About bikes, cycling and cycle to work - Tredz Blog

Safer road cycling

The amount of times a car has sped up to overtake me, just to pull in straight away, or overtaken me on the inside at a roundabout, or charged past me to brake at the uncoming lights, is literally too often to mention.

Which is why one of my favourite moments on a bike took place as a Porsche over took me. The driver, was obviously angry at having been made to wait 10 seconds as I took the lane to avoid parked cars. Large revs from the powerful engine made sure I was aware he was getting angry. As soon as he had half a yard (and that was all he had), he slammed down on the accelerator and overtook me. Taking advantage of all the horsepower he had at his disposal the car leapt forward, setting off the speed camera some fifty yards ahead, then slamming on the breaks.

You'll forgive me for enjoying a smile at his expense.

Whilst cycling is inherently safe, and I'm certain my daily regime has kept me healthy, happy and sane, it could be made a whole lot safer by forcing cars to watch their speed.

A new Government report is suggesting that this should be taken out of the drivers hands, as so many of us (including on occasion myself), forget exactly how fast we should be going.

For drivers stricter speed limit enforcement would be irritating at worst. For cyclists it could be life saving.

Remote seat post

Whats good for climbing isn't so hot for the way down, which is why it's a pain having to get off at the top of a climb to adjust your seat.

It's an even bigger pain if you forget. Your nether regions won't forgive you a too high saddle position on a descent...

Which is why this little gadget (to be found in this instance on a Commencal Meta 6.2, the remote seatpost is also available as a piece of after market bling) is so cool. Remote seat posts. They're the future!

Winter cycling

Think you've got it hard cycling to work in the UK? This US news article should help put things into perspective:

"On a freezing november morning in Chicago, Megan Mason puts on leggings, several polyester tops and a fleece, a windbreaker, four pairs of gloves, and silk sock liners. She ties a bandana over her head, dons earmuffs, snaps on a helmet, safety-pins a scarf into a cocoon around her head..."


And it bugs me when my one pair of winter gloves doesn't feel enough.

Wideopen magazine

Boxing day boredom set in yet? Into dirt, DH, 4x4, BMX or indeed mountain biking in general? Then check out the (relatively) new bi monthly e-zine Wideopen.

Seriously awesome pictures and articles - the kind that make you wonder why you spend money on the real world counterparts.

Keep it up guys!

Umm...

Happy Christmas!

Thanks to our customers, our staff, our suppliers, our couriers and the local bakery, for making this a great year!

Now get out on your bike and ride!

(Sir) Chris Hoy

Ok, so it's just a rumour at present, but it seems pretty likely that Chris Hoy is going to be given a Knighthood in the New Year's honours list.

Most sportsmen retire before they receive a knighthood apparently. But then most sportsmen don't win 3 Olympic Gold Medals in one sitting...

Christmas cheer!

We've had a pretty eventful 12 months here at Tredz. As we've continued to expand (2010: world domination!) we've continued to keep our customers happy. 

It seems our forthrightness and downright hard work for all of our customers is really appreciated at this time of the year. And in turn we're sincerely grateful to all the customers who've gotten back in touch with us to thank us and wish us a happy Christmas. Sample quotes?

Thank You Simon   Bikes have been received at 9am this morning, what great service.   Merry Christmas   Jacalyn Bike arrived yesterday (wednesday) and looks lovely! I know my son will be very pleased with it. I would like to thank you for your quick and efficient service as I know the bike I asked for was not in stock and you have all worked very hard to make delivery in time for Christmas.My son will not have a disappointing christmas morning now! I would like to wish you all a Very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and you can rest assured that i will recommend you to any of my friends who wish to order a specialist bike. Thank you once again, Pauline.

Thats really the tip of the iceberg. Thanks again to all who got in touch!

Last postage for Christmas!

Getting desperate? So are we! The word hectic doesn't really do the office justice at the moment as we are working as hard as possible to keep as many of our customers happy this Christmas.

That includes loads of vague conversations with nine year olds as we dodge questions as to whether they're getting a bike for Christmas.

You are quickly running out of time for pre-Christmas delivery, but it is still possible for the next day or two.

For bikes and accessories, please give us a phone on 01792 799508 to discuss availability and we'll do our utmost to ensure you're Christmas goes off without a hitch.

New World Disorder 9

It's been around for a month now, long enough for the shop copy to have mysteriously disappeared anyways... Whilst I'm waiting for a new copy to borrow from the store DVD player, New World Disorder 9 "Never Enough" is available to order now!

Why should you buy it? The Athertons, Fabien Barel and Derren Berrecloth all taking it to the absolute limit should be enough.

If it isn't check out the official trailer. Hint: it starts getting good about half way through.

Jody Cundy Disability SPOTY!

Our man Jody Cundy won the East Midlands Disability Sports personaility of the year! No real surprise to those of us who know just have incredibly successful the man has been in the last year.

He is quite simply the fastest man in his discipline. We can't speak highly enough of him as a guy and his performances on the track speak for themselves. Well done Jody!

With this and the able bodied success at gaining publicity recently, it's absolutely fantastic to hear that it really is having an effect on the public mindset. British Cycling is reporting that Cycling is now the 2nd fastest growing sport in Britain.