Dave Lawrence
Dave Lawrence - Author of Mad About Brighton.

How To Train For The London To Brighton Bike Ride

How To Train For The London To Brighton Bike Ride

Martone Cycling Co Grand Diamond

The Diamond is a new addition to the Martone range but its not just an expensive tweak on the Classic, it maintains all of the other distinguishing features from the original bike. The retro geometry and high quality zinc parts are still present and this bike comes fully assembled and ready to ride. With its addition of curved tubing and red graphics, this model is Martones most striking offering yet. If youre looking for carbon fibre, or regular steel, grand prix-shredding pedals then the Diamond isnt for you.

But if you want a single axle time trial pedal that is going to make you look fast on the way to work with its cool colour blocking and bright red chain and axle then this might be the one for you, Mad About Brighton (madaboutbrighton.co.uk). At $295, it will also make you happy that you bought it. Martone are a premium brand, their Diamond model is made from superlight and strong carbon fibre, and the complete bike weighs in at 6.

97kg (15. 4lb). The bike itself is very light, but it does come with an equally light price tag of £12,400 (around $19,000) – which makes the chains even more impressive!. The Martone Diamond is one of the most stunning bicycles we have ever seen and has been crafted to perfection. From most angles in this impressive looking design, the red carbon weave, paired with outstanding gold coloured components, shines through creating a perfect balance.

But your style isnt the only thing that will be making a statement if you rock up to the local bike shop on a Diamond. Its hand-made in Italy from high-grade steel making for a frame thats incredibly light which will change your riding experience for the better. If you are using Southeastern trains from London Victoria to Brighton, you must book your bike reservation in advanced by calling Call 0 . 53 and arrive at Brighton 21.

Pashley Poppy

Pashley Poppy.  Periwinkle blue and classically styled, this bike harks back to a bygone era and will have you yearning to ride through blossom filled parks- with a sprung leather saddle and mudguards for preserving the pretty dress you're bound to be wearing, all that's missing is a basket for stowing your belongings. If you're after a weekend bike for fun rides, this is just the ticket. Pashley Poppy. Periwinkle blue and classically styled, this bike harks back to a bygone era and will have you yearning to ride through blossom filled parks- with a sprung leather saddle and mudguards for preserving the pretty dress youre bound to be wearing, all thats missing is a basket for stowing your belongings.

If youre after a weekend bike for fun rides, this is just the ticket. Pashley Poppy. Periwinkle blue and classically styled, this bike harks back to a bygone era and will have you yearning to ride through blossom filled parks- with a sprung leather saddle and mudguards for preserving the pretty dress youre bound to be wearing, all thats missing is a basket for stowing your belongings. If youre after a weekend bike for fun rides, this is just the ticket.

The Foffa Single Speed

The Foffa Single Speed is a commuter built to withstand the rigours of daily use. The frame is Hi-Ten steel, which is far more durable than aluminium or its (relatively) cheaper alternative, carbon fibre. It’s heavy – just over 11 kilograms – but it’s solid and will stand up to plenty of neglect as well as abuse. In short, this is not the bike for you if you think you’re going to be riding it every day and will look after it properly.

You’ll notice that we’ve used the term “commuter” here – this does not mean that you can’t use the Foffa on weekends for adventuring out into. The Foffa is a fun bike, suited to shorter commutes and fast rides through quiet roads. Its geometry with relaxed angles that push the handlebars up and forward allow you to keep your upper body upright whilst on the move – this makes it ideal for short pleasure rides where ease of use is top priority.

The modern geometry certainly makes it easy to handle, especially when zipping down some potholed single track roads between traffic lights. The Foffa Single Speed is a versatile bike that is great for short commutes, zipping around campus, and generally getting from A to B at high speeds. I spoke with Paul Melhuish, Director of Alchemy Cycles, about the attributes of this bike. He told me that the components were carefully chosen to make sure the bike was durable, reliable and a pleasure to ride.

Foffa recommends the 4'6 size frame for riders from 1. 60-1. 70 metres tall and they even offer a sizing calculator on their website (linked above) to make sure you get a perfect fit. The frameset is smooth and comfortable with its sprung saddle, although I can imagine that after a while you might feel like getting off because it's taking too long to get home!. The Foffa screams quality. The steel frame feels solid with no flexing in the main tubes, and though slightly unusual the High-Ten steel tubing gives a feeling of confidence that you’ll never have to worry about frame failures.

