Winter Riding

Winter is well and truly on its way now, the leaves are falling and the days are drawing in. We have all the kit and advice you need to get you bike ready for winter.

New Lights? Now the days are drawing in it's highly likely that you'll be riding in the dark more frequently. It's been a while since you last used your lights, you may have even lost them, so check are they working ok. If not get a sleek set of new Smart lights that are ultrabright and will make you seen on even the darkest of nights. With choice of battery or USB charging they are great for commuting.

Better grip? The roads are wet and slippery maybe its time to invest in some new rubber that's a bit grippier. We recommend Schwalbe Marathons or Halo Twin Rail to give the best all round performance. When the ice and snow comes you don't have to stop as we have Schwalbe studded winter tyres already in stock. Don't be scared to invest in tyres, the harder you ride the more you should spend and the more puncture protection you get.

It's chilly outside. So wrap up warm but make sure you layer up so that when you get hot after riding all those miles you can remove a layer or two. Wind is your enemy in winter so make sure you wear a good quality softshell jacket to keep it from penetrating those layers, alternatively you can do as the pro-riders do and stuff some newspapers down your jersey. Gloves too are essential, you don't want your fingers going numb.

Take your time. It's no longer a race out there, summer is a distant memory and now its time to learn how to ride with style and panache, don't think about your Strava times. Be seen and keep your eyes out too, in the dark and wet potholes and debris disappear so you need to watch out for them.

Winter Bike? There is always an excuse to get a new bike, even if you have a fleet already, but if you are really putting in the miles and don't want to trash your carbon fibre road bike this winter why not consider a stylish steel bike, we have a range from Marin, The Light Blue or Ritchey. Our Foffa range make real sense for winter commuter riding, simple steel frames with stylish good looks.

Why not take a trip to one of our shops to discuss your winter riding options. http://russellsbicycleshed.co.uk/contact/

What's In The Shop 4 - Time for Touring

I think the best way to imagine the Four Corners is in as a loyal pooch. Whether you're commuting, touring, adventuring, bikepacking, or just looking for something fun, the Four Corners is up for it; sat waiting patiently at the door for you with bottles filled and panniers attached (really stretching this metaphor). It's up for anything you can throw at it and, like you, will always be itching to come back for more. 

Four Corners

Was: £850 - Now: £650!

We have 2 Marin Four Corners in stock in both Medium and Large frames. Both bikes are in Green and Orange.

What Marin say:

"The Four Corners is perfectly suited to today's commute and tomorrow's touring adventure. The 4130 butted chromoly steel frame and fork are designed to handle fully loaded touring, with three bottle mounts, rack and fender eyelets, lowrider fork mounts, generous tire clearance and mechanical disc brakes to bring it all to a stop. The bars are set high for all-day comfort and heads-up visibility in traffic, and a Shimano 27-speed drivetrain for long-term durability and a 500% gear range to tackle any hill, with any load. Carry a laptop and change of clothes during the week, a tent and camp stove come Saturday morning. Get to work, and get out of town."

What the critics say:

"For the city dweller, it fills the niche for everyday commuting needs, and for the adventure seeker, the large tire clearance and touring capability encourages exploring on gravel and dirt. As cyclists, what tales would we have to share if everything went as planned? The Marin Four Corners is ready for a change of route and a story to tell."

See the full review here. 

Spec: 

Frame  -  Double Butted CrMo, 700c Wheels, Utilitour Geometry, Full Rack and Fender Mounts, Disc Mount

Fork  -  CrMo, Fender and Rack Eyelets, IS Disc

Rims  -  Marin Aluminum, Double Wall, Disc Specific

Tyres  -  Schwalbe Silento, 700x40C, Reflective Sidewall, Kevlar Puncture Protection

Rear Derailleur  -  Shimano Sora

Front Derailleur  -  Shimano Sora

Shifters  -  Shimano Sora 9-Speed

Crankset  -  Shimano Sora Hollowtech II, 50/39/30T

Bottom Bracket  -  Shimano Hollowtech II

Chain  -  KMC X9

Cassette  -  Shimano HG300 9-Speed, 11-32T

Brake Levers  -  Shimano w/ Integrated Shifters

Handlebar  -   Marin Four Corners Flared Drop

Stem  -  Marin 3D Forged Alloy

Grips  -  Marin Comfort Bar Tape, Shock Absorbing Gel Pads

Headset  -  FSA No.8D, Sealed Cartridge Bearing

Seatpost  -  Marin Alloy

Saddle  -  WTB Volt Sport Custom

Hubs  -  Forged Aluminum Alloy, 6-Bolt Disc, 32H

Spokes  -  14g Black Stainless Steel

Brakes  -  Promax Render R Road Mechanical Disc, 160mm Rotor

Pedals  -  Trekking Platform

We have a Four Corners in both our Nottingham and Sheffield shops at the moment. If you're interested in taking one for a spin, just give us a call and let us know. Find our details here.

What's In The Shop 3 - Capable Commuter

Next up we have the Marin Lombard. Originally one of the staff favourites back in 2016, the Lombard is what you get if you cross a cyclocross bike and a dedicated tourer/commuter. This bike is the best option for the person who wants to do it all in all weathers. Or even just someone who wants as much style and versatility as possible.

Lombard

Was: £950 - Now: £700!

We have 2 Marin Lombards in stock in both 52cm and 56cm frames. Act fast as the Lombard isn't making a return in 2018, making these our last two ever!

What Marin say:

"Part adventure bike, and part urban warrior. Birthed from cyclocross and touring parents, the Lombard can tackle the weekly commute as well as stretch its legs to venture out on weekend road or gravel adventures. A Shimano Sora triple 27-speed drivetrain with wide-range gearing help reduce the strain of hills while mixed-tread Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires provide secure handling both on road and off. Promax Render R disc brakes provide all-weather performance and a unique reflective decal system on the frame helps keep you visible while riding at night."

Spec: 

Frame  -  Series 3 6061 Aluminum, 700c Wheels, Relieved Head Tube and BB, Internal Cable Routing, Post Mount Disc Specific Forged Dropouts

Fork  -  6061 Aluminum, Straight-Blade, Post-Mount Disc

Rims  -  Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific

Rims  -  Forged Aluminum Alloy, 6-Bolt Disc, 32H

Tyres  -  Schwalbe Road Cruiser, 700x35C, Tan Sidewall, Kevlar Puncture Protection

Rear Derailleur  -  Shimano Sora

Front Derailleur  -  Shimano Sora

Shifters  -  Shimano Sora 9-Speed

Crankset  -  Shimano Sora Hollowtech II, 50/39/30T

Bottom Bracket  -  Shimano Hollowtech II

Chain  -  KMC X9

Cassette  -  Sunrace 9-Speed, 11-32T

Brake Levers  -  Shimano w/ Integrated Shifters

Handlebar  -  Marin Compact Drop

Stem  -  Marin 3D Forged Alloy

Grips  -  Marin Silicon Gel Tape

Headset  -  FSA No.8B

Seatpost  -  Marin Alloy

Saddle  - Marin Fitness

Spokes  -  14g Black Stainless Steel

Brakes  -  Promax Render R Road Mechanical Disc, 160mm Rotor

Pedals  -  Commute Platform

We have a Lombard in both our Nottingham and Sheffield shops at the moment. If you're interested in taking one for a spin, just give us a call and let us know. Find our details here.