Review: MTB Cycling SPD Shoes from FOTGROY

So my old MTB cycling shoes have been wearing out for the past year or so but never saw anything I liked. While searching on Amazon it came across these. I wasn’t so sure about the sizing as I’ve heard sizing with cycling shoes can be an issue but just got the biggest men’s size and took a leap of faith.

Review: DH Cycling Gloves

For the longest time I have been looking for a pair of long fingered gloves that I could wear in the summer months. Wanted something that wouldn’t make my hands warm but full coverage and still be able to use the touch screen of my mobile.

A friend of mine in the SimRacing community told me about some gloves he got for SimRacing.. Ofcourse this peaked my interest and asked if he could send me the link. And guess what they also come in yellow.

• Breathable Fabric: The silicon tab makes it easy for them to wear on and off. The back of the bike gloves with good elasticity breathable material, allows sweat to evaporate and hands stay dry. Palm breathable holes releases the heat and ensures the comfort to wear.
• Super Anti-shock Performance: Three pieces gel pad in different shapes are distributed at the bearing position of the palm. Besides,the mountain bike gloves have anti-slip and anti-shock pad design.Strengthen your grip while cycling due to its anti-slip properties and material that conforms naturally to the shape of your hand. And avoid stuffiness of palm even in vigorous exercise.
• Super Light Gloves: The back of the cycle gloves is made of high elastic lycra fabric,which deliver high-performance with a lightweight design. The thermal cycling gloves are softer,lighter,ore comfortable, and completely unrestrictive during exercise.Besides,the gloves can prevent wind and keep warm on some level.
• Touchscreen Compatible: Our biking gloves feature small touch sensitive pads on the thumb and index finger, allowing you to use your smartphone, tablet or other touchscreen devices without removing the gloves.
• Multi-purpose Use: The long cuffs are better wrapped in on piece,and the one piece quick-pull design is used to quick wear on and off the the gloves.The gloves for bike are suitable for casual biking or professional cycling, MTB, bicycling, motorcycle, driving, weight lifting, workout, training, gym and other sports exercise or leisure activities.

I'm not to sure about the touch screen fingers as I've tried to use them on my smart phone and it wouldnt requester my inputs.

I have to say I'm pretty impressed with them have been wearing them mostly for simracing to be honest. I have used them a couple of times cycling and even with the hot weather found them to be very comfortable and my hands don't end up sweating. 

I will probably buy another pair, one for cycling the other for simracing but currently out of stock of yellow at time of writting.

Amazon Link Available in White, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Grey & Red

till the next ride, bee safe.....

Review: Hardy Fisherman Poncho

As a cyclist I have to always check the weather for the day to see how I should dress while I'm on the roads, so this morning I checked and saw this.

So thats the weather for today eh? Time to break out something I've been waiting to review when the occasion called for it. The Peoples Poncho sent me Hardy Fisherman’s Yellow 3.0 to do a honest review.

Some of the details of this Poncho from the website.

Key specifics:

• Dimensions: B 130 x 97 cm L (without hood)

• Size: One Size

• Weight: 460 g

• Water resistant zippered front pouch to store valuables & keys. If in severe rain it is recommended you double bag your phone or electrical items

• Adjustable peaked hood that can be tweaked for desired fit

• Elastic toggles at neck and back of head to adjust to your head size

• 3 Poppers at either side to make sleeves when required

• High-vis piping all around edges of the poncho and two reflective panels to ensure visibility at night or in poor weather conditions

• Extra stretch forehead panel to follow head’s movements

• Bag with carry strap for maximum ease of use and transport

• Total weight is 460 grams which is lightweight and dinky enough to be carried anywhere

Specific benefits for cyclist:

• Reflective strips at the front, back and piping all around poncho for extra visibility

• Waistband to prevent from flapping up in wind and ensure stability on bike

• Straps fitted on the inside to hook onto handlebars so legs are protected from rain

When asked what colour I laughed out loud, of course given the choice I would always go for yellow.

So putting it on was a little tricky I should have looked at the website that has instructions on how to put it on and the extra features especially with cycling in mind.

The hand loops help keep the poncho up over the handbars and arms when cycling. Only thing I would say is if you have lights or cycling GPS you won't be able to see them as the Poncho completely covers the handbars, well atleast on Bumble B they do, but then again you will be more focused on getting to where your going and getting out of the rain as soon as possible.
The poncho also has a belt strap to go around your waist to stop it from flapping about in the wind  and keeps it close to the body.

