Just Cycling News, Hacks and Tips

Welcome back, fellow masters of the road. It’s been a fascinating, albeit slightly  tumultuous, week in the world of cycling. If you’re juggling family life, work, and trying to squeeze in enough Zone 2 miles to stay competitive in the club run, here is your quick coffee-stop breakdown of the top five stories affecting the amateur cyclist. 1. A Tactical Trim: Trek Simplifies the New Domane Trek has launched its quintessentially versatile endurance bike, the Domane Gen 5, and simplicity was the brief. Following the trend of their recent Madone, they have officially ditched the front IsoSpeed system altogether, relying instead on 38mm tire clearance and carbon flex to smooth the road buzz. They have retained Rear IsoSpeed, but simplified it into a lightweight, non-adjustable pivot to maintain comfort while bringing the frameset weight down significantly (by around 300g on the top-tier SLR model). For riders who value robust reliability over proprietary widgets, this lightweight reve...

Whether you’re heading out for a Sunday morning group ride, tackling your local hills, or balancing work and family life around a training routine, cycling is supposed to be our ultimate release valve. It’s where we clear our heads, leave the week’s worries behind, and feel the simple joy of two wheels turning. But what happens when the pressure, data tracking, or outside life stress starts following you onto the bike? When riding begins to feel more like an exam than an escape, it’s easy to feel isolated. Let's break down the biggest myth surrounding mental health in cycling and talk about how we can reclaim the fun in our rides. Many people think that professional cyclists, and even the "serious" local riders in high-end kit, possess an indestructible mental shield. We watch athletes conquer legendary, brutal climbs like Mont Ventoux and assume they operate in a completely different psychological realm. We assume they don't deal with self-doubt, anxiety, or performa...

If you're looking for a high-intensity, low-impact workout that can help you shed pounds, spinning may be just what you need. Spinning, also known as indoor cycling, is a popular form of exercise that involves pedalling a stationary bike to the beat of music in a group fitness class setting. But is spinning really effective for weight loss?  Let's take a closer look. The Benefits of Spinning for Weight Loss Spinning is a high-intensity, cardiovascular workout that burns a significant number of calories in a short amount of time. Depending on your intensity level, you can expect to burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories per hour during a spin class. This can help with weight loss as you are likely to create a calorie deficit for the day. Spinning also has the potential to help you lose belly fat. Belly fat, or visceral fat, is a type of fat that accumulates around the waistline and is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Studi...

If you're new to spin class, you may be wondering how to adjust your bike, breathe properly during the workout, and avoid common mistakes. As a UK cycle coach for " Just Cycling " I'm here to share my top 10 spin class tips for beginners. 1. Adjust your bike properly The first step to a successful spin class is to adjust your bike properly. Make sure your seat is at the right height so that your knee is slightly bent when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Adjust the handlebars so that you can comfortably reach them without putting strain on your neck or shoulders. Start with them higher than you think you need, then adjust slightly each week maintaining balance on the bike and comfort. 2. Wear comfortable clothing Wearing comfortable clothing is essential for indoor cycling. Choose clothing that is moisture-wicking and breathable and avoid clothing that is too loose or too tight. A lot of indoor cycling studios have air conditioning, so if you feel cold...

If you are wanting to become a confident cyclist, improve your cycling knowledge and ultimately become a better cyclist, you’re in the right place. My name is Wayne Brewin and I'm a passionate cyclist with years of experience on the road and trails as a cycling coach, instructor, and bike mechanic. Whether you're a beginner just getting into cycling or a seasoned rider looking for new tips and gear, this blog is for you. Here you'll find helpful information feel confident in your bike & bike skills, including different types of cycling, gear selection, and tips for staying fit through cycling.  Let's get started! Types of cycling and selecting the right gear: When it comes to cycling, there are many different types of riding to choose from. Some of the most popular include road cycling, mountain biking, and commuting. Each type of cycling requires different gear and equipment, so it's important to select the right gear for the type of cycling you plan to do. For...