 24hr off-road relay race over a 7.5 mile course, starting at 2pm on Saturday afternoon and running right through the night until 2pm on the Sunday.

Being a roadie I wouldn't look at an event like this but I was invited by some good mates to join their mixed team (4 men & 1 lady) called Team Sludge. These guys had done Mountain Mayhem earlier in the year and were looking to improve on their placing.

After a quick check of the course with my team mates we managed to pick up 4 punctures!! The trees and hedges had been freshly cut leaving carpet of thorns hungry for tyre rubber. So another quick team trip to the Kenda stall for a supply of inner tubes and we were ready to race.

At 2pm the first riders set off on a Le Mans style start where they were made to run 1/2 mile before collecting their bikes. All exciting stuff. With the race now underway it was time to check over my Giant XTC 3.5 and get ready to race.

Trek visit in pictures

Unable to get out of the office as much as I'd like, it was fun reading Guy Kawasaki's post about his recent visit to Trek. I never realised Trek had been so close to being called  'Kestrel' or 'Intrepid'.

The story is accompanied by a gallery of pictures including a shot of Lance Armstrong’s 2003 5900 broken drive side chain stay, the history and development of the Madone, OCLV frames and various 'insider' views such as the 'commuter garage' for employee bikes. Can't believe there's apparently a two-bike per employee limit. Imagine having to limit your staff's bike parking!

I'd say the only thing missing is any hint of how Guy got to be invited, which might have come in handy for my next trip to the States.
Posted by Caroline

Cycling for weight loss - week 4

What a difference a month has made, I look and feel 100 times better (comments from reps and staff), clothes I haven't been able to wear for over a year fit again and rather than collapsing on the sofa when I get home, I'm looking for things to do with my exess energy.(lucky Mrs Gus).

As we're one month in I'll include chest (47"/119.4cm) and waist (46"/117cm) measurements too, now that it's more comfortable to mention them.

The stats after four weeks of diet and cycling:

Ridden: 66.9 miles (107.7 kms) (last week: 56.4 miles (90.7 kms))
Ave speed: 12.65mph (20.4 km/hr) (last week: 14.16 mph/22.8 km/hr) -slowed due to head winds, honest
Time on bike: 5 hrs 14mins (4hrs last week)
Current weight: 20 stone (127 kgs)
Weight loss: 3 pounds (1.35 kgs) (2lbs/0.9kg last week)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Xterra MTB enduro reminder

This weekend sees the Xterra UK 50k and 100k mountain bike enduro in Afan Forest Park. If you haven't enrolled, it's still possible to do so on the day. See the Xterra UK website for details.

Orca offer
By the way, need any Tri kit? All Orca now half price online! 

Downhill championships Moelfre

Last weekend, Tredz rider Julian Poffley came third in the Masters at the NPS Downhill at the popular Moelfre track near Oswestry. The Moelfre track is both a great spectator track on open hillside with no trees, and a super fast rolling track with many high speed corners, off camber sections and fast straights.

A great line-up of top downhill mountain bikers made it a very competitive event, in the Masters six riders came within six seconds of the winner David Tallontine who finished with 2:38mins, Julian coming in just 4 seconds later at 2:42mins in third place after Aidan Bishop 2:40mins, out of 33 riders.

It rained the night before the race but the sun and the strong winds soon dried the track out again. The changing conditions didn’t make the choice of tyres easy. Julian decided to stay with his combination of Maxxis Minion front and High Roller at the back on his Cove to tackle the mud and semi-dry conditions. Some riders went for spikes which were great at the start but drifty later on in what was the first dry race this summer.

Racing was super fast on a track which varied from fire road to solid and cut up singletrack with a steep and grippy finish: a fast jump into grass at speeds of 40mph plus. Lots of shots of the downhill champs here.

We wish Julian success in the 2007 UCI Mountain Bike Masters World Championships in Pra Loup, France, next weekend.

Service stars

Getting away for a holiday can be stressful, especially if things don't go according to plan. We're glad when we're able to help sort this out:

Hi Carl,
Just wanted to say a big thank you for the way you handled my problem. I have got my FOX Air 4.0 back from MOJO, I have installed it and my bike is packed in our car ready for the journey to the Alps. I am so thankful that I will be riding my new bike on this holiday! James

It's also fun when customers get their new toys sooner than they expected:

Dear Simon,

I received the bike on Wednesday morning and after ordering on Monday night, I have to say all your personalised service so far has been very impressive and I'd recommend you to my friends.
Many thanks,Lynton

and:

Ordered bike on Friday morning and delivered on Monday morning before 9am. Fantastic service. Please thank everybody concerned.
Regards Graeme

Bike recycling

Here at Tredz we've experienced how difficult it is to find out what to do with unwanted computer equipment. While cycling to work last week on my vintage Diamondback, the thought occurred to me that I had no idea what to do with my bike once it's passed its natural life and wondered what other people do with their old bikes.

