The Evolution of Eyewear TechnologyModern performance eyewear is about so much more than style – it’s about smart design and cutting-edge technology that adapts to every condition, rider, angler and adventure. Whether you’re cycling at dawn, casting lines under bright midday sun, or exploring trails in unpredictable weather, our eyewear is built to enhance both your vision and your lifestyle performance wherever the day takes you. Here’s a rundown of the tech that makes modern eyewear awesome - and why it might influence what you pick next.Interchangeable Lenses: One Frame, Endless PossibilitiesImagine having a pair of glasses that can keep up with any weather or light condition. That’s the magic of interchangeable lenses. Sunny? Swap in a dark lens. Overcast? Switch to a brighter one. It’s fast, easy and way more versatile than juggling multiple pairs. If you like flexibility, this is a game-changer. Our pick: - Codebreaker - RX Insert Compatibility: Perfect for Prescription Wearers
Introducing the Vittoria Terreno PRO Gravel Range — Naturally Fast, Unstoppably AdvancedAt Freewheel, we love when performance and sustainability come together — and Vittoria’s latest release does exactly that. The new Terreno PRO Gravel Range is the most anticipated Vittoria launch in over a decade, and it’s already making waves across the cycling world. Designed for riders who want race-ready speed and durability without compromising the planet, the Terreno PRO sets a new benchmark for what a modern gravel tyre can be. Faster. Grippier. Tougher. Smoother. Compared to the already impressive Terreno Endurance series, the new PRO level construction offers: 5% faster 19% more grip 18% more puncture resistance and an even more comfortable ride From racing to adventure rides, Terreno PRO is built to perform in every condition. It’s no surprise that top riders like Tom Pidcock, Alison Jackson, and Lachlan Morton have already been spotted riding them this season. Now, you can too available
PACE vs NOMAD vs APEXLooking for the perfect COROS watch? We break down the Pace Pro, Nomad, and Apex 4 to help you find the best GPS watch for your running, hiking, or multisport adventures.Pace Pro – Premium running focusBest ForRunners who care about screen and running features, who don’t necessarily need ultra-rugged build or extreme battery/endurance modes.Highlights- The Pace Pro features a 1.3-inch AMOLED display with very high brightness - among the brightest in the category - It supports offline maps and advanced GPS/running metrics - Training features include: - Effort pace - A personalised metric that represents true effort when running - EvoLab - Recovery, fatigue, training load, race predictor, VO2 max, threshold zones and more - Activity alerts - For cadence, distance, pace, heart rate, power and even moreNomad – Rugged adventure & outdoor focusBest ForOutdoor enthusiasts: hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers. Best for people who want offline
Genesis introduces new CDA Junior alongside refreshed CDA 10 and 20 modelsBritish adventure brand Genesis has expanded its lineup with three new models, including the all-new CDA Junior. The CDA range is designed for riders seeking a versatile and affordable bike that’s equally at home on the daily commute or light gravel trails. The updated line-up now includes the CDA 10, CDA 20, and the all-new CDA Junior – bringing the brand’s spirit of adventure to riders of all ages. Starting with the CDA Junior, this scaled down model is light, tough, easy to maintain and designed to inspire confidence on roads, trails, and towpaths. Genesis has worked hard to create a bike that will cater for the greatest range of heights from one platform. Designed for riders between 140 and 157 centimetres tall, the CDA Junior is built to inspire young cyclists to explore further. Perfect for forest trails, canal paths, and family bikepacking adventures, it features a lightweight aluminium frame and fork
