Love letter

Latest

I can't stand seatpacks - it's time to make pannier racks cool again

Who'd want a wagging tail when you can have sturdy pannier bags?

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  I rode every cobbled street in my city and punctured twice, but I still can't resist the rumble of the stones

  Forget smooth tarmac, it's cobble season

  By Tom Davidson Published 2 April 25

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  I almost crashed into a canal because of the thumb loops on my jacket – I'm glad cycling brands don't make them like this anymore

  Heed my warning: don't use the thumb loops on your old cycling kit

  By Hannah Bussey Published 28 March 25

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  I'll never forget my first road bike - the one that was taken prematurely from me

  My Specialized Allez was scratched and buckled, but it still holds a special place in my heart

  By Tom Davidson Published 12 March 25

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  I'm hooked on Strava and I don't care who knows about it

  People are ditching their social media apps, but I could never let go of the oasis that is Strava

  By Tom Davidson Published 5 March 25

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  Energy bars are a waste of time, and I'm not spending my money on them anymore

  Why not make yourself some homemade flapjacks, or get some malt loaf? It will save you a few quid in the long run

  By Tom Thewlis Published 26 February 25

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  I'm awful at cleaning my bike - where am I going wrong?

  Nobody ever taught me how to wash my bike. Here's how I've been doing it badly

  By Tom Davidson Published 12 February 25

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  I should never have bought a gravel bike

  Don't buy a gravel bike by default – there's a new breed of bike out there that may suit your riding a whole lot better

  By Simon Fellows Published 5 February 25

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  I've received some terrible cycling-themed Christmas presents over the years - and I treasure them all

  Each bike-patterned gift is a reminder that we cyclists stand for something

  By Tom Davidson Published 25 December 24

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  I knew I'd never make it as a pro but a good tailwind still makes me think I had a chance

  Tailwinds on rides growing up made me believe I was the next Bradley Wiggins. It's only when they went away that I realised I had a long way to go to become a Tour de France winner

  By Tom Thewlis Published 18 December 24

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  My bike-mounted garage opener is a luxury gimmick – but it's worth every penny

  It's silly and extravagant, but also a huge convenience that I've come to appreciate in my daily cycling life

  By Anne-Marije Rook Published 20 November 24

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  Why the humble cycling buff is my favourite piece of winter kit

  Go wild, it's snood season

  By Tom Davidson Published 13 November 24

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  Most cyclists dread ramp tests - but I can't get enough

  There's real pleasure in self-inflicted virtual riding pain

  By Tom Davidson Published 23 October 24

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  My boutique cycling holiday broke my frugal spirit – what have I become?

  Lured away to Cyprus for a taste of luxury cycling, CW's David Bradford fears he's losing touch with his spartan roots

  By David Bradford Published 15 May 24

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  I'm a fair weather cyclist - and I'm not ashamed

  I may have less grinta, but at least I've always got a grin when I ride

  By Tom Davidson Published 8 May 24

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  I don't care if you're doing efforts – all cyclists should wave to each other on their rides

  Solidarity between cyclists is one of the nicest things about being on two wheels. Why do some people eschew it?

  By Adam Becket Published 1 May 24

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  I ditched my cycling computer - now I listen to the birds sing when I ride

  My reasons for riding have shifted and I don't care to pore over the data anymore

  By Joe Baker Published 3 April 24

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  I've packed away my Zwift trainer - it's farewell until winter

  We'll meet again, indoor cycling, but summer is for the outdoors

  By Tom Davidson Published 27 March 24

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  I lost the joy in cycling - here's why I broke up with my coach

  For my sake, and my dogs', I decided to call time on coached training

  By Adam Jones Published 13 March 24

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  Don't waste your money on expensive cases - here's why I keep my phone in a sandwich bag when cycling

  Forget designer pouches, my trusty sandwich bag provides the safest of homes from downpours

  By Hannah Bussey Published 6 March 24

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  I love wearing pro team kit - even if it is against 'the rules'

  There’s a Facebook page to mock those who wear it, but I love pro kit

  By Adam Jones Published 28 February 24

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  A break-up letter to stupidly long club rides

  I have found shorter, more sociable outings are for me

  By Adam Becket Published 21 February 24

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  A love letter to racing strangers through the city

  There’s nothing like the joy of winning a race the other person didn’t know they were in

  By Tom Davidson Published 14 February 24

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  A love letter to my Pendleton, and why I'll never dump it for an e-bike

  Who needs speed when my mint green bike and I look so good together?

  By Emmie Harrison-West Published 7 February 24

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  'A bit like ice but twice as slippy': A love letter to my rollers

  We’ve been on a roll since that first, heady spin…

  By Simon Fellows Published 31 January 24

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  Smitten with mittens: I'm in love with my Bar Mitts - even if others may judge them

  A fashion statement they are not, but Bar Mitts have been a complete game-changer for my winter riding.

  By Anne-Marije Rook Published 24 January 24

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  A love letter to my Shimano pedals

  Undoubtedly the most preposterous confession you will read this Wednesday

  By Joe Baker Published 17 January 24

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  A love letter to my pub bike

  Forget about anything fancy, I want a machine that gets me around town and I'd be happy to lock up anywhere

  By Adam Becket Published 27 December 23

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  A love letter to my Rapha winter socks

  They’re so good that I went back and bought two more pairs

  By Tom Thewlis Published 20 December 23

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  A love letter to my mid-ride banana

  There's a reason the only variety we eat is called the Cavendish

  By Tom Davidson Published 13 December 23