always riding's cycling blog http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk cycle clothing news, views, articles and more! posterous.com Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:21:19 -0800 A magnetic bicycle dynamo light that will blow your mind http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/a-magnetic-bicycle-dynamo-light-that-will-blo http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/a-magnetic-bicycle-dynamo-light-that-will-blo

Batteries are undoubtedly one of the most wasteful inventions. Expensive in cost and resources, they are not only quick to drain, but destroying them environmentally is nigh on impossible. However, a new development by German innovator Dirk Strothmann called the Magnic Light could be the great leap forward the cycling industry had been waiting for,  and one which could consign the ungainly battery to the bin of history and unleash the dream of frictionless self powered cycling lights!

Backlight

A true contactless dynamo bicycle light, Magnic Light affixes to the brake caliper, and uses the wheel rim (it appears to work with aluminum, steel or magnesium rims) and internal magnet within the dynamo to generate eddy currents which generate their own magnetic fields. The eddy currents are then picked up by the Magnic Light itself to product electrical energy to power the on board highly efficient LEDs. 


Frontlight

Whilst there is small braking effect from the magnet, as you can see in the video above, the wheel is not unduly restricted and appears to roll freely for quite some time. 

We wish Dirk all the best with his invention, and hope to see it on a bike near us soon!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:12:00 -0800 Peregrine's return http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/peregrines-return http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/peregrines-return

E493105548e80939256e1ff0ae2ece

A pleasant side effect of cycling's transition from niche to mainstream popularity over the past few years has been the resurgence of the independent bicycle manufacturer, yet it's a rare event indeed when a bike brand whose heyday was in the 19th century returns to production. Welcome to the 21st century The Leicester Cycle Company!

Resurrected (nay, dug up!) by community bike brand Cyclemagic, who's facilities and team will drive production forward in their existing base at the Leicester Cycle Co's factory, the centrally based company aims to source specialist parts from local suppliers, develop office space, provide a retail area, a workshop and storage facilities.

Whether its popularity will exceed production of the 500 bikes per week that were cranked out in the 1890's remains to be seen, but with models like the Peregrine in its back catalogue, and with today's renewed interest in independent fabrication and craftsmanship, the future is looking very good indeed for the Leicester Cycle Company.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:49:00 -0800 Bicycles that double as art http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/bicycles-that-double-as-art http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/bicycles-that-double-as-art
Guitarists have been hanging their axes on the wall for years. Part instrument, part art, they look as good in the hands as they do mounted on a wall. Due in part to cycling's increase in popularity over the past decade, cyclist's have begun appropriating this trend, and now it's quite common to find a favourite steed artfully leant on a sofa, fixed on the wall, or casually slung from the ceiling in many a cyclist's house. 

In the spirit of bicycles as art, here's a few of our favourite selections that would not look out of place at home.

Sb_profile_crush

The sleek Crush from Sexy Bicycles

Blackjack_0

The refined FIXIE Inc Black Jack 

12gtath

The seductive Wilier Gran Turismo

Full40043

The 'replace girlfriend with' Bianchi Pista

Imagehandler

The adventurous Van Nicholas Pioneer (would look especially nice de-accessorised and sat between piles of National Geographic magazine)

That's 5 of our current favourites, so please add a comment with a link if you have some suggestions of your own. 

Tally ho. 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:06:29 -0800 Am I riding an electric bike, or mounted on a very fast suitcase? http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/am-i-riding-an-electric-bike-or-mounted-on-a http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/am-i-riding-an-electric-bike-or-mounted-on-a
Boxx-2012_fleet

Industry watchers have seen for some years now the electric bicycle gain traction amongst various manufacturers. Touted for innumerate reasons as the 'best new two wheeled thing ever' (just like the Segway was), the cycle industry seems to be increasingly lurching towards battery power as the 21st century alternative to our legs (remember those?) in a sort of gradual spiral of laziness that threatens to seal a Wall-E like future for us all. Whether we all end up in matching blue baby suits is for now at least, still an open question, but if companies like Boxx have their way, that reality will almost certainly be assured. 

