Off-road riding

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

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

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,

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,

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

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

Saracen launch updated Myst with LTD series colourwaysSaracen is excited to launch the updated Myst, featuring Limited series colourways and is one of the first bikes to come to market with the new FOX DHX2 system.  The latest Saracen Myst is available in five new colourways including the frameset, across the Myst Team and Pro models with a LTD  ‘Liquid’ series colourway available in each line. Saracen has designed an additional limited colour in each model which has taken inspiration from the eye-catching, fan-favourite Madison Saracen frame which was raced during the opening two rounds of the 2024 Downhill World Cup. This latest model is one of the first to feature the next-generation Fox DHX2 coil shock, offering a monotube design for better pressure balancing, a larger 12.7mm damper shaft for improved strength, and 4-way adjustability to fine-tune your ride. Whether you're dialling in high-speed compression or low-speed rebound, the DHX2 gives you unmatched grip and responsiveness

How to Clean a Bike Chain: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Smoother RideIf your bike isn’t shifting smoothly, sounds gritty, or just feels sluggish, your chain is likely crying out for a clean. A dirty chain wears out faster, affects your drivetrain, and saps energy from every pedal stroke. Let’s walk through exactly how to clean your bike chain at home—plus we recommend some top tools and products to make the job easier and more effective. And of course, you can always pop in to your local bike store for help and advice on cleaning your bike chain. Why Cleaning Your Chain MattersYour bike chain goes through a lot. It picks up road grime, mud, dust, and debris - especially if you ride in wet or off-road conditions. Letting that build-up sit leads to: - Increased wear on your drivetrain - Rust or corrosion - Poor shifting and power transfer - Shortened chain life Cleaning your chain regularly (every 100-150 miles for road bikes or after muddy rides for MTBs) helps keep your bike running smoothly

Can You Add a Bike Basket to Any Bike? Here’s What You Need to KnowAdding a bike basket is one of the easiest ways to make your bike more practical for everyday. Whether you're picking up shopping, commuting with a backpack, or just want a place to stash your coffee and keys, a well-fitted basket can make your ride much more convenient. And although fitting bike racks is a relatively easy task, we always recommend you pop in to your local bike shop who’ll be happy to help! If your bike didn’t come with one, you might ask: Can I add a bike basket to my bike? The answer is usually yes - but there are a few things to consider first.Which Type of Bike Basket is Right for You?Front Baskets Front-mounted baskets attach to the handlebars or the fork. These are great for smaller items and are easy to access while you’re riding. Some clip on and off; others are permanently fixed. Rear Baskets These mount on a rear rack, giving more room and stability - perfect for heavier loads. If your bike

Which Size Bike Inner Tube Do I Need? body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.7; margin: 0; padding: 20px; background: #f9f9f9; color: #333; } h1, h2, h3 { color: #2a2a2a; } img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 10px 0; } a { color: #0073e6; text-decoration: none; } a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } .product { background: #fff; padding: 15px; margin: 20px 0; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); } Which Size Bike Inner Tube Do I Need? Whether you’ve got a flat or you’re simply preparing for the inevitable, choosing the right bike inner tube is essential for a smooth and safe ride. But with so many sizes and valve types, it can be a little confusing if you’re not sure what to look for. This guide will walk you through how to check your current tyre, choose the correct valve, and help you find quality options — from affordable Nutrak tubes to premium performance by Vittoria — all available at Freewheel.co.uk. Step 1: How to Find Your Tyre Size The easiest way to determine the correct size inner tube is to check the sidewall of your bicycle tyre. You’ll see a number combination such as 700x25c, 26x1.95, 27.5x2.1, or 29x2.3. These numbers tell you two things: the first is the diameter of your wheel, the second is the width of your tyre. For example, if your tyre says 26x1.95, you’ll need an inner tube made for 26-inch wheels and tyre widths