The last time I used a poncho for cycling was a pretty much a cheap plastic bag that I got off ebay that was  a pack of 10 plastic bags. The Hard Fisherman is a whole other level. When in use I found it kept me pretty dry, the only thing that actually got wet was my cycling shoes and ankles. Next time I would wear my overshoes but which this 1 item I would be completely dry.
This is pretty useful on commuting or short rides, easy to put on and arrange, comes with is own storage bag. Only thing that I would be concerned about which there isn't much can be done about is that in high winds it pretty much acts like a  wind sail. I hate cycling when its windy as it makes the ride double the effort if you have a  strong head wind. But there is nothing you can do about that with or without the poncho anyways

You can order your very own from The Peoples Poncho webs site here.

till the next ride, bee safe.....

Review: Shimano MT34 Mountain Biking Shoes

So after a number of years with my current clipless shoes Specialized  BG Tahoe shoes I felt the need to get a new pair.

Wanted to get pretty much the same kind of design so I looked into my local Decathlon Sports store and found these Shimano MT34 Mountain Biking Shoes

Bought these from Decathlon as they where pretty much the same kinda of design as my old Specialized  BG Tahoe shoes

• TRACTION - EVA midsole and rubber sole for comfort when walking.
• BREATHABILITY - Areas with breathable fabric.
• FIT - This shoe provides good support with its lace-up tightening system.
• FITTING COMFORT - Specially-designed inner volume for better comfort and support.
• LIGHTWEIGHT - 378 g in size 7.
• RIGIDITY - Fibreglass sole reinforced with polyamide for greater rigidity.
• COMPATIBILITY - Compatible with SPD cleats (not included)

I've been using these since the middle of November 2018 on my commute rides. I have to say they feel pretty damn solid and feel hard wearing.

The only thing I may have a problem with is the clipless mounting system.

As you can see before the mounting plate is in there is a big hole in the bottom of the shoe. At the time of writing I haven't walked or ridden in the rain yet to see if they are still waterproof after the clips been mounted. If not what I may do is put some kind of sealant around the inside where the metal plate mounts to make it waterproof.

There is a metal plate that goes in the inside of the shoe and the clip part that you see screws in and tightens up pretty good but also adjustable. In time ofcourse I will probably get some yellow laces like the last pair.

till the next ride, bee safe.....

The Bumble Bee Effect

After a great review from my cycling partner Mr. OrangeBrompton regarding the bobble hats from Big Bobble Hats last month I just had to check to see if they have a suitable bobble hat for me.

Well ofcourse they did and I just had to get it.

I won't do a review as I can't really improve on my cycling partner's review to be honest. I will put the link in at the end to his post.

So here is a few snaps on the Bee Big Bobble Hat.

Also last week I found this great little shopping bag at my local Wilko store for only 70p

If' its black & yellow, 9 times out of 10 I'll be having it :D

See the road ahead

Every time I ride I’m always wearing cycling glasses of some kind of another.
I’ve been using some cheap sunglasses for the last few years only for them to break pretty quickly a few months.

I’ve always got frames with multiple lenses so when I needed to change the dark lenses for clear or yellow for night riding I would flex the frames to change the lenses. Over time the plastic frames would weaken and then break. I needed something different and better.

Once again while I was cruising Decathlon UK I spotted some cycling/running glasses. What draw me to them was that the whole glasses where of the same material and the price was cheap enough for me to get 3 sets. Clear, Yellow & Dark

• Sun Protection - Category 0,1 & 3 lenses - 100% UV protection
• Low Weight / Lightweight -  24 g.   
• Field Of Vision - Large lenses: provide enhanced peripheral vision.    
• Durability / Solidity -Polycarbonate lens: impact resistant.   
• Support - Flexible arm tips: better hold of the glasses.   
• Anti-Fogging - Frameless glasses: promotes ventilation.   
• Coverage - Wraparound design: protects the eyes from wind, splashes and bad weather.   
• Guarantee : 2 Years

Orao Arenberg Cycling Sunglasses Category 0 - Clear

Orao Arenberg Cycling Sunglasses Category 1 - Yellow

Orao Arenberg Cycling Sunglasses Category 3 - Grey

I have been using them for a couple of weeks now and for me they work great. Even on cold mornings when my eyes tend to water a lot these keep that to a minimum so I can see the road without any problems.

