Dress for the Cold

Layering is key to staying warm without overheating. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin, add an insulating mid-layer, and finish with a windproof, water-resistant outer layer. Thermal gloves, a warm hat that fits under your helmet, and a neck warmer can also make a big difference.

Prepare Your Bike

Winter conditions can be tough on your bike. Ensure your tyres have adequate tread to handle slippery roads and. Keeping your battery warm is also crucial, as cold weather can reduce battery efficiency. Store it indoors when not in use.

Stay Visible

Winter days are shorter, and poor weather can quickly reduce visibility. Equip your bike with strong front and rear lights and wear high-visibility clothing or reflective gear. Reflective tape on your helmet or panniers can also help you stand out.

Adjust Your Riding Style

Cold, wet roads can mean longer stopping distances and less traction. Lower your speed and allow extra room for braking. Take turns slowly, avoid sudden movements, and be mindful of ice patches, especially in shaded areas.

Keep Your Bike Clean

Winter cycling can lead to muddy splatters and salty road grime, which can corrode parts over time. Rinse off your bike after each ride, particularly if you’ve ridden through salt-treated areas. Apply a winter-grade chain lubricant to protect against rust.

Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget about hydration in the colder months, but it’s just as important as in the summer. Cold air can be dehydrating, and wearing layers increases your sweat rate. Bring an insulated water bottle to keep your drink from freezing.

Plan Your Route

In winter, familiar routes may have new hazards. Opt for main roads where possible, as they’re more likely to be cleared of ice or snow. Alternatively, choose well-lit routes if you’re riding at dusk or dawn.

Know Your Battery Limits

Cold temperatures can reduce the range of your electric bike’s battery. Keep track of your battery level and factor in the reduced range when planning your journey. If it’s particularly cold, plan shorter rides or have a backup route to return quickly if needed.

By following these tips, you’ll find that winter cycling can be a refreshing, invigorating experience. With your electric bike, winter riding isn’t just about braving the cold; it’s about embracing the season and exploring the world from a new, quieter perspective.

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The Health Benefits of Riding an E-Bike

Low-Impact Exercise: Riding an e-bike provides an excellent form of low-impact exercise. Even with electric assistance, riders still engage in pedalling, which helps to strengthen leg muscles and improve cardiovascular health. Unlike high-impact exercises like running, e-biking puts less strain on joints, making it suitable for individuals of all fitness levels and ages.

Weight Management and Calorie Burn: Regular e-bike commuting can help with weight management and weight loss efforts. By pedalling and utilising electric assistance when needed, riders burn calories and boost their metabolism, contributing to maintaining a healthy body weight.

Mental Well-being: The endorphins released during exercise can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being. E-biking offers the advantage of combining physical activity with the sheer joy of riding, allowing riders to unwind and clear their minds while navigating through scenic routes.

Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Engaging in regular e-bike rides can improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and blood flow. This can lead to reduced risks of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term health.

Improved Respiratory Function: As e-bike riders tend to travel at slower speeds compared to motor vehicles