Homegrown Quality: Get to Know Freewheel’s Own BrandsAlongside some of the biggest names in the cycling world, we proudly design and develop our own portfolio of in-house brands. Spanning everything from powerhouse P&A labels like Aztek, Nutrak, and Truflo, to technical apparel specialists Madison Clothing and Hump, and iconic bike brands including Ridgeback and Genesis—our proprietary offering has been built over decades with one clear focus: delivering high-quality, great-value products that riders can trust.One of our most established brands is Ridgeback. With a heritage stretching back over 30 years, Ridgeback has produced bikes trusted for round-the-world adventures as well as reliable daily rides and a range of award-winning e-bikes - perfect for everything from cross-continent touring to popping to the shop for a pint of milk.Genesis Bikes was born from Ridgeback’s more adventurous DNA. Built for riders who crave versatility, Genesis bikes are engineered to perform both

Born from the Streets: Kryptonite’s Diamond Standard U-Lock - The Ultimate Bike SecurityCycling through the city offers unparalleled freedom, but it also comes with the unfortunate reality of bike theft. For years, Kryptonite has been the trusted name in bike security, providing reliable protection for cyclists worldwide. Among their legendary New York Series U-Locks, the Diamond Standard stands out as the pinnacle of security and durability. Whether you're navigating the streets of New York or any urban landscape, this lock is designed to ensure your ride remains protected. Engineered to Withstand Real-World ThreatsAs bike theft evolves, so must the tools we use to prevent it. One of the growing threats to bike security is the rise of battery-powered angle grinders. These powerful tools can quickly cut through locks, making them a prime weapon for criminals. Kryptonite’s Diamond Standard is engineered specifically to counter this menace. Through extensive testing, Kryptonite has developed

Why is your waterproof no longer shedding water like it once did?Why Your Waterproof Cycling Gear No Longer Sheds Water Like It Used To (And How to Fix It) For many cyclists, a reliable waterproof jacket or pair of rainproof trousers is an essential piece of kit. Whether you’re commuting, touring, or tackling local trails, staying dry can make all the difference between an enjoyable ride and a miserable one. But over time, you might notice that your once-waterproof gear is no longer repelling water as it once did. Instead of beading up and rolling off, rainwater begins to soak into the fabric. This phenomenon is known as wetting out—but what causes it, and how can you restore your gear’s water-shedding abilities? Read on to find out. What Is Wetting Out?Wetting out occurs when the durable water repellent (DWR) coating on your cycling gear breaks down or gets contaminated. Normally, DWR allows water to bead up and roll off the fabric’s surface, keeping the outer layer dry. However, dirt,

The Truth About Washing Waterproof Garments: Myths vs. RealityA lot of people believe that washing a waterproof garment ruins its ability to keep water out. But that’s not true! The key isn’t avoiding washing altogether—it’s knowing when and how to do it properly. Step 1: Do You Really Need to Wash It?Before tossing your waterproof jacket into the machine, ask yourself: Does it actually need a full wash? If it’s just a bit muddy or has trail spray on it, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and warm water might be enough. Frequent washing can wear out your garment faster, so only wash when necessary. Step 2: Use the Right SoapIf a wash is needed, using the correct detergent is crucial. Regular biological detergents can damage the waterproof membrane, making your jacket less effective at keeping you dry. That’s why we recommend STORM Eco Wash—it cleans thoroughly without harming the waterproof layer. Step 3: Wash & Dry CorrectlyTemperature: 30°CCycle: Synthetic washDrying: Leave indoors

Learn how to look after your bike, Park Tool style

The reason Quad Lock is so popular is because it's one of those things that just works. You install it, it's simple, reliable and looks after your phone. Perfect. In fact, you could be forgiven for thinking that Quad Lock is so close to perfect that there's no point in messing with it, and that's a point we'd sympathise with.  However, the team behind the brand have indeed been looking for ways to make the best even better, and after much deliberation, creationing and prototyping, they think they've cracked it with the brand new Quad Lock MAG. What is MAG, you ask? Well it's basically a Quad Lock case with a magnetic back, meaning it snaps into various mounts, chargers and holders seamlessly. Not only that but it'll also attach to other magnetic surfaces, like workstands, car doors or the underside of aircraft (please dont try that last one, we haven't thought it through). So instead of using the quarter-turn system to attach your phone to stuff, it just sticks on and off.  Aside from