After posing this question to various friends whose suggestions were not exactly inspiring, the next stop was the Internet. I'm pleased to report that 'the tip' does not offer the only future for old cycles.

The Bike Station in Edinburgh refurbishes most bikes donated to them, either for donation or for resale to raise funds for their projects. They work with schools and community groups to encourage the use of bikes as a sustainable, green, healthy way to travel. They recycled no less than 35 tonnes of bikes last year.

However, Edinburgh is not necessarily local to you or me and not everyone has the time for a sponsored bike ride to Edinburgh to get there. So, next thing was a look online for other  possibilities for this noble cause. Result: the Bike Recycling website which lists a directory of regional bicycle recycling and re-use projects in the UK, with a brief description and link to the projects. It also has a useful list of other recycling links.

At least one less thing to concern myself about on my ride to work from now on. Phew!
Posted by Caroline

Cycling to work in style

It would seem they're all 'doing it': giving bikes to their employees as part of a green(er) image: IKEA and Google gave 1000's of folding bikes as staff Christmas presents or spring gifts (who needs a reason anyway?) and now Yahoo! has  unveiled their new 'company car'.

You sure have to live local (to Silicon Valley) to bump into someone with a Yahoo edition of the Specialized Globe Comp IG8 commuter bike! Just don't get the point of taking that bike on the tube though. Cyclelicious has more details.

When you've finished licking your lips, consider your two options: apply for a job with one of these green giants, OR, persuade your work to run a Cycle to Work scheme, get yourself a Globe Comp (or folding bike etc, take your own pick) and get out the spray can!

Cycling for weight loss - week 3

In his last week of holiday, Mark emailed the latest results after three weeks of combining diet and cycling to reach his target weight. We will be grilling him on his return to provide more details about his efforts next Thursday.

This week's stats:

After week 3
Ridden: 56.4 miles (90.7 kms) (last week: 57.7 miles (92.8 kms))
Ave speed: 14.16mph (22.8 km/hr) (last week: 13.6 mph (21.9 km/hr))
Time on bike: 4 hrs (4hrs 20 mins last week)
Current weight: 20 stone 3 lb (128.4 kgs)
Weight loss: 2 pounds (0.9 kgs) - same as last week, now totalling 1 stone or 25 packs of butter or 6 bags of sugar. There's a thought!

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 2008

The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 2008 looks like it's going to be one of those pivotal bikes (get it?). Everyone's talking about it; other brands benchmarking against it; retailers struggling to get it; people stopping you on the trail to look at it.

I'd love to say that there's one on it's way to me and I'm testing it this weekend but, alas, I can't. Here's the next best thing though: Ned 'The Lung' Overend testing one. Okay, its not the most comprehensive or objective test, but you get to see the next bike of the year (mark my words) in-situ.

Dangerous Dave score roundup

Since we were notified in February of a 'world beating record' at 2334m we've had nowhere near any such score leave alone anyone beating it. In other words, we have come to suspect the person who submitted this may just have been a) very lucky, b) even more addicted than the rest of you OR c) very good at using image manipulation software.

Official UK score

The Tredz office therefore decrees that the new, true highest UK record stands at 1682m, submitted by Adam after a long hard battle was fought with his colleagues. We understand this has not come to an end as yet. Can we just remind you guys that cycling is a great activitiy to get rid of surplus adrenaline? We sell some great bikes for you to choose from.... :-)

Global score

The best global score goes to T.Y. from Taipei at 1850m who beat Belgian Thierry by some 10 metres.

Alternative categories

In case you missed this, our creative users have also introduced alternative categories such as the shortest and longest record of burying Dave's head in the sand (122m and 934m when submitted). The latter has since been bettered by Larry's score who buried Dangerous Dave's head after 1048m!

To submit new record breaking scores for publication by Tredz HQ, we've 'tightened the rules' and now expect to see both landing and 'best' (at start) pictures showing the score and also a valid email address so we can get back to you if we feel the urge to grill you.

Saris rack in time for holiday

Time-critical, especially fitting in with lunch!

Simon,

Just a quick note to thank you for all your help yesterday - the rack has arrived in good time so that a) we can go on holiday with the bike (brownie points for me) and b) I can go out for my lunch today!
Thanks again, I will certainly recommend your company to others...

