Reviews

10 Best Cycling Locations in California

September 2, 2015 by U.M.

California is one of the most gorgeous states in the USA and is home to sun-kissed beaches, and other areas of natural beauty and a wine culture that is among the most interesting in the country. All of this combines to make it an area of interest for cyclists, so it is good to know that there are plenty of good cycling locations in California.

There is something for everybody, regardless of what you are looking for from your ride, so here we will look at some of the best cycling locations in California.

Napa

Napa City is a wonderful area and this route takes you through it. At a little over 20 miles it is a decent ride without being too exhausting, plus you will get to see the stunning Mt Veeder Road. Best of all, the rapid descent is one of the most exhilarating experiences you will have. Couple this ride with all of the amazing wineries and you have an ideal cycling location.

Napa Routes: napavalleybiketours.com

If you’re seeking a little bit of peace and quiet during your ride than this is one of the best cycling locations in California. From a paved road in the back-end of the village, you will encounter a gorgeous wilderness that always contains something interesting to see.

Mattole Road Route: sundaymorningrides.com

Aliso Creek Riding and Hiking Trail

This 18 mile stretch of asphalt makes for a really smooth ride, which is great for road cyclists who want to see a little bit of nature as well. You will get to see a number of different parks in Orange County, allowing you to really make the most out of your visit.

Aliso Creek Trail: traillink.com

Pine Flat Road

Getting to the peak of Pine Flat Road is as much an achievement as it is a bike road, so make sure that you are ready for the challenge ahead. You’ll have an 11 mile climb ahead of you, which only gets steeper as you near the summit. The view from up there provides all the reward you’ll ever need for your hard work, though.

Pine Flat Road Route: bestrides.org

Stewarts Point – Skaggs Springs Road

If Pine Flat Road doesn’t offer enough of a challenge than Stewarts Point Road will. It’s considered to be one of the most difficult cycling routes in California and there are plenty of hills and off-road sections for the adventurous. Amateurs should stay away though.

Stewarts Point – Skaggs Springs Road Route: twistypedia.com

American River Bike Trail

This stunning trail runs for 32 miles and runs alongside the banks of the American River, meaning that you will get to see plenty of natural beauty on your ride. It’s also very easy to navigate and includes a number of places you can stop over and refuel.

American River Bike Trail Route: americanriverbiketrail.com

Bannon Creek Parkway

This cycling route is short and sweet, but it is also one of the most popular cycling locations in California. You’ll have the opportunity to mix with the locals in addition to exploring the wonderful Jefferson School Park and Bannon Creek Parkway.

Bannon Creek Parkway Route: traillink.com

Miners Ravine Trail

Don’t let the name fool you, as you won’t end up deep underground while riding this route. Instead, you’ll get to see the city of Roseville in all of its glory before following the course of the ravine that gives the route its name. This route offers a great mix of nature and suburban living environments.

Miners Ravine Trail Route: everytrail.com

Ohlone Loop Trail

Nature lovers, and those who enjoy birds in particular, will love this location. It takes on the wetland areas of Watsonville, which is located on California’s central coast, creating a peaceful ride that is not too far from residential areas so you don’t need to worry about getting lost.

Ohlone Loop Trail Route: cityofwatsonville.org

Lario Trail

The Lario trail is one of the best cycling locations in California for people who want to experience the dual nature of the state. On one hand you will get to enjoy the natural beauty of the LA River, whereas on the other you will experience the impressive industrial landscapes of the state.

Lario Trail Route: google.com/maps

Which of the 10 best cycling locations in California is your favorite?