In fact some forum users say it should be nicknamed The Terminator for its steadfast reliability. Since obtaining one of my own and riding it for a while, I have become more of a fan of the single speed as opposed to the multi-gear bike. Since getting my Foffa bike, I’m pretty confident that it’s a great bicycle but there are some things to be aware about if you’re interested in purchasing one. Pashley produce classic bikes that are built to last.

Sirrus Comp Carbon Disc

The Sirrus Comp Carbon Disc´s fork is a great feature on this road bike. It comes built into the frame as most parts are carbon (as the name suggests). A carbon fork makes such a difference to the feel of a bike, especially when riding on uneven or bumpy surfaces. It´s also noticeably lighter in weight; it weighs about three pounds less than the steel non-disc version of this model. There are hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors that stop you quickly and don´t fade with wear.

What if you were able to get a bike that will keep up with your daily cycling needs? Not just any bike, but one that will help you have less hassle in carrying bike accessories, let you store your bikes within an acceptable range, and especially one that is easy for you to assemble. Great news! You can get all of these needs in a simple package with the Sirrus comp carbon disc. The Sirrus Comp Carbon Disc is the lightest on this list and will fare just as well on a weekend ride as on your daily commute.

The Specialized Zertz insert technology between the front suspension and fork will soften the blow of bumpy roads and potholes. There are also ten-speed gears, which will allow you to adapt to any terrain. Fitted with a Shimano 105 groupset and hydraulic disc brakes, this bike should be efficient on every surface. The 2015 Sirrus Comp Carbon Disc has a sporty geometry that will keep you upright and effortlessly light during long distance rides. The Specialized Sirrus Comp Carbon Disc can reach a speed of 20mph.

In terms of durability, this bike easily withstands heavy traffic and any type of weather. The rear rack is also quite convenient and makes traveling an easier task. The frame is carbon with aluminum fork, meaning that it weighs under 2 kg. The front fork is also made of carbon material and Zertz inserts will make you feel like you’re floating on air over those potholes. Their models date back to 1884 and the company concentrated on bikes that were produced to be used on a daily basis.

Charge 2016 Grater 3

The Charge Grater 3 is a city bike that has been designed to be durable, easy to ride and comfortable to use. The body has been built with a super sturdy steel frame that will last you a particularly long time. The Shimano Claris gear shifters are also remarkably well built; easy to use and robust in case you accidentally smash into the side of your bike shed. Who doesn’t want a new bike? We all do, but the main question that arises is how much can you really afford and what should go in it.

Here we give you an easy to digest bike buying guide that will help you pick the perfect bike for your size, needs and wallet. So without further ado, lets get started. Sure, it might not have 21 gears, but that doesnt mean this bike cant take on the city. If youre really wanting to be an everyday rider and not just a leisurely one, then we recommend the Charge Mini Street, which has front and rear suspension to help combat potholes and cobbles.

First launched in 2013, the Charge 2016 Grater 3 has garnered a host of awards to date, and deservedly so. The bike is built to withstand the harsh environment of an urban lifestyle with its anti-rust chain, puncture resistant tyres and sturdy wheels. Their bikes have a very traditional look and are always finished in classic colours which is why Jamie Oliver chose Pashley for his TV show The Naked Chef, when he wanted to go antique shopping.

Bobbin Scout 2016 Road Bike

The 2016 Bobbin Scout is a fast bike. It features a high-quality chromoly frame and fork with an efficient road bike geometry - designed to provide a composed ride for everyday use. The 40/50mm deep-v rims, Tange Prestige high quality steel tubeset and Shimano 8 speed drivetrain with 27 gears gives you all the gears you need for tackling any climb. The retro-styled Bobbin Scout 2016 Road Bike is built around a lightweight Hi-Ten steel frame, giving it an excellent strength:weight ratio.

The frame also features twin top tubes and reinforced, replaceable dropouts that ensure precise tracking. This is a retro racing-tourer that is unmistakably beautiful and will also be sturdy with a high ten steel frame. The alloy mudguards, white bar tape and vinyl saddle all add to the look so youll want to show this one off around town. Theres no need to fear the trails anymore with this stunning road bike from Bobbin. It's a retro racer with 21-speed Shimano Claris gearing that gives you enough gears to pick your way along gaps between trees and over stiles.