Much easier than having to fiddle about changing out lenses and not knowing when the frames will break due to the stresses of pulling them apart all the time. At £3.99 a pair you can't really go wrong.

Links to Decathlon UK
ORAO ARENBERG CYCLING SUNGLASSES CATEGORY 0 - CLEAR
ORAO ARENBERG CYCLING SUNGLASSES CATEGORY 1 – YELLOW
ORAO ARENBERG CYCLING SUNGLASSES CATEGORY 3 –  - GREY
 

till the next ride, bee safe…..

Review: B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Jacket

My cycling partner had found a great little waterproof cycling jacket at what is now becoming one of my favorite stores Decathlon UK

We have been looking for a lighter waterproof jacket that could be packed small to take with us when the weather was questionable but the most important thing is that it has to be of course yellow. When we was looking there seemed to only be Red & Blue available.

We had to wait a few weeks I even emailed Decathlon UK & B’Twin to see when the yellow edition would be back in stock. I didn’t get the answers I wanted so I thought I would just keep monitoring the website as best I could and maybe we’d get lucky.

We got lucky !

I bring to you the B’Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Jacket in Yellow

B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Jacket

• WATERPROOFING - Waterproof main fabric, sealed upper seams
• BREATHABILITY - Vents under the arms to reduce perspiration while cycling
• LOW WEIGHT / LIGHTWEIGHT - Single lightweight waterproof layer
• VISIBILITY – Reflective strips

This jacket is a good middle ground of cycling jackets for me personally. Nothing too heavy, too light just right & packable.

Reflective strips

Zip waterproof pockets

As you can see it can be packed pretty small, easily get into a saddle bag or Mini O Bag

B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Jacket & Overtrousers

I have worn it once in a light shower while commuting to work and I have to say I was pretty impressed by it. I wasn't even sweaty underneath it but then again I was only cycling for a short time.

This is a great addition to my cycling kit and will put my mind at ease with the Dunwich Dynamo XXIII that's coming up in a week.

For £7.99 you can’t really go wrong either. (The other colours are £11.99 at the time of posting but still a good price)

B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Jacket- Red
B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Jacket- Blue

My Review: B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Overtrousers

till the next ride, bee safe.....

Review: B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Overtrousers

I’ve been looking for another pair of over-trousers for awhile now as the Altura Nightvision Overtrousers are pretty heavy & don’t pack small enough for my tastes.

Needed something lighter that could be packed away easily so I came across these B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Overtrousers at my local Decathlon UK store.

• WATERPROOFING: coated component (2000 mm) + 100% watertight seams to withstand showers of 1hr.

• VISIBILITY: Reflective strips on calves.

• COMPACT DESIGN: Clever, it packs away into its shoe cover, ready to be taken anywhere.

• FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT: The wide cut, designed for cycling, does not hinder pedaling.

• COMPATIBILITY: VIOO CLIP BTWIN can be attached (at the rear) = visible from 110 m. Not supplied

• EASY DRESSING: cut for easy dressing, with elasticated waistband

B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Overtrousers

These can be folded and packed into one of the overshoes. A couple of rubber bands to hold the package together and keep it tight, with practice I could probably get it even smaller & just use one rubber band.

Tire used for scale

In addition to being over-trousers they also have built in overshoes to your feet don’t get wet either.

Built in Overshoes

Sealed over shoes

  

Elastic straps

I’ve worn them once on my daily commute and they worked well. I can get them on and off much quicker than my older over trousers which when out on the road  or short for time can make all the difference.

Can also attach a B'Twin VIOO Clip light for even more visibility for night time riding. (sold separately)

The only down side I have found is that around the calf of the trouser tend to catch on the crank arms at times because the trousers are so baggy at that point. A couple of velcro strips around this area would solve this problem quiet easily.

B'Twin 300 Waterproof Cycling Overtrousers @ Decathlon UK: £12.99

till the next ride, bee safe.....

Cycle gloves & touch screens

With winter basically over with & spring just around the corner I found myself with hot clammy hands. For full fingered gloves I had the great SealSkin All Weather Cycling Gloves which have served me well but unless its bitter cold my hands would get very hot and sticky which isn't the best way to ride. Also with my new iPhone 5C I'm taking alot more photos with it which leads me to my next problem, the Touch screen. Without special full fingered gloves I couldn't operate my iPhone without taking the gloves off which is always a pain to do when you want to take a quick photo of something and carry on cycling.