Repair, Renew, Reuse with Gear AidRepair, Renew, Reuse with Gear Aid At Freewheel, we believe in making your cycling clothing and equipment last longer. That’s why we’re proud to offer Gear Aid — the go-to brand for Gore-Tex repair, clothing repair patches, and outdoor gear care. Instead of throwing away your favourite jacket or trousers if they get damaged, Gear Aid repair products help you bring them back to life. Whether you’re fixing a rip in your Gore-Tex jacket, sealing a leaky tent seam, or patching up cycling gear, Gear Aid makes it quick and easy to get back outside.Can You Repair Gore-Tex? Yes — with Gear Aid Wondering can you repair Gore-Tex? Absolutely. Gear Aid’s Tenacious Tape and Gore-Tex Repair Patches are designed to permanently fix rips, tears, and holes in waterproof jackets, trousers, and outdoor gear — without affecting breathability or performance. Just peel, stick, and press for a long-lasting waterproof repair that keeps you dry on every adventure.Why Choose Gear
The Ultimate Guide to MPart MudguardsMudguards are a must-have for autumn cycling, and MPart offers some of the best on the market. Designed to keep water, mud, and debris off your bike and yourself, these mudguards provide full coverage, easy installation, and durable protection. Whether you’re commuting through rainy streets or tackling muddy trails, MPart mudguards help you ride cleaner, longer, and with less hassle.Why Mudguards Matter in Autumn Mudguards aren’t just a luxury; they’re essential for autumn cycling. Without them: - Water and mud splash onto your back and legs - Your drivetrain and brakes get clogged with grit, accelerating wear - Your bike frame and components become dirtier, requiring more frequent maintenance With the right mudguards, you can ride longer, cleaner, and with less post-ride hassle.Why Choose MPart Mudguards MPart offers a range of durable, easy-to-fit mudguards that perform in all wet-weather conditions: - Versatile Fit: Designed to fit a wide range
Autumn Bike Lube Guide: Keep Your Drivetrain Running Smooth in Wet, Muddy Conditions As the clocks go back and the rain sets in, autumn cycling brings its own set of challenges. Wet roads, muddy trails, and swirling leaves might make for scenic rides, but they’re hard on your bike - especially the drivetrain. Your chain, cassette, and derailleurs bear the brunt of the weather, and without the right lubrication, you’ll be facing noisy gears, rust, and premature wear in no time. The good news? A simple autumn bike lube routine keeps your ride smooth, quiet, and efficient no matter how filthy the conditions get.Why Lube Matters More in Autumn Autumn means wetter roads and more grime, and that combination works like sandpaper on your chain if it’s not properly protected. Lube creates a barrier against water, dirt, and corrosion, keeping your chain moving freely and extending the life of your components. A well-lubed chain: - Reduces wear and tear on expensive parts like cassettes and
The Best Autumn Cleaning Products for Wet and Muddy RidesAutumn riding can be glorious, but the wet, muddy conditions can take a toll on your bike. Grit, grime, and road spray don’t just make your bike look a mess; they can shorten the life of your components if left unchecked. That’s where the right cleaning products come in. Here’s how Gtechniq, Finish Line, and White Lightning can help you keep your bike in top condition as the days get wetter and darker.Gtechniq: Pro-Level Bike Care for Every Ride Known for its car care expertise, Gtechniq brings the same advanced technology to cycling with a range of products that clean, protect, and maintain your bike like a pro. - Bike Cleaners: Gtechniq’s Bike Wash cuts through mud and grime without harming paint or finishes - Protective Coatings: The Bike Ceramic offers long-lasting protection, making your bike easier to clean next time - Finishing Touches: Products like Ceramic Quick Coat keep your ride looking sharp through the toughest
Understanding VLT and Lens Categories in Sunglasses: A Complete GuideIf you’ve ever shopped for sunglasses, you’ve probably come across terms like VLT and Lens Category on product descriptions. They might sound technical, but understanding them can help you choose the right sunglasses for your needs - whether that’s cycling, fishing, hiking, or everyday wear. In this guide, we’ll break down what VLT and lens categories actually mean, why they matter, and how to pick the right ones for your ride.What is VLT? VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It’s the percentage of light that passes through the lens and reaches your eyes. - High VLT = More light passes through → Lenses appear lighter → Better for low-light or cloudy conditions - Low VLT = Less light passes through → Lenses appear darker → Better for bright, sunny conditions In short: The lower the VLT, the darker the lens.Lens Categories Explained Lens categories are a standardised way of grouping lenses based on how much