As perhaps one of the most daring designs we have ever seen, the Boxx electric 'bicycle' certainly deserves some accolades for being different. There must of course be a market for this bike (whether that be one customer or 1000 remains to be seen), but for us, aside from the fact that we find the whole electric bike concept an affront to the simple motion and pleasure of cycling, does anyone really want to ride around on what basically amounts to a suitcase with wheels? Hey, maybe the makers are simply frustrated airline passengers, who in one fell swoop have both revolutionised the time consuming traverse of the airport, and invented a whole new sport of luggage riding.

We'd love to know your thoughts, but for now, we're just off to take the hoover for a spin.

Sources:

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:51:00 -0800 Red Bull Hill Chasers returns Feb 18th http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/red-bull-hill-chasers-returns-feb-18th http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/red-bull-hill-chasers-returns-feb-18th

Let's not beat around the bush - there was no way a fixed bike, bmx or a mountain bike was ever going to win the 2011 Reb Bull Hill Chaser event held in Bristol, England last January. Yes cyclists, a road bke won - a svelte, smooth rolling multi geared bike designed to go faster than any other type of bike, hence its use in races like the Tour de France. Whilst we might dream of seeing Alberto Contador gamely trying to 'weeny pedal' his BMX past a looming Levi Leipheimer, it's just not going to happen.

All that being said, the annual Red Bull Hill Chasers event is still a fantastic evening of bike racing, and this year's event has seen the course shortened in order to try to equalise the disciplines, which is certainly a welcome step.

Bringing together a qualifying 16 amatuer and 16 elite riders in a frantic head to head knockout format that will halve the field until only two riders remain, Hill Chasers is set on a short, uphill section of Bristol's city centre (Park St), and is an apply online only event for amateur cyclists looking to participate. 

read more over at the Red Bull website >

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:51:58 -0800 For Japanese city cyclists, gaman spirit rules the road http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/for-japanese-city-cyclists-gaman-spirit-rules http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/for-japanese-city-cyclists-gaman-spirit-rules

Japanese+City+Cycling.mov Watch on Posterous

"...it’s not that they don’t like their cars in Japan. It’s just that cycling makes sense." 

After Mikael Coville-Anderson of Copenhagenize (a very nice Bicycle Culture blog), ranked Japan as the world's third greatest cycling nation behind European heavyweights Netherlands and Denmark in a recent blog post, Tokyo by Bike took it upon themselves to provide some interesting information about why, despite the lack of dedicated lanes or pavements in some cases, cycling in Japan is booming and the gaman spirit rules the road. 

For city cyclists on this side of the world, it makes for an enlightening read, particularly for bike commuters in cities like London, where a workable city cycling infrastructure is still seemingly decades away. You can check it out here.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:51:00 -0800 Are naughty Tour riders moonlighting as flashers? Australia says yes http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/are-naughty-tour-riders-moonlighting-as-flash http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/are-naughty-tour-riders-moonlighting-as-flash
Tourdownunder

In a quite unintentionally hilarious article published this week at SBS.com.au, Tour Down Under organisers are reported to have had to issue formal apologies to a particular fan who accidentally caught site of a rider's 'little fellow' as he partook of some good old fashioned mid-race urination. 

 

 

In an interview with Seven News, the terribly upset spectator seemed to infer that the rider may have targeted her on purpose for a close up look at his little Popo: "I would like to believe it was an innocent mistake from him, but at the same time I dont see how he could not have seen us." Is this then the latest craze to sweep the peloton? Once racing hits full steam in July, can we look forward to more riders baptising the bitumen mid-crowd in a bid to compete for the most horrified spectator award? More worrying still - do professional riders not suffer that terrible long ride affliction, that bastion of embarrassment, the frightened turtle? 