I did some research into how a touch screen works, especially the latest iPhone 5 and found this How iPhone works.

So basically if you have gloves on you couldn't use some touch screen smart phones unless they have been specially made with "conductive materials" on the thumb & index fingers

In comes the Parktools GLV-1 Mechanic's Gloves.

Parktools GLV-1 Mechanic's Gloves(Large)

Great for riding, mechanical work, or to just show off the colors of your favourite tool brand, the GLV-1 is the perfect combination of comfort and function.

Features:

• Digital Amara® palm with anatomically shaped external reinforcement patches
• Touch phone compatible thumb and index fingertips
• Comfortable, soft fleece brow wipe
• Durable two-way stretch knit glove back with knuckle gussets
• TPR adjustable closure tab
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Very impressed with how they work with my iPhone's touchscreen. A little tricky with the square edged index finger. A better design would be for the index finger to be the same kind of shape as the other fingers. Maybe in time I will get used to it and the material soften with use.

Fingers

Close up index finger

A pretty good fit.

 Not much padding but enough for normally cycling

Soft fleece brow wipe

Actually cycling with them I'm surprised they are quiet "airy". As the temperature goes up they won't feel too bad and end up with sweaty hands. I'm VERY impressed with them as cycling gloves and for use with my iPhone 5C.

Best of both worlds in this modern age.

Only fault I see is that they don't come with yellow trim :(

The Ultimate Cycle Jersey

Anne M spotted on her internet travels something that was just SCREAMING Legend, well BumbleB. It was illustration of cycle wear, but it was so awesome that I fell in love with it. It was perfect for us.

On further investigation I found the manufacture SprintDesign based in Australia. I few emails later I decided that I NEEDED this cycling jersey. I told them about them about the Legend and David was more than willing to help us out.

Passed experiences have told me that my legendary physic isn't quiet in line with other athletes. I asked for samples so I could test out the sizes as different manufacturers in cyclewear.
Good thing as I found out, I would need bigger sizes.

After a few weeks finally they arrived......

Long Sleeve

Short Sleeve

Great details

I love the cutting details, making sure the Bee cartoon is in the right places on the shoulders

I had to get fully kitted out for the full effect.

Pretty damn good eh?

Thank you very much SprintDesign & especially David for making sure I'd get the right size first time round. They have many other designs to choose from on their site and I can highly recommend them. Only thing I would say is make sure you get the sizing right.

Met Terra MTB Helmet

I've had this helmet for a little while now and I'm loving it, much lighter than my BERN & much better airflow for when summer comes and the temperatures go on the rise.

My new summer time helmet which will be customised as soon as I can my finalise my design.

Mysterious Box

First thing I'm going to do is rip the blue MET logo off and put on a black design of my own.

• Removable Visor
• In-molded Shell construction
• Safe-T Twist 2 fitting system
• Washable anti allergenic pads
• Weight: 250 grams

Side view

On the rear I will most definitely attach a back up flashing rear light

Rear view

Again the logo will be removed and my own put in place

Front view

The internal pads are small and very easy to clean, just can get lost in the washing machine.

All in all I'm very happy with this helmet just have to think up a design to put on it, hell I may even just leave it as it is.

Cycle clothing, BumbleB style

My good friend Andy L from the London Brompton Club spotted something on his internet travels.

For some reason he thought of me when he saw it, can't figure out why. HONEST

As soon as I saw it, I was ordering it,


and now its here......

*WARNING* The following photos are of a GRAPHIC nature. *WARNING*

Bring it!

Funzee & the Legend

It fits perfectly but I don't think I could actually ride in it though, its VERY snugly and warm for winter nights in front of the fire with a cup of hot choco. So a ride would be probably be impossible. Maybe a thinner summer version?

Special thanks to Andy L & ofcourse Funzee

Crane Overshoes

Yesterday while doing my commute into work I finally had a chance to test out my Crane Overshoes I got from ALDI awhile back.

ALDI & Lidl sometimes do some cycling stuff at times, most of the time they are not very good but every once in awhile they bring out something pretty decent and very cheap but its abit of pot luck on that.

Crane Overshoes

Velcro straps

Reflective strips

All snug as a bug

For under £9 you can't really go wrong. I've even heard that the more expensive ones don't actually last that long so we shall see in time.