Athletic Greens Review

August 30, 2015 by Lee Agur

What is Athletic Greens

Athletic greens is an all natural whole food premium superfood cocktail. It is designed to:

Naturally increase energy with 100% natural super foods designed to be immediately absorbed into your system for maximum benefit
Ensure superior health through optimum daily absorption of nutrients from more than 70 whole food ingredients
Provide your body with the critical vitamins, minerals, enzymes and co-factors you need to THRIVE
Active culture pre- and pro-biotic compounds help ensure gut health, protect immunity and strengthen your body’s natural defences

Athletic Greens Pros

Anti-oxidant Rich
High in essential nutrients
Great Taste

Athletic Greens Cons

Cost
Questionable Business Practices

Athletic Greens Ingredients

Athletic greens groups their ingredients into four categories:

Raw Superfoods – are greens that are nutrient rich and help keep the body pH a little more alkaline. The list includes well known beneficial ingredients such as spirulina, inulin, wheatgrass and more.

Herbs & Antioxidants – Pea protein, citrus bioflavonoids and lots of extracts.

Digestive Enzymes & Super Mushroom Complex

Probiotics

One serving contains at least your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin K2 and nearly all of your vitamin A. Athletic Greens is packed with great ingredients.

Athletic Greens Taste

Greens drinks are usually gross however, athletic greens has been designed in such a way that it is a little sweet (from added stevia) and the greens are mild. It actually tastes pretty good, better than any green alternative on the market today.

Athletic Greens Cost

Athletic greens price may be a little bit steep with the regular price being $127 for 30 servings. 30 servings lasts 30 days so the cost is $4.23 per day. It seems unreasonable when compared to alternative greens products that sell for around $2 per serving; however, you may be able to justify it when you compare it to a coffee or two a day.

Athletes are recommended to take in 2 servings per day doubling the cost from $4.23 a day to $8.46.

Questionable Business Practices

Be wary of the autoship! Athletic Greens makes it difficult to cancel an order (you have to phone in), and you have to read the fine print to make sure you are not signed up for an autoship. There are customer complaints that the customer service representatives have been less than understanding. This is actually common practice for similar brands, but it doesn’t mean you know about it.

Where to Buy Athletic Greens

You purchase athletic greens directly from the website, links are below:

Buy Athletic Greens

Athletic Greens Special Offers

Athletic Greens Alternatives

Vitamineral Green – All around great product. Everything you need.
Green Vibrance – Great reviews and one of the long standing original greens product.
Amazing Grass Green Superfood – Great for the basics and inexpensive

Should I Buy Athletic Greens?

Athletic greens is a supplement designed for athletes, and it is a great supplement to boost energy, balance your pH, aid digestion and provide many essential nutrients that you may not be getting elsewhere in your diet. If you are not getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet or are not taking other supplements then try it out as long as you can swallow the price point.

Do you have an Athletic Greens Review? Share it below!

The Best Wool Cycling Jerseys

August 27, 2015 by U.M.

Wool cycling jerseys offer a number of differences to synthetic cycling jerseys that serve to make them an essential part of any cyclist’s wardrobe. Not only are they better for cold weather riding, as the material is far superior when it comes to retaining heat, but they are also able to absorb sweat and ensure that you don’t develop any pungent aromas while you are riding.

Of course, most people go for synthetic cycling jerseys first, but if you’re in the market for a wool cycling jersey these are the best ones that are currently available.

De Marchi Belgium 1974 Jersey

The classic style will never go out of fashion, and this is one of the best wool cycling jerseys because it harkens back to a bygone age in the cycling world. Coming with a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts for two years, the jersey is made from half merino wool and half acrylic, so you are truly getting the best of both worlds. It also has a quarter length zip and features three pockets that are perfect for storing all of those little essentials that you need whenever you go out on a ride. The sky blue coloring is contrasted by the colors of the Belgian flag emblazoned across the center.

Ibex Outdoor Clothing Men’s Pulse Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey

Ibex has built a reputation as a maker of quality cycling apparel and their pulse short sleeve cycling jersey is no exception. Available in both red and grape coloring, the jersey is made in the United States and features 96% merino wool compared to 4% spandex, for that extra little bit of elasticity. It is also machine washable, so you can easily get rid of any dirt that gets kicked up onto it when you are cycling across muddy terrain, and the merino blend mesh panels ensure that it will fit your form at all times.