Don’t Get Left in the Dark: Why Autumn Rides Need Bike LightsAs the glow of autumn sets in, bike rides start looking a little different. The evenings creep in earlier, the mornings stay darker for longer, and that summer sun we all took for granted suddenly seems like a distant memory. For cyclists, this shift marks one important change: it’s time to make bike lights your new best friend.See and Be Seen When the days get shorter, visibility becomes key. It’s not just about lighting your way forward; it’s about making sure others can see you too. A good set of bike lights keeps you safe by: - Illuminating your route so you can spot potholes, puddles, or fallen leaves before they catch you off guard - Alerting drivers, pedestrians, and other riders to your presence, especially in low light or gloomy weather conditions Think of your bike lights as an extension of your high-vis clothing - essential for staying visible on the road.Choosing the Right Lights The world of bike lights can
The Lloyds Tour of Britain: Inspiring the Next Generation with Ridgeback Kids BikesWe’re still buzzing after an unforgettable week at the Lloyds Tour of Britain. From the opening stage in Woodbridge, to our home stage in Milton Keynes, and all the way to the grand finale as the peloton rolled into Cardiff — we were there for every pedal stroke, every cheer, and every hands-in-the-air celebration. And through it all, we had one mission: to inspire the next generation of riders with the best kids bikes. Giving Young Riders Their First Cycling Experience Our brilliant team was on hand throughout the week, encouraging young cyclists to hop on and test our Ridgeback kids bikes. With specially designed test tracks set up alongside the official stage starts and finishes, children had the chance to experience the thrill of riding just as the world’s best professionals flew past. For many, it was their first taste of cycling excitement — and what an introduction! The Full Range of Ridgeback Kids
Knog Issues Product Recall for Early Production Blinder 900, 1300 LightsRecall Issued for Early Batches of Front Blinder Lights Knog announces a voluntary product recall on early production runs of its front bicycle lights, the Blinder 900 and Blinder 1300 (and their German-specific STVZO models Blinder 80 and Blinder 120), due to potential battery issues that can cause overheating and therefore pose a fire and burn hazard. “Here at Knog, we pride ourselves on being experts in safety, and customer safety is our absolute top priority. While we understand that a product recall is never ideal, we want to proactively reach out to the market to prevent any additional product failures moving forward,” said Mal McKechnie, Knog’s Chief Operating Officer. Customers who own Blinder 900 and Blinder 1300 lights (or the German-specific STVZO models Blinder 80 and Blinder 120) are asked to check their batch code via Knog’s Product Recall Portal to determine whether their batteries are defective. Owners
Croix de Fer 931 Bike CheckSingletrack Mag Editor and all-round cycling legend, Chipps Chippendale recently made the switch to the updated Genesis Croix de Fer 931. Having ridden everything from the singlespeed Day One to a titanium Croix de Fer, Chipps was curious to try the updated Croix de Fer 931 frameset. After six months of hard use, here’s what he had to say: “I’ve been impressed at how versatile the Croix de Fer 931 has been. The Croix de Fer 931 is a bike that looks like Ti, but with the ride of steel, a massively versatile build-up range and a chirpy ride that encourages some big days out.” Chipps customised his Croix de Fer 931 with the Di2 2x12 GRX semi-wireless groupset, DT Swiss DiCut 1400 wheels, and enough bosses for bottles, bags and bikepacking adventures. Six months in, it’s handled everything from 100km road rides to overnight mountain-pass missions and even a bit of mellow MTB. As Chipps puts it, "It’s been mighty capable so far." For Chipp's full Singletrack review,
Polly Clark, known on Instagram as @mountainyogabreaks, is a passionate mountain bike guide with a unique twist — she combines the thrill of two wheels with the grounding energy of yoga and mindfulness in the wild. Based in mid-Wales,
