Autumn/Winter Riding

After a great summer of cycling don’t put your bikes away but get yourself prepared and carry on cycling through the winter months.

It is great fun and is perfectly safe as long as you are well equipped for riding in the dark and in colder and wetter weather conditions to what we have become accustomed


Some key tips

•   Get your lights fitted on your bike both front and rear in readiness for riding in the dark
•   Mudguards can also be useful if you do not already have them fitted.
•   Dress up warmly with lots of layers so you can strip down if you get too hot and wear gloves to protect your hands
•   Make sure you have some waterproof clothing.
•   Wear a fluorescent items to ensure that you can be seen.
•   Carry all your spare items in a waterproof bag or rucksack
•   Be aware of the road conditions particularly watch out for icy and slippery roads. Ensure that you proceed with extreme care just as you would do if you were walking or driving.
•   If you have no grip/tread on your tyres I suggest you may want to change your tyres for some with a more appropriate tread pattern.

Enjoy – and remember many winter days are clear and sunny and so much fun to cycle in.

If you require the price for a part or about having your bike(s) serviced and made ready for winter then please contact us on either 07812 033 064, 01446 796959, by email at peter@valecycleservicing.co.uk or via the Online Quotes and Booking Form

Buying a 2nd Hand Bike

When looking for a bargain, it is likely these days that you will turn to eBay or other auction sites for a second hand bike. 

While there are bargains to be had, when buying a second-hand bike, you need to be careful, because you may have a large repair bill to go with the bargain price. Even if the person is not intending to be dishonest, their idea of perfect condition may mean clean but worn out.

There are a few things you should do when considering buying on eBay:

•   Never pay cash - always use one of the schemes that gives you protection.

•   Always collect in person - do not have it posted to you, and do not meet in some car park halfway.

•   Always ride the bike. Here is a quick road test check list:

• Pedal quite hard in every gear front and rear. If there is any skipping and banging, assume that you are going to need a new chain, cassette and chain rings. That is a big bill.

•  If there is a grinding or wobble from the pedals that might mean another big bill.

• Check that the brakes work, especially that they release and apply evenly. Hydraulic brakes should work perfectly. While a new set of pads for a standard bike are usually a few pounds, disc brake pads are expensive.

•   Does the steering feel free? Stiff or lumpy steering could a major repair.

•   Examine the tyres. Is the rubber perished? Are there odd bulges or cracks. Is there tread left?

•   If you are buying a bike with suspension, does it seem right - does the bike rock about with the front brake applied? If you are buying a bike with expensive forks, these are supposed to be serviced regularly and this usually means sending them away to the manufacturer - but most people don't bother. Forks often are 1/3 of the cost of a bike, so any suspicions, walk away.

•   Spin the wheels - are they straight? Minor wobbles can usually be sorted out, but it needs someone who knows to judge. Can you wobble them from side to side - loose wheels often end up with damage.

•   A clean bike does not mean it is a well maintained bike.

Over time there are parts of bikes that do wear out, including wheels, bearings, cables and the whole drive train. For example, a chain usually lasts 2000 miles or less, and if it is not changed causes a lot of damage, so be wary of commuter bikes, even if they are carefully maintained. Off roading and Mountain bikes are bikes designed to be hard, but therefore are prone to accident damage - the bargain is the mountain bike that is used on road, not the one owned by the expert who knows how to ride it, even if perfectly maintained!

The other thing to bear in mind is that if you are buying an expensive bike at a bargain price, when it comes to repairs, you need to decide whether you are going to maintain that quality or whether you are going to put cheaper parts on. Also old bikes can be difficult to get spares for, even if they are only a few years old.

If you require the price for a part or about having your bike(s) serviced then please contact us on either 07812 033 064, 01446 796959, by email at peter@valecycleservicing.co.uk or via the Online Quotes and Booking Form

Is Spring Here?

After such a dismal winter have we finally turned the corner towards Spring?


Although it's been a very mild winter it's not been great for cycling, the wet weather has really taken a toll on riders and bikes, give me cold and clear any time.

So Spring now seems to be on it's way, flowers are blooming and the days are definitely getting longer and the roads and trails are starting to dry out.  

It's now that most people start to think about getting out of their winter hibernation and getting out and about to enjoy the lovely countryside in South Wales and what better way of seeing it than on a bike.

So now's the time to dust off that bike that's been lurking in the shed or garage to a service, replacing those perished and worn tires, brakes and cables ensuring you get the most fun and enjoyment out of riding your bike.

Don't forget if you bike is beyond economic repair then we can supply you with a nice new shiny bike from manufactures such as Superior & Raleigh

For example these two fantastic bikes are just the thing for a do-it-all bike; perfect for cruising the streets, commuting, and enjoying the country lanes.  They come equipped with plenty of gears, efficient and powerful disc brakes, smooth running road tires and flat bars.    

Superior Speed City 200

Raleigh Strada 5

Every bike will be fully checked and assembled to British Standards by a qualified mechanic, so it's ready to ride straight away and includes a free first service. (Recommended Between 4 - 6 weeks old)

All bicycles can be delivered to your door for free in the "Vale of Glamorgan".

Including in the sale:

• All bikes built & ready to go
• Setting-up saddle and bar height, for riders comfort. 
• Demonstrate the best use of the gears
• Recommendations how best to take care of your new bicycle. 
• Free first service. (Between 4 - 6 weeks old)
• All with the added benefit of a local company.

If you require further information about having your bike(s) serviced or buying a new bike please contact us on either 07812 033 064, 01446 796959, by email at peter@valecycleservicing.co.uk or via the Online Quotes and Booking Form





    

On-line Cycle Retailer Sales

Bicycle Assembly & Servicing Across the UK

Our unique mobile service can work with you to be sure that the bikes you sell online will be assembled to the highest standards, by the largest network of experienced and qualified cycle mechanics. See link..............

If you require further information about having your bike(s) assembled and/or serviced then please contact us on either 07812 033 064, 01446 796959, by email at peter@valecycleservicing.co.uk or via the Online Quotes and Booking Form

Top Tips for Winter Riding

10 top tips for winter-proofing your bike.  Now that winter is finally here I'm seeing a few bike that are suffering from the current weather.

Courtesy of road.cc here are their 10 Top Tips for riding through the winter

 

10-top-tips-winter-proofing-your-bike

If you've got any questions about Cycle Repairs then please contact us on either 07812 033 064, 01446 796 959 or via the Online Quotes and Booking Form on the website or by email at peter@valecycleservicing.co.uk