Road Holland: The Montfoort – Women’s 1/4 Zip Merino Blend Jersey

This is one of the best women’s wool cycling jerseys due to the sleek and stylish design coupled with a level of practicality that you don’t get from many others. In addition to being made from merino wool, the jersey also features three rear cargo pockets and an additional zipper pocket should you need you take a few more things with you. Couple that with the handy reflective strip that will make you more visible when riding and you have a great jersey.

Road Holland: The Edam – Men’s Mid-Weight Long Sleeve Merino Blend Jersey

It’s Road Holland again with yet another high quality wool cycling jersey. This one is intended for male riders and is available in a wide range of colors, so you can always pick the one that best suits your bike. Made with a full zip, you can choose how open you want it, and a looser fit for those who are less comfortable with form fitting clothes and you have one of the best wool cycling jerseys for people who want to get the most out of their cycling. As an added bonus, it also comes with two large pockets and an additional zipper pocket for you to use as well.

Giordana Sport Knitted WOOL Jersey

This gorgeous jersey features a wonderfully sleek design and comes in a range of colors, so you can match it up against the rest of your cycling wardrobe. It’s one of the most versatile wool cycling jerseys on the market, thanks in part to the blend of wool, polyester and polypropylene, which lend the jersey its form-fitting nature in addition to make it better for riders in warmer weather. It also has three pockets at the rear, to allow for a little storage capacity.

Wool Cycling Jerseys vs Synthetic Cycling Jerseys

August 27, 2015 by U.M.

The clothing you wear when you are cycling can play a large part in increasing your efficiency and comfort levels as a cyclist. We all know the benefits of cycling shorts and other items of clothing, but when it comes to jerseys, riders have a wide choice of garments to pick and choose from.

The main distinction in the types of cycling jerseys available boils down to wool vs synthetic fabrics. Merino wool cycling jerseys offer a wide range of advantages, but synthetic cycling jerseys also carry a number of benefits and are more often preferred by the average cyclist. Here we take a look at both and why you should consider having one of each available to you.

Wool Cycling Jerseys

If you intend to spend a lot of time cycling in colder conditions, a wool cycling jersey may be the right choice for you. Merino wool is much better at retaining body heat, as opposed to synthetic fabrics that are often designed to keep your body as cool as possible when you are riding. This makes them ideal for those cooler rides where warmth is a factor.

Furthermore, wool cycling jerseys are specially designed to deflect moisture away from you when it is raining. The exterior will ensure that you stay nice and dry at all times, while the interior is absorbent and will keep sweat off your body when you are riding.

Wool cycling jerseys are also designed to ensure no nasty odors start to get in the way of your cycling, as they are layered to create as poor an environment as possible for bacteria to grow in. Couple that with the fact that they are machine washable in most cases and you can be sure that you won’t be emitting a nasty smell whenever you head out for a ride.

However, given that wool is used in the design, some cyclists find that wool cycling jerseys can get a little bit itchy on longer rides, which is a distraction that most cyclists could do without. They are also less efficient than synthetic jerseys when it comes to keeping you cool, though they are still surprisingly capable given the fabric.

Synthetic Cycling Jerseys

Synthetic cycling jerseys are usually the option selected by many cyclists and they certainly have their advantages when it comes to warm weather cycling. They are able to wick away the sweat on your body, allowing you to stay cooler, plus fabric like nylon and polyester breathe a lot better than wool.

They are also made to be as form-fitting as possible, which makes them extremely comfortable to wear in addition to providing an extra layer of support for your midsection when you are riding. Couple that with the fact that they are also extremely flexible, thus allowing for increased movement on the bike, and that they are more aerodynamic and you can see why they are the jersey of choice for those looking to clock faster times.

Better yet, cyclists who are on a budget will usually find that synthetic cycling jerseys are cheaper than their wool counterparts, so you can spend a little bit less.