Riders of the Tour - we salute you.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:29:33 -0800 City Cycling's Long Game http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/city-cyclings-long-game http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/city-cyclings-long-game
Cyclinginamsterdam

Not perhaps best known for their cycling features, nevertheless it was with interest that we read a revealing interview held by the Hindu Business Line with Mr Roelof Wittink, the Director of the Dutch Cycling Embassy. With India facing increasing urban space and climate pressures, it's unsurprising that they would look to the Netherlands as an example of what it takes to truly embed cycling at the core of urban life; yet what the article finds is that integrating cycling is a long game, and one that most cities have yet to join.

Here's the link to the article:

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:47:09 -0800 Introducing the new Radioshack Nissan Trek Jersey http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/introducing-the-new-radioshack-nissan-trek-je http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/introducing-the-new-radioshack-nissan-trek-je

Music by Kraftwerk, jokes by Fabian, and a reassuring message from Chris Horner about the precise location of Luxembourg in the minds of his US compatriots - so went this week's Luxembourg launch of the new iteration of last year's Leopard Trek team, now known as Radioshack Nissan Trek, or just plain RSNT if you prefer. 

Having merged with Johan Bruyneel's Team Radioshack, the new RNST team takes some of the best elements from last year's Leopard Trek organisation, and introduces the leadership of the experienced Belgian along with selected riders from both teams and a larger US sponsor presence.

Of course, being Always Riding, our main concern is cycle apparel, and on that front, we are very pleased to see an update of the jersey that keeps last year's highly popular design as the main style, with the addition of well positioned Radioshack, Livestrong and Nissan logos. Our friends at Craft in Sweden are of course the producers of the jersey, of which we will be stocking the entire Radioshack Nissan Trek kit as it becomes available, along with selected off the bike wear pieces from the team. 

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the developed jersey design, we know a lot of Always Riding customers have a great eye for detail and design, so please let us know your opinion!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:34:00 -0800 Contador finds a flying use for his Etxeondo Letras headband! http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/contador-finds-a-flying-use-for-his-etxeondo http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/contador-finds-a-flying-use-for-his-etxeondo

20113375_161412_600-1
High octane motivational stuff from the champion of teamwork, Bjarne Riis, saw 2010 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador take a great leap skyward this week, and to ward off the cold, he took along his favourite piece of winter cycling apparel, the Etxeondo Letras Headband. 

You can check out the Letras head band here >

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:18:23 -0800 Bike for the weekend? Velolet brings the social to bike rental http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/bike-for-the-weekend-velolet-brings-the-socia http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/bike-for-the-weekend-velolet-brings-the-socia

Velolet

The next time you're travelling in and around the US, you may want to rethink lugging your bike along for the ride, and instead take heed of new startup Velolet, which opens up a whole world of private bikes for short term rental. 

Although limited to a small but growing number of US locations, city hopping bike riders can easily search & book their temporary steed online at Velolet, then pickup at a time denoted by the hirer. In Velolet's words:

"We help cyclists rent bikes when they travel by connecting them with other cyclists who have bikes to rent. The cyclist renting the bike gets what they want (to ride) and the cyclist listing their bike earns some money (of course to spend on more bike stuff"

In addition to a growing stock of bikes from industrious private hirers willing to let their beloved bike switch riders for a self-set fee, Velolet also offers inventory from a number of bike rental companies and bike shops keen to energise their stores with a new, but potentially lucrative revenue stream. 

Whether the idea takes hold in the long term is yet to be seen, but we think it is an exciting idea that could certainly ease the logistics of transporting a bike round the world for short periods. When you're always riding, you need that bike by your side 24-7. Moving to this side of the pond, could we see a startup mirroring Velolet's idea, and if so, would you use it? 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:13:16 -0800 Morvelo's new Ride Everything™ video http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/morvelos-new-ride-everything-video http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/morvelos-new-ride-everything-video They really do ride everything. Awesome.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:12:00 -0800 Craft to sponsor Radioshack Nissan Trek http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/craft-to-sponsor-radioshack-nissan-trek http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/craft-to-sponsor-radioshack-nissan-trek
The good news coming out of Sweden today is that run, bike and ski apparel brand Craft have extended their sponsorship deal of the existing Leopard Trek team as it merges into the newly named Radioshack Nissan Trek for the start of next year's Pro Tour season. Penned for an initial two year involvement, Craft will supply base layers, accessories, team kit, compression items and after bike wear to the Johan Bruyneel led squad. 