As a bike rider or commuter in winter, there are a few things that just make your heart sink. One is rain, because nothing makes the cold less pleasant quite like getting wet. Another is punctures, because getting cold and wet is one thing but then having to change a tube really is insult on top of injury. The third is getting ready for your ride home only to find that your lights dont have enough charge, thus begins the classic game of 'front light chicken' where they may or may not have enough juice left, so it becomes your legs versus the light battery to see which fails first.  What we're trying to say is that a quality front light is an absolutely essential piece of kit for anyone who intends to ride in poor light conditions, whether that be early morning/late evening rides during Spring and Summer, or basically any time of day in the UK in Autumn or Winter.  Coming in 600, 900 or 1300-lumen varieties, the real beauty of the Blinder Pro is the battery technology which gives you a

With the weather finally starting to look up and cyclists everywhere casting furtive glances at their summer bikes, Madison Clothing is back and ready for SS24. This new range puts the focus back on drop-bar riding with the Flux and Roam lines containing pieces for performance and adventure cyclists no matter what their budget.   Heading up the SS24 lineup is the Flux short sleeve road jersey. Focused on performance and made from lightweight material, it’s a smart jersey at a killer price point (£39.99) that pairs up with last season’s Flux EIT bib shorts to make a top performing, wallet-friendly combination. In tandem with that goes the Flux Ultra Packable Waterproof Gilet which is a perfect pocket stuffer for those days when the weather could change at any moment. But don’t worry, the MTB riders out there haven’t been forgotten as there’s a new summer-ready Flux jersey and DWR shorts on the way too. Next up comes Roam, which is kit for the adventurous rider that wants to go anywhere

If you're not familiar with Steve Peat, it's fair to say that there aren't many former Downhill World Champions that are treasured quite like the man from Sheffield. After finishing fourth in the Downhill World Champs on four separate occasions, Peaty finally won the big one in 2009 - although he'd already been World Cup Series Champ three times. Add that to 17 wins on on the DH World Cup circuit and it's fair to say there aren't many people better placed to give out off-road riding advice.  So Shimano quite sensibly drafted him in to lead the below video, where he showcases the full variety of different E-MTB skills and explains them all for you to watch from the comfort of wherever you are with your video-viewing device. Enjoy. 

Correctly tightening different parts of the bike is very important for two sort of corresponding reasons. Firstly, you want to make sure things are tight enough so that they dont work loose while you're riding. The flip side of that is that you also don't want to tighten parts of the bike up too much and end up damaging anything. Basically, there's a fine balance between not tight enough and too tight, and that's where torque wrenches come in.  Torque is a twisting force (technically a measure of the force causing something to rotate round an axis), and it's what you measure when you're tightening any bolts on your bike. You will (or should) have noticed that every bolt on a bike has a torque rating that the manufacturer recommends and it's important to make sure that those bolts are tightened to within that range. For example, Shimano Hollowtech II cranksets have two fixing bolts on the non-drive side, and those are meant to be between 12-14Nm (that's Newton metres).  In fact, Shimano

If you had to pick one thing that the guys and girls from Park Tool are pretty good at, it would probably be building bikes. A bike tool brand being good with bikes is as expected as water being wet. But still, it's always very satisfying to watch someone who's really good at what they do doing it really well.  That someone here is Truman from Park Tool, who's building a very nice gravel bike in what looks like a very nice workshop. It also includes a bit of head tube and bottom bracket facing, which definitely isn't something you see every day now that the vast majority of mid- to high-end bikes are carbon.  So sit back, relax and watch as a build comes together... 

Sitting here in January with the temperature hovering around freezing, it's definitely the hardest part of the year to muster up the motivation to get out and ride your bike. So while we're all waiting for Spring, we've posted a couple of great videos from Shimano's YouTube channel below that just make us want to get out and ride our bikes. You can even watch them while you're on the indoor trainer if you want.  The first video is about riding in and around Beijing on bikes made right there in the Chinese capital. . We'd never really thought of Beijing as a two-wheeled destination before, but after watching the below Made In: Beijing video we're now extremely jealous of the hugely varied terrain that's on offer. So now we're going to have to book a riding holiday there, which will be expensive. Wonderful. The second video comes from America's Pacific Northwest region, where the Trans Cascadia race takes place. Trans Cascadia is one of the best-known multi-day Enduro events in the world