They do have some downsides though. For one, even though they are fairly easy to wash, synthetic fabrics are much more likely to maintain those pesky body odours.

They are also not a great choice if you want to remain as environmentally friendly as possible. Wool comes from a source that is easily renewable, meaning said jerseys can be made without any worries about the effect on the environment. However, as forms of plastic are often used in the creation of synthetic cycling jerseys, you may find there is a pang of guilt if you are environmentally conscious.

Wool Cycling Jerseys vs Synthetic Cycling Jerseys which do you prefer?

Best Cycling Cameras

August 26, 2015 by U.M.

If you want to really get a good view of the action in front of you during a race, or you’re just interested in recording the things that go on during your commute into work, you need to know what to look for when you go shopping for cycling cameras.

Quality of picture, ease of use and durability are all important factors that you should consider, which means it is often not a good idea to just buy the cheapest one on offer. After all, the extra money you might have saved isn’t going to do you any good when the picture you’re viewing is so grainy that you can barely see what is going on.

With that in mind, we thought we would take a look at some cycling cameras that are definitely worth being attached to the front of anybody’s bike.

Contour ROAM2 Waterproof Video Camera

Being waterproof is something that is always going to be an attractive feature in any cycling camera, as it means you can keep recording come rain or shine. However, the Contour has much more to offer than a simple resistance to water. The ‘Instant On’ switch makes it extremely easy to start recording at any point in your ride and it is available in a wide range of colors, so you can get one that suits your gear. Couple that with a 60 frames per second (fps) filming rate, offering superb video quality, and you shouldn’t have any problems with this little beauty.

Forestfish(TM) Polarized Sunglasses with Camera

Get the best of two worlds at once with these excellent cycling sunglasses that also offer good video capture. Not only will you be able to protect your eyes from the sun at all times, but the camera will capture whatever you are looking at when you ride in high definition 720p. With 8GB of memory allowing you to capture plenty of footage, the camera portion of the package is also Plug and Play, so you don’t need to worry about installing any pesky software if you just want to watch a couple of videos on your computer.

Rideye Black Box Cycling Camera

We all know that the Black Boxes on aeroplanes are meant to be almost indestructible. In fact, the whole reason they exist is to protect important flight data that can let people know what has happened. That’s the thinking behind the Rideye Black Box Cycling Camera, which evaluates hundreds of different parameters every single second to help you avoid accidents, while also being extremely sturdy so it will survive practically any encounter. This is the ideal camera for people who are wary of road cycling and want to have something that will always be able to record any vital pieces of evidence.

Polaroid XS100 Extreme Edition HD

Polaroid has long been one of the most recognizable brands in photography and video, so it should come as no surprise that they create some great cycling cameras. This one films in stunning 1080p, with a low-light performance feature that allows you to capture great footage in the dark. It comes complete with both helmet and handlebar mounts, so you can choose where to put it, plus the design is extremely aerodynamic so you don’t need to worry about it affecting your performance on the road.

Shimano Sports Camera

Shimano makes some of the best equipment in the road cycling world, which is knowledge they have used to craft a cycling camera that is ideal for road cyclists. It’s light and able to capture footage in darker conditions, plus it has a number of wireless features that allow for videos to be transferred between different pieces of equipment quickly and easily. Couple that with the fact that it is waterproof and able to film in either standard or super-wide modes and you have one of the most versatile cycling cameras on the market today.

GoPro Hero4

The gold standard for best cycling cameras available is the GoPro Hero4! If you are looking for the best of the best look no further. This camera comes with all the bells and whistles. Want your picture to seem like a professional videographer captured it? The GoPro Hero4 Black has delivers a new ultra HD video in 4K30, 2.7K60 and 1080p120.

Which of these cycling cameras do you think is the best?

Benefits of Wool Cycling Clothing

August 18, 2015 by U.M.