Kind regards
Stacy

There may be a lack of sunshine but we like the limelight:

Hi Tredz.

I received my Giant SCR 2.0 yesterday, and just wanted to say thanks for its fast delivery and set up - you even put my computer on for me!

Many thanks,
Suzanne

XTERRA UK Enduro 18th August

XTERRA 50k & 100k Mountain Bike Enduro

This is one of the 'individual component' Xterra events, a 50k and a 100k mountain bike enduro run on the world-class MTB trails in the Afan Forest Park (aka Afan Argoed) on 18th August.

The Glyncorrwg visitor centre is the starting point for both routes and from there it follows Afan's stunning singletrack and fast fire roads. We'd describe the 50k as challenging and the 100k as gruelling (we've been there...). Read more on Xterra.co.uk.

Bike drop

To help you getting your mountain bike to South Wales it's possible to ship your kit ahead and collect it from our bike shop which is about 20 minutes from Afan Forest Park. We'll receive your bike, assemble it and have it ready to race for you. Call us on 01792 560651 for more information, or email info@tredz.co.uk. This service will also be available for the Xterra UK Triathlon in September. (It's not too late to enter by the way.)

Xterra UK Championships training

Athletes preparing for the Xterra UK Championships can still take part in a special training weekend. 'Driven to Tri' training camp for XTERRA UK is run by double Xterra winner Julie Dibens and World Cup mountain biker and top Xterra athlete Sam Gardner. It's held on 11th & 12th August 2007 and will let you experience the course among loads of other activities.

There's a great article on Tri247.com about the Xterra bike course where aforementioned Julie and Sam, joined by top athlete Harry Wiltshire, check out the bike course and provide a tasty preview!

Cycling for weight loss - week 2

Despite being on holiday, Mark phoned in to report last week's results. For the past two weeks he's stuck to his regime of diet and cycling to reach his target weight. This week's stats:

After week 2
Ridden: 57.7 miles (92.8 kms)
Ave speed: 13.6 mph (21.9 km/hr)
Time on bike: 4 hrs 20 mins (slightly less time than last week, yet Mark covered more distance and increased his avg. speed)
Current weight: 20 stone 5 lb (129 kgs)
Weight loss: 2 pounds (0.9 kgs)

Remember
Starting weight at 19/07/07: 21 stone 3 pounds (134.7 kgs)
Target weight for 01/01/08: 16 stone (101 kgs)

Test Bike day - last chance for 2007

A quick reminder that Tredz will be running their third 2007 Test Bike day in Afan Argoed (Afan Forest Park) this Saturday (4th August).

Thanks to Giant, Kona, Specialized, Rocky Mountain and Cove providing plenty of mouth-watering full sus mountain bikes, you have the option to put these to the test on a fantastic track, and for FREE too.

Don't wait to read the event feedback next week because it's a long wait for the next opportunity!

Nic's post 'Test bike days kick off' provides a flavour of the day, although we can't guarantee a re-run of the bbq spectacle this time.

For a taste of the tracks Afan Forest Park can offer, watch our Afan trail video.

For more info phone Simon on 01792 472612 or on 01792 560651.

Experience pays but does it multiply?

I do a bit of running. I would prefer to cycle, but at the moment running is simply a more convenient work out (for about 100 reasons). I don’t run far, but it's enough to cause myself a decent level of trouble. Shin splints, tight calves and chronic arch pain are part of my weekly torture. Like many exercisers, I spend money on kit to combat this trouble.

These guys at Run and Become recently helped me in my battle. We get lots of positive customer feedback at Tredz and I couldn't let this go unacknowledged. I walked in, explained my problem, said what shoes I’d used over the last 18 months and what they did/didn’t do for me. After a couple of embarrassing jogs outside the store with trousers rolled into my socks (they really need a treadmill and camera setup) a recommendation was made: Mizuno Wave Rider 10s. They're brilliant - I'm officially a Mizuno fan. I wanted to go the extra 'cushioning mile’ and buy Sorbothane insoles too, but I was told they'd offer no extra benefits (honesty that hurt their till). I bought running socks instead.

I’m posting about this because it's exactly what independent retailing is all about: one-on-one service. Sure, we might not engage everyone for a 20 minute cycling confab, but we’re more than happy to. Sharing knowledge, interest and experience are part of our customer service and why we all get paid. That level of 'specialist enthusiasm' is very difficult to scale up. Perhaps three shops can match the level of the first; perhaps a chain of ten can be nearly as good as three; it's doubtful that 30 can achieve the same levels as a trio and it's almost guaranteed that 230 have very little chance of coming anywhere near.