Always Riding was informed of the continuation a few weeks ago, but was placed under strict instructions not to say anything. To all customers that did ask, we are very sorry for not being able to tell you the good news until today. 

For any riders interested in today's announcement, we have attached the official Craft press release to this post. 

CRAFT_PME_RadioShackNissanTrek.pdf Download this file

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:00:24 -0800 New Twin Six Apparel for Autumn Winter http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/new-twin-six-apparel-for-autumn-winter http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/new-twin-six-apparel-for-autumn-winter
With the weather (at least in London anyway) still offering plenty of opportunities to rides sans jacket, the latest Twin Six seasonal arrivals could not have come at a better time. From the much requested Speedy London Jersey to new cycling t-shirt arrivals and fresh colour ways of old favourites, the new additions to the store are now in stock and ready for immediate despatch. 

With the Christmas just around the corner, many of these new products would of course make excellent Christmas present choices for your cycling obsessed loved one. Splendid tidings indeed!

Ho Ho Happy Riding. 

Twinsixdoperssuckjerseywhite_f Twinsixdoperssuckjersey_2012_f Twinsixcat6jersey2012_rear Twinsixcat6jersey2012 Twinsixcabbyjersey_2012_front Twinsixmasherjersey_2012_front Twinsixthemotorjersey2012_larg Twinsixrockhardrollfastwomen_l Twinsixcrossbonest-shirt Twinsixspeeddemoncranberryt-sh Twinsixspeedyamsterdamt-shirt_ Twinsixlovecrankt-shirt Twinsixboneshakert-shirt_large Twinsixspeedylondonjersey
See the full gallery on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:13:02 -0700 Morvelo Cycling T-Shirts for Autumn 2011 http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/morvelo-cycling-t-shirts-for-autumn-2011 http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/morvelo-cycling-t-shirts-for-autumn-2011
We just posted to the site a selection of the latest cycling t-shirts from UK Brighton based bicycle apparel brand Morvelo. Encompassing a veritable plethora of design styles that individually echo wide ranging corners of the cycling world, from cycle cross to vintage road racing in line with Morvelo's new strap line 'Ride Everything', this latest seasonal collection is without doubt one that any cyclist would like to have in their collection. 

Take a look at the entire Morvelo T-Shirt range from the link below, and look for the 'New' label that denotes recent arrivals:

Morveloautumnt-shirt Morvelotarmactothetrailst-shir 0morvelotarmactothetrailst-shir Morveloallweathert-shirt_cyan Morveloallweathert-shirt_charc Morvelorepacksport_t-shirt Morvelosupportyourlocalcyclist Morvelothedudet-shirt_red Morvelothedudet-shirt_cycan Morvelovforvelot-shirt Morvelodarkdayst-shirt Morvelodiamondt-shirt_cyan Morvelodiamondt-shirt_black Morveloforestfresht-shirt Morveloprestigesport Morveloangeltshirt_charcoal Morveloangeltshirt Morvelolbstshirt_red Morvelolbstshirt_charcoal Morvelowoodstshirt_charcoal
See the full gallery on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:19:42 -0700 The Warmest Winter Cycling Gloves http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/the-warmest-winter-cycling-gloves http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/the-warmest-winter-cycling-gloves
If there is one part of your body that feels the cold during winter bike rides, it is almost certainly the hands. Exposed and often constantly buffeted by the wind as your legs pedal you towards your destination (hopefully a warming cafe stop), they are one area you cannot afford to ignore if all conditions cycling is on the cards. Your prime concern then is to keep your hands warm, and to do this you need to choose the perfect winter cycling glove. 