Regular cyclists will likely already have a small wardrobe of cycling clothing made from materials such as Lycra or nylon, which are widely regarded as the best materials for the sport. After all, they offer the flexibility and support that you need to keep pushing when the ride is getting tougher, while also being able to wick sweat away from your body at crucial moments.

With that in mind, the advantages of wool cycling clothing may not be immediately apparent. After all, we associate wool with warmer clothing, which would seem to be counterproductive in many cases. However, there are a number of benefits that wool cycling clothing can bring to the table that are worth exploring, particularly in the case of Merino wool.

It Breathes

Every cyclist knows that a good piece of clothing must be able to breathe so that your body can maintain a cool temperature at every point of the ride. Merino wool is no different and you will find that it is actually much cooler than you might have first imagined.

This is particularly useful during those hot and sweaty rides, when the moisture on your body can cause plenty of distractions while also maintaining heat. A good piece of wool cycling clothing will be able to absorb that moisture, taking it away from your body and enabling you to stay cool when you are riding.

Fire Retardant

Now we will admit that it is not often that you are going to be in close contact with a fire when you are out cycling, but should the unfortunate event arise you will be far better protected by wool cycling clothing than you would with any clothing made using synthetic materials.

For a start, synthetics have a rather irritating tendency to melt in extreme heats, which means you actually end up receiving worse injuries than you might otherwise suffer. Better yet, wool cycling clothing is usually completely flame retardant, which offers an added layer of protection for your body should you ever need to get close to the heat.

This is actually particularly useful when you crash and the friction of the material against the ground can heat things up.

Handles Odours

Have you ever been out on a long ride and happened to catch a whiff of yourself? Sometimes, hours on the bike can lead to your body smelling a little less fresh than you would like. It can even get distracting if the pungent aroma is particularly strong.

Obviously, making use of deodorants is going to be able to help, but for that added layer of protection for your nose, wool cycling clothing is able to absorb a variety of odours that would otherwise cause you issues. Merino wool’s overlapping scales, coupled with its moisture absorbing properties, create a bad environment for bacteria to grow. This is great news for anybody who is taking their date out on a romantic bike ride and doesn’t want to completely stink up the joint.

Less Noise

If you wear synthetic cycling clothing you will be more than aware that it makes quite the racket when you are on the bike. All of that squeaking and crinkling can definitely cause a distraction when you are on a ride, particularly if you are just trying to enjoy the scenery while you cruise around. Having constant noise in your ear is going to stop anybody from taking in the views.

Wool cycling clothing, on the other hand, will be completely silent when you are riding. This means that you can enjoy your ride in peace and quiet if you need to really drink in the scenery around you. This makes wool cycling clothing a perfect choice for those long adventure rides, where the main aim is to enjoy the ride rather than get through it as quickly as humanly possible.

Vintage and Cool

Because wool cycling clothing is never going to go out of style.

Do you have wool cycling shorts? Wool cycling clothes of any kind? A jacket perhaps? A wool cycling jersey? Let us know what you think of wool cycling apparel as it compares to lycra.

Best Cycling Watch Period

August 12, 2015 by U.M.

Having a good cycling watch can make an enormous difference in cycling, and not only because it will allow you to track your times. It gives you a wealth of data to analyze and specifically allows you to pin point what you need to improve upon.

A good cycling watch is designed to stand up to the rigors of the sport, so you don’t need to worry about straps breaking or the clock face being destroyed on harsher falls.

If you’re in the market for a new cycling watch there are a wealth of options available to you, so we thought that we would take a little time to look at some of the best on the market and explain why they deserve to be wrapped around your wrist when you go for a ride.

Best Cycling Watches

Garmin 920XT

Garmin has the highest quality products on the market; however, some also come with a big price tag! The Garmin 920XT is the best cycling watch on the market and truthfully, this watch is designed for triathletes, and not just cyclists. The Garmin 920XT comes with the kitchen sink! It will track power, cadence, heart rate, speed, VAM (vertical ascension metres – vertical climbed per hour), distance, time and many more critical pieces of data useful for analyzing your ride.