Ready to Roll Into a New School Year?A new school year isn’t just about fresh stationery and clean exercise books — it’s about getting your daily routine sorted and starting as you mean to go on. And if you’d rather avoid packed buses or sitting in traffic, there’s no better way to get to lessons, lectures, or training than by bike. This season, we’ve teamed up with Basil to bring you a back-to-school collection that’s as practical as it is stylish. Whether you’re cycling to college, heading into town, or making the daily trip to school, these baskets and bags are built to handle whatever the day throws at you. Why Basil? Style Meets StrengthBasil has a reputation for blending Dutch cycling heritage with clever, modern design — perfect for UK riders who need kit that looks good and lasts. Here’s what you can expect: Hard-wearing materials that stand up to daily use in all weathers. Practical features like quick-release fittings and wipe-clean finishes. Stylish designs that make your
The Vittoria Gravel Terrain Score helps you find the perfect tyre.From smooth hardpack to loose, technical trails, Vittoria’s new Terreno T Series is built to match every kind of gravel ride. With models ranging from T10 to T90, each tyre is precision-designed for a specific terrain type, so you can ride with confidence wherever the route takes you. Need help choosing the perfect tyre? That's where Vittoria’s Gravel Terrain Score tool makes it easy to pick the right tyre for your terrain and riding style. And now, the range gets even better:Terreno T50 £54.99 One tyre. Any terrain. All day. Positioned between the Terreno Dry and Mezcal, the T50 offers riders the flexibility to tackle everything from hardpack to mixed conditions.Terreno T60 £54.99 When conditions get rough, this tyre gets going. Designed for aggressive, ever-changing surfaces, the T60 brings confident control to unpredictable terrain.Both tyres feature: Endurance Formulation powered by Graphene - Dependability,
Meet Calvin Jones – The Man Behind The LegendIf you’ve ever searched online for help fixing your bike, there’s a good chance you’ve ended up watching a Park Tool video. And if you have, you’ve probably seen — and heard — Calvin Jones. With his signature moustache and unmistakable passion for bicycles, Calvin has become one of the most recognisable and trusted figures in the world of bike maintenance. As the Director of Education at Park Tool, Calvin isn’t just a mechanic — he’s a mentor, a storyteller, and a living encyclopaedia of bicycle maintenance. With decades of hands-on experience, including wrenching at multiple World Championships and working with some of the best athletes in the world, Calvin has helped shape what modern bike repair looks like today. But perhaps more importantly, Calvin has dedicated his career to teaching others. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started with your first bike, his calm, clear guidance has made complex repairs feel possible — even
Madison Bags launch affordable cycle bag range for commuters and adventurers alike.Madison is pleased to share its latest range of cycle bags, designed for everyday riders and weekend explorers. The updated range covers panniers and saddle bags to rack top and handlebar bags, every product in the Madison range is built with smart, practical design to keep your essentials protected no matter the weather or terrain.The Madison bag range features waterproof bike luggage which is engineered for riders demanding durability, capacity, and style. The 30L Stellar-Tech Pannier offers a reflective finish for visibility, while the standard 30L Pannier keeps things discreet. A 25L Rack Top Bag, 3L Handlebar Bag, Top Tube Bag (1L), and Saddle Bags (0.5L/0.7L/1L) deliver IPX6-rated waterproof protection across all rides. For post-ride clean-up, the 60L DTE Dirty Secret Kit Bag keeps wet or smelly gear contained. Engineered for seamless journeys, the bags feature roll-top closures, welded seams, and
What Are the Differences Between Types of Turbo Trainers?If you’ve ever thought about riding indoors - whether to dodge the winter weather or just to squeeze in a quick spin - chances are you’ve looked into turbo trainers. But with so many types out there, knowing which one to go for can be a bit of a minefield. So, what are the actual differences between types of trainers? And how do you know which one suits your style of riding? Let’s break it down.The Three Main Types of Turbo Trainer (and What Makes Them Different)1. Basic TrainersThese are your entry-level, no-frills option. You pop your rear wheel onto the trainer, clip in, and ride. Resistance is either magnetic or fluid-based, and you change the effort level using your gears - just like you would on the road. They’re simple, solid, and great for riders who just want to get the legs turning indoors without fuss. Why choose one? - They’re budget-friendly - Setup is quick and easy - Great for steady rides or intervals Elite Pick:
When Cycling Weekly gear expert Joe Baker took the Madison Cipher Photochromic Sunglasses for a spin, he came away impressed—and for good reason. Priced at just £79.99, the Ciphers offer performance features usually reserved for much more expensive eyewear. In his review, Baker highlights the photochromic lenses as a standout feature—rare at this price point and a major plus for cyclists who ride in changing light conditions. The TR-90 frames also earned high praise. Lightweight, flexible, and built to last, they stay secure over rough terrain—whether you're hitting the road, gravel, or mountain trails. “(The Madison Cipher is) A versatile and well-built pair of sunglasses”—Joe Baker, Cycling Weekly Looking for dependable, feature-rich cycling sunglasses without the premium price tag? The Madison Cipher might be your perfect match. Shop Now or Learn More About the Cipher Collection Madison Eyewear Cipher Matt Black Sunglasses - Photochromic (Cat 1-3) Lens £79.99 Madison Eyewear Cipher
How to Fit a Bike Rack: A Simple GuideIf you’ve ever stared at a bike rack with mild confusion (or full-blown frustration), you’re not alone. Whether it’s for a weekend away or just getting to your local trail, knowing how to fit a bike rack properly makes life a whole lot easier - and safer too. In this guide, we’ll take you through the basics of fitting a bike rack, share some handy tips, and highlight a few brilliant options from Thule, available now at Freewheel.co.uk. NOTE: This guide offers general advice - always follow the specific fitting instructions provided by the manufacturer.1. First Things First: Pick the Right Rack Before you start strapping things to your car, make sure you’ve got the right type of bike rack for your setup. Thule has loads of great options depending on your car and how many bikes you’re carrying: - Rear-mounted racks – perfect for hatchbacks or SUVs and quick to fit - Roof racks – ideal for keeping the rear of your vehicle free (handy for parking!)
When to Replace Bike Rim Brake Pads (And How to Tell They're Worn Out)Your bike’s braking system is one of those things you don’t think much about - until it doesn’t work like it should. Rim brake pads might seem like a small detail, but they make a big difference in how safely and smoothly you ride. Whether you’re rolling around town or heading out for weekend adventures, knowing when to replace your brake pads is key to keeping things under control (literally).What Are Rim Brake Pads, Anyway?Rim brake pads are those little blocks - usually rubber or a similar compound - that press against your wheel rims when you squeeze the brakes. They’re common on road bikes, hybrids, and some mountain bikes with caliper, cantilever, or V-brake systems. Over time, these pads wear down, just like the soles of your shoes. And like shoes, they need replacing before they wear through.How Do They Work?When you pull your brake lever, the pads clamp onto the metal sidewalls of your wheel rim. That
Let’s Ride! Celebrating Bike Week with Freewheel.co.ukIt’s Bike Week – and we’re absolutely here for it! Whether you’re a road warrior, trail shredder, city commuter or just someone who loves a weekend spin to the coffee shop, this week is all about you – and your bike. At Freewheel, we believe there’s no better way to celebrate than to do the simplest thing of all: ride. Ride to the shop. Ride with friends. Ride through the woods. Ride just because it feels good. No pressure, no podiums – just two wheels, fresh air, and that unbeatable feeling of freedom.Why Ride? We’re Glad You Asked! Bikes are more than just fun – they’re little two-wheeled heroes. They’re great for your health.Regular cycling can boost your mood, improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles, and even help you sleep better. It's like a gym session… except you get to feel the wind in your hair. They're kind to the planet.Swapping the car for a bike just once a day can reduce your carbon footprint, every pedal