Whilst there are many brands of cycling glove vying for your attention, in our experience, there are only a handful (unintended pun!) that really deliver on their promises of cold weather bliss. At Always Riding, we have selected a very specialist selection of bicycle gloves that both appeal to riders in different disciplines, and above all have a great track record in resisting deep cold cycling conditions. 

The Craft Siberian Glove - More Rider Reviews™ than a Broadway Musical

Craft-siberian-bike-glove
A rider favourite, the Swedish brand's Siberian Glove has been a top seller for the past few seasons. Super warm, it resists the cold weather and still allows for impressive cockpit control; which of course is very important once the roads and trails become less tacky.

TOP TIP - For riders with extreme cold sensitivity, we recommend marrying the Siberian with Etxeondo's Thermolite Abrais Glove liner.

The Craft Thermal Split Finger Gloves

Splitfinger_large

Otherwise known as the Lobster Glove, the Craft Thermal Split Finger Glove is another big hitter in the cold stakes. When it gets a bit nippy out, you get nippy, thanks to the glove's unique two finger design, which very cleverly forces your fingers to share warmth, and in cooperation with the inner liner, makes for one very warm environment. 

TOP TIP - For riders with extreme cold sensitivity, try pairing the Siberian with Etxeondo's Thermolite Abrais Glove liner for fiendish levels of warmth. Three levels of hand protection might be overkill, but sometimes it's so cold that nothing else will do. 

Etxeondo Malgu Softshell Glove

Etxeondomalguglove_large

Fully windproof, but thinner than the previous two cycling gloves, the Malgu is designed for cold, but not deep cold days. Offering splendid cockpit control and stunning looks, it is nevertheless a very popular glove for winter rides. Paired with its Abrais Glove stablemate to provide liner duties, and you get a svelte, precise and importantly warm glove solution this season. 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:08:00 -0700 Christmas cycle clothing ideas for urban cyclists http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/christmas-cycle-clothing-ideas-for-urban-cycl http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/christmas-cycle-clothing-ideas-for-urban-cycl

Trojans of the road, men and women of steel and determination, these are today's urban cyclists. Two and fro and without fail they ride - yet what a pain they are at Christmas! It's always the same, do you give them something reflective, a pair of shoes, or perhaps a new jacket? This year though, things will be different, because after reading the Always Riding Urban Cyclist Christmas Gift Guide, you won't be in any doubt about what to give your urban hero this year. Vamos!

A Cycling Bag

A bag that cycles, what craziness you speaketh! We mean of course a bag or indeed backpack to wear whilst cycling. Some cyclists prefer the messenger bag 'slung over the shoulder' style, others the more traditional backpack design, but whichever your cyclist favours, a cycling bag is a great Christmas gift.

Chrome Yalta Backpack
Chromeyaltabackpack_main
Currently Chrome's top selling backpack, the Yalta is a seriously impressive laptop carry bag with storage to boot, and whose understated appearance belies the sheer strength, usability and value inside. Waterproof separation and an assortment of pockets make this an ideal urban cycling piece that is guaranteed for life.

Urban Cycling Shoes
Tourer_brown_01
What looks like a normal shoe, yet clips into pedals like a cycling shoe? Of course the answer is an urban cycling shoe. The new kid on the bicycle apparel block, the rise of urban cycling shoes over the past year has been in direct correlation to the increase in cycle commuter numbers worldwide. Looking like a normal shoe, but with under the hood features normally found in a straight out of the blocks cycling shoe, if the cyclist in your life constantly bemoans changing shoes throughout the day, it might be time they went the city cycling shoe route. We stock selections from Chrome, Quoc Pham and DZR Shoes. 

Muxu Merino Wool Jumper

Muxuridemerinojumper_large

A lovely piece made from only the finest New Zealand Merino Wool (remember that not all merino is the same, as cheaper merino is coarser and comes with a very high cost to the sheep's welfare), the Muxu Jumper is a warm, beautifully fitted top for the urban cyclist in need of some cool weather warmth and a helping of style. If we say so ourselves, it matches perfectly with the Muxu Japanese Denim Cycling Jeans. 

Twin Six T-Shirts

T611t25_lg

Aimed more at off the bike time, the Twin Six collection of cycling inspired t-shirts are a great gift choice this season for the cyclist in your life. The Cars R Coffins model is a fun example of the tongue-in-cheek humour that your urban cyclist will no doubt appreciate, but a quick browse around the Twin Six collection yields some other tops that would also make ideal and relatively inexpensive gifts. 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:19:50 -0700 Chrome London Series Bags http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/chrome-london-series-bags http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/chrome-london-series-bags

In honour of all things London-esque, US backpack // messenger bag brand Chrome have released some 'hello old chap!' inspired versions of some of their most popular products; notably the Yalta and Citizen bags. Finished in herringbone and nu-buck leather, the new styles take what was already great, and add a touch of punk, pilsner and print artwork to create a unique US/British mash-up that has got us all of a tither me 'ol chap. 

Check out the Yalta with a dash of herringbone and nu-buck leather:

and the Citizen, also replete with herringbone and leather:

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:34:00 -0700 The Men in Black? http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/the-men-in-black http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/the-men-in-black
In the closing years of the 19th century, bicycle racing was enduring a torrid time. Due in no small part to the lobbying of pedestrians, horse riders and sporadic race disruption by the police themselves, the racing of bicycles on public roads was banned by the National Cyclist's Union for fear that if racing were to continue, all cycling would in fact be banned. The cycling historian Bernard Thompson said of this period: "Events organised by clubs in the 1880s, although taking place on quiet country roads, were constantly interrupted by the police. Often horse-mounted policemen charged at racers and threw sticks into their wheels."

For any self respecting Britisher with a natural wariness of the law, this was not a situation to be tolerated, and so, independently minded cyclists began to organise covert cycle events, who's very existence was shrouded in code; thus spawning the modern day time trial as we know it. 

In order to prevent inquisitive pedestrians from determining that an event was in progress, races started at the crack of dawn, with all participants encouraged to dress in black from head to foot in order to maintain a low profile and prevent unwanted attention. Pre-war, a black Alpaca jacket was obligatory, but this requirement was dropped in later years, perhaps in recognition of the difficulty involved in swapping ration tickets for clothing. 

It was during this clandestine period that we can first see the emergence of this in 'all black' style, and whether they wore wool cycling shorts, longs or long sleeve jackets, these brave cyclists, whilst they certainly didn't know it at the time, were forging a whole new look that would come to influence cycle clothing makers far into the future.

A trip to the the highly informative Cotswold Cycling website details club members of the 1930's wearing typically black garments, like continental training sweaters as advertised in the cycling publications of the day, and button up jackets as seen in this early club photo. 

In many ways then, certain items of bicycle apparel are direct descendants of the choices of these early innovators. An Always Riding customer recently pointed out that the Muxu Merino Wool Jumper bears a distinct resemblance to the pre-war Alpaca jackets, whilst the Ibex Merino cycling shorts, notably the Duo and Arrivee models are modern equivalents of their coarser early cousins.

For cycling it seems, the more things change, the more things stay the same. 

 

With thanks to Classic Lightweights for histrorical guidance

 

 

 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:50:00 -0700 Accelerace Challenge Cycling Video http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/69453556 http://blog.alwaysriding.co.uk/69453556

Ross and Chris of the Accelerace Challenge, a truly awe inspiring multi sport charity event supported by Always Riding apparel, were kind enough to make a nice video showing the cycling highlights of their trip. 

Well done chaps, 200 miles a day?  You are Always Riding.

Visit Accelerace on Facebook >

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/437918/posterouslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHDzFk9CVzz alwaysriding alwaysriding