Saturday 5 October 2013

Christmas Bikes - Bike in-a-box Assembly and Be-spoke Bike Builds

Many people will be buying a bike for someone for Xmas.  Avoid the disappointment of a box of bit on the big day by having it professionally assembled.



Prices start from £30.00 for a bike in a box to £120.00 for a bike built from parts to your specification.  All bikes will be built to British Standards BS 6102: Part 1: 1992

 
Bespoke bikes also include first service and delivery in the Vale free.

If you've got any questions about having a bike built to your specification then please contact us on either 07812 033 064, 01446 796 959, by email at peter@valecycleserving.co.uk. or via the Online Quotes and Booking Form.



Thursday 3 October 2013

Xmas Bike and Accessories Deals

In the lead up to Xmas VCS is offering some great bikes from the Raleigh stable

How's this -
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f you're looking for a great value first time road bike try this DBR Sprint.

Designed by Raleigh, this bike is an ideal introduction to riding with STI gears, runs on 700 x 28mm tyres with mountings to allow the fitting of carrier and mudguards making it suitable for anything from commuting to light touring.



  • Gearset: SHIMANO 2300 16 speed STI gear set and levers with Shimano 50/34T chainset and 12-25T cassette
  • Brakeset: Alloy Caliper brakes and levers
  • Wheelset: Deep section alloy rims with QR front hub and 28mm tyres
  • Controls: Alloy oversize drop bar on an alloy aheadset stem finished with black tape
  • Finishing Kit: DBR road saddle, alloy micro adjust seat post, alloy pedals with toe clips
  • Frame: AL6061 aluminium compact frame with mudguard clearance
  • Forks: Steel racing fork with mudguard clearance and eyes
Available in 47 or 55cm frames - these bikes will be built to British Standards BS 6102: Part 1: 1992 prior to delivery with the first service and delivery in the Vale free. All this for £320. 

 If you see a bike, parts and accessories that take your fancy from the cyclelife.com or Raleigh web sites please do not hesitate to get in touch.  Where possible we will match or better the on-line price and remember if it's a bike then you know it's been assembled by a City & Guilds qualified cycle technician with full back-up and FREE 6 week check-up.

If you've got any questions about bicycle builds please contact us on either 07812 033 064, 01446 796 959 or via email at peter@valecycleserving.co.uk.

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Winter Bike Maintenance

So the Summers over and you're had a great time out and about on your bike.

For some it's time to pack the bike away over the winter months, for others Autumn and Winter doesn't change their riding habits.  Whatever you're going to do it worth getting you bike ready for the darker months so it emerges the other side in top condition for Spring.  Winter cycling needs no introduction. It’s chilly and can be demotivating. To keep riding through our British winter a few simple tweaks to your bike will make things easier for you and for your bike.

Winter Mudguards

Mudguards for your winter bike setup
Mudguards not only prevent murky water from getting you soaked, they also prevent water from spraying into the face of whoever is unlucky enough to be riding behind you.
For mudguards you generally have two options. The first is the classic mountain bike mudguards you often see. They are cheap, easy to fit on almost any bike and they do the job.
There’s also mudguards that look similar to the ones in the picture above. They provide superior waterproofing but won’t fit all bicycle types. I recommended the SKS Bluemels Mudguards if you have the mountings on the bike, alternatively If you don’t have the proper attachments on your frame then the intelligently designed Crud RoadRacer is a great alternative.


You can easily ride out the winter without mudguards but your bike won’t thank you for it. All that murky water that is flicked up from the road often contains mud and petrol residue. Not an ideal combination for your chain, derailleur and brakes.

Winter Tyres

Schwalbe durano winter cycling tyres

If you are riding with thin tyres for speed (23mm or less) then you may wish to consider something a little wider (25mm and above). This will provide a smoother ride and better grip. Also, look for tyres with additional puncture protection. This will help you avoid standing by the side of the road repairing a puncture in the rain.


Bike lights


Essential for the winter, even in the daytime, there are some great light sets available for all budgets.  VCS carries a small range of light sets

Lubrication


During winter you need to step-up your cleaning and lubricating routine as it is washed away by rain and there’s more danger of rust. Remember to not go overboard as dirt will stick to the lube you apply and cause damage to your bike.


Maintenance

This is not the time of the year to skimp on bicycle maintenance.  Water, road grime and road salt will devastate your bike if it's not ready, however if your bike is prepared and in good condition then there's no reason not to continue riding.


If you've got any questions about Cycle Repairs then please contact us on either 07812 033 064, 01446 796 959 or via the Online Quotes and Booking Form on the website or by email at peter@valecycleservicing.co.uk