April showers have turned into a chilly May, and I'd be lying if I said that I cycled my way through last month's torrential rains. When the heavens open a bus is dryer and much more comfortable, but if you're braving the elements, make sure you stay safe by keeping an eye on your bike maintenance, especially the brakes - remember that wet brakes ( Read more... )

There can be no doubt that once the showers set in, the best way to keep dry on a bicycle is with a cape. If your bike is fitted with mudguards (or fenders, depending where you're from), you're unlikely to get much splash from the wheels, and it is your lap and your shoulders that will take most of the rain. Luckily for us, capes are very now in A/ ( Read more... )

...cycle at minus degrees.

Believe it or not, so long as you don't try to brake in a hurry, it's actually a lot easier to cycle on an icy road than it is to walk on it. So here are a few observations from a cycle newb facing her first winter on London's roads.

• It has never been more important to watch the floor, watch out for icy ridges, slushy ( Read more... )

When it comes to the depths of winter, few things are warmer than a fur coat. My faux fur cropped coat keeps me warmer than most of my full length normal coats, even the wool ones.

And so it is that I found myself searching ebay for some longer length (or uncropped) furs, faux and real. I figure that pre-owned might as well be sold on to me as to ( Read more... )

Today was so windy that cycling into work felt like pedaling through water or swimming through mud. I had contemplated staying at home but decided to brave the weather: I can't bus my way back to Spring, not only because I don't want to keep paying for transport when my own vehicle is in good enough condition, but mainly because I don't want to be ( Read more... )

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