For Running it will track cadence, vertical oscillation and even ground contact time along with the myriad of other useful tools that all running watches have. Basically if you can imagine it, this watch will have it!

Swimming features include (but are not limited to) distance, pace, stroke type, stroke count drill logging and rest timers.

If you are looking for a top of the line cycling watch and plan to do any swimming or running this is the watch for you!

Garmin Vivoactive Black

Garmin has built a reputation as a great watch maker because of products just like this, which is a versatile cycling watch that also has features for running, swimming and even golf. The large range of features are all easily accessible from a high quality, touchscreen display, making the watch clear and very easy to understand.

Couple that with a GPS system that will help out whenever you decide to tackle a new route, with a battery life of up to 3 weeks, and you can’t go wrong. Garmin even makes data fields and other apps available for free download.

Polar RCX5 Bike Heart Rate Monitor

This highly durable watch is designed for use by cyclists, runners and triathletes, so the design really has to be up to scratch to ensure that each gets the most out of it. Luckily, that is the case, so you will be able to use this watch and the in-built heart monitor to keep track of how you are developing when you train.

This cycling watch also comes with a two-year warranty, just in case something does happen, and features a training computer with a host of features to ensure you are training at the right intensity to reach your goals.

Bryton Amis S630R Multisport GPS Watch

Slightly garish colors aside, this cycling watch offers everything that you could possibly want in a nice and neat package. With a detailed GPS system, heart rate monitor and a handy bike mount, it is perfect for practically any cyclist.

Better yet, it also comes with a weather display that lets you know what conditions you are going to be facing, plus it can be linked to any Android-based phones so that you can keep track of incoming calls.

TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch

TomTom is one of the best producers of GPS systems in the world today, so you can be assured a high level of route planning accuracy with this sturdy cycling watch. It also comes with a heart rate monitor and cadence sensor so that you can keep track of your cycling speeds at all times.

The watch itself also features a large graphical display that makes it very easy to read and interpret the data that it puts out. TomTom takes full advantage of this with their Graphical Training Partner, which helps you to train effectively and better gauge the benefits of what you are currently doing.

Polar RCX5 Heart Rate Monitor

Advertised as a heart rate monitor, this cycling watch offers so much more than simply keeping track of your heartbeat. It also comes packed with a range of Smart Coaching features that ensure you stay on the right track when it comes to making the gains you need from your cycling training.

Furthermore, the watch is waterproof and can be used for a number of sports, for which you can create individual profiles that you can switch between as needed. It can also be combined with a range of other Polar accessories, though these usually need to be purchased separately.

The Best GPS Watch For Cycling Period

The best cycling watch period is currently the Garmin 920XT! It comes with more features than you are likely to use. If there is a cycling watch that is more sophisticated we have not come across it.

What cycling watch do you use? What is your favorite cycling watch? Let us know.

Why You Need a Cycling Watch

August 11, 2015 by U.M.

There are a number of accessories on the market today that can really help a keen cyclist to get the most out of the sport. While many of these are centered on improving efficiency and overall fitness, the usefulness of a cycling watch is often called into question. After all, what can a cycling watch offer that you can’t get from a regular watch?

However, for those who like to keep close tabs on their performance levels, a cycling watch is a handy little device that tells them everything that they need to know about their current ride, in addition to offering a host of other features.

There are a number of cycling watches available, all of which bring their own ideas to the table, but the following is a look at some of the general features being introduced in the new generation of cycling watches that we think you will find useful.

GPS

It seems like only a few years ago that GPS was being touted as a big thing for cars, but now the technology is so refined that it can be placed into a good cycling watch and used to help you find your way around.

This is ideal for people who are cycling on a new route and are wary of getting lost, or for those who are aiming for high efficiency and don’t want to have to carry an entire map around with them for a long distance ride. Your watch will be able to tell you where to go and is a feature that many people find desirable, not to mention tracking where you have gone and how quickly you went.

Texts and Calls

Newer cycling watches, such as those offered by Apple and Garmin, not only help you keep time and track your performance, but can also be used in a similar manner to cellular phones as well. This allows you to keep track of text messages and even take calls while you are on the bike, without having to stop or worry about the safety concerns that come along with riding one-handed.

Performance Tracking

The main reason that many people buy a cycling watch is so that they can track their own performance during a ride. Many good watches will come with features like a heart rate monitor, calorie counter and stopwatch to make sure that you can keep track of all of the important things in the ride, in addition to being able to set yourself targets that you can check on as you go.

Furthermore, cycling watches are much more compact than many other devices that offer a similar set of features, so you don’t have to worry about being bogged down with additional weight or made to feel less comfortable during your ride.

So Do I Need a Cycling Watch?

If you are using cycling for fitness, or to get yourself into the sort of shape that will allow you to compete at events, a cycling watch can be of enormous benefit simply due to the array of features a good watch has to offer. Being able to track everything from your heart rate through to the exact times that you start and finish a section of your ride allows you to determine where you are making gains and what areas you need to continue working on.

Additionally, if you link your cycling watch to a program like Strava then it is by far the best training log that you can keep.

However, if the bike is just being used for the commute or the odd weekend cycling trip, a cycling watch would likely be a poor investment, as all you might need it for in those cases is to tell the time.

The Best Cycling Movies Of All Time

August 4, 2015 by U.M.

Film allows fans of a sport to connect with it on a level far beyond simply participating. There are many great cycling events that are watched by millions, all over the globe, with the likes of the Tour De France ranking high on the list of must-watch television for cycling fans.

Of course, like with many other sports, cycling has also been the subject of some truly brilliant films. Here we take a look at a few great cycling movies that you have to watch if you love your bike.

A Sunday In Hell

Anybody who has ever participated in an endurance race knows just how difficult it can be, and A Sunday in Hell chronicles the fiendish Paris-Roubaix race. This documentary follows some of the major players in the 1970s cycling game as they traverse one of the most difficult courses known to man, riding for more than 250 kilometers. Interviews with participants and in-depth coverage of the physical toll the race takes on the participants make it a riveting watch.

The Flying Scotsman

This touching story is based on the life of the Scottish amateur cyclist Graeme Obree as he attempts to take the world one-hour distance record despite suffering from a mental illness and having no sponsors to offer support.

Breaking Away

Everybody needs a little comedy every now and again and this wonderful “coming of age” film does a brilliant job of demonstrating the enthusiasm that the sport of cycling can create in a younger generation. The film is so good that it was ranked as one of the top ten American sports films of all time by the American Film Institute.

BMX Bandits

It’s not often that cycling gets embroiled in the world of crime, but this Australian crime drama breaks the mold entirely. It follows a group of BMX enthusiasts who accidentally stumble upon a set of police radios that some bank robbers are aiming to use in their latest heist. There are chases aplenty as a result, including a memorable biking scene featuring the Manly Waterworks water slides.

Quicksilver

Quicksilver charts the fall from grace of a young floor trader, played by Kevin Bacon, who takes up a job as a bicycle messenger after losing his family fortune on the stock market. It is a tale of redemption that also does a great job of showcasing the freedom that cycling can offer.

Chasing Legends

If you ever want to experience the Tour De France from the perspective of the competitors then this is the film for you. Chasing Legends follows Team Columbia-High Road and takes in their thoughts as a participating team in the grueling event. Look for a younger Mark Cavendish making waves during the course of the race.

The Armstrong Lie

The saga of Lance Armstrong placed a black mark over the sport of competitive racing, and this film chronicles his retirement and attempts to get back into the world of competitive cycling before the doping investigation that led to his lifetime ban from the sport. It is a fascinating character study into one of cycling’s most polarizing figures.

Klunkerz: A Film About Mountain Bikes

This riveting documentary takes a look into the early years of mountain biking, including its formative years in Northern California and the relationship of a variety of different groups who all contributed to getting the sport off the ground. It is a must-see for any fan of the sport of mountain biking.

Bicycle Dreams

This documentary covers the punishing Race Across America, which is a 3,000 mile cross country event that is only taken on by some of the best endurance racers around. The film covers the 2005 event, which begins tragically with the death of endurance cycling great Bob Breedlove and continues into a marvelous testament to the strength of the human will and spirit.

The Triplets of Belleville

This quirky French animation is unlike every other film on this list, but is a sentimental favorite for any fans of the Tour De France. It follows the story of a young boy whose grandmother takes it upon herself to train him to become a champion in the most famous cycling event of all. It’s a touching and, at times, funny film that offers something a little more fantastical.

Premium Rush

Dodging speeding cars, crazed cabbies and eight million cranky pedestrians is all in a day’s work for Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the best of New York’s agile and aggressive bicycle messengers. It takes a special breed to ride the fixie – super lightweight, single-gear bikes with no brakes and riders who are equal part skilled cyclists and nutcases who risk becoming a smear on the pavement every time they head into traffic. But a guy who’s used to putting his life on the line is about to get more than even he is used to when his last envelope of the day – a routine “premium rush” run -turns into a life or death chase through the streets of Manhattan.

American Flyers

Sports physician Marcus persuades his unstable brother David to come with him and train for a bicycle race across the Rocky Mountains. He doesn’t tell him that he has a cerebral tumor. While David powerfully heads for the victory, Marcus has to realize that the contest is now beyond his capabilities. Features great views of the Rockies and an insight in the tactics of bicycle races.

These are some of the top cycling movies and most famous cycling movies produced to date. What are some of your favorite movies about cycling?

Best Road Bike Lights

July 9, 2015 by Lee Agur

The best road bike lights enable you to see and for others to see you!

The main things to consider are when purchasing a light for your road bike are: how well you will be able to see long distance, how well you will be able to see mid-distance and of course the peripherals as well as if the light will actually fit on your bike.

The Niterider Lumina 750

The Niterider Lumina 750 is our overall favourite for the best road bike light on the market.

Price: $150

The Beam

The round beam has a decently wide view for middle distance but has a concentrated centre that will pierce into the night and light up anything at a long distance.

The light has 4 settings and will last 1. 5 hours at 750 lumens, 3 hours at 350 lumens, 5. 5 hours at 150 lumens, and 18 hours at 40 lumens.

The Mount

The mount is almost excessive, but will connect to most all round bars but not flat aero bars. It is extremely secure, so much so that we even use it on mountain bike rides. Other road bike light mounts can shake loose from the vibrations, but not this one.

Find the Nightrider Lumina 750 here.

Cateye Volt 700

Price: $130

The Beam

The Cateye Volt 700 is a sleek light that delivers a powerful punch, so much so that the peripheral light is a little lacking. As long as you are not going through twisty turns then the middle distance light is plentiful and the long distance beam is second to none.

Light time will last 2 hours on the maximum setting but with 5 different settings can last over 40 hours at its lowest setting of 100 lumens.

The Mount

The band allows the cateye to fit small aero bars as well as round bars.

Find the Cateye Volt 700 here.

Moon X-Power 780 light

Price: $150

The Beam

At 780 lumens this light is quite powerful and decent peripherals short and mid distance.

At the lights maximum power it will only last 1.5 hours; but has 4 separate settings to choose from reducing it to 200 lumens as its lowest setting.

The Mount

The mount is nearly the same as the niterider but won’t open quite as wide. It mainly fits round bars and not anything else.

Find the Moon X-Power 780 here.

There are several other lights out there but these three are the best road cycling lights that we have discovered. They all have enough lumens to light up the road ahead and be safe. Peripheral vision is just as important as long distance vision while out on the road.

What are some of you favourite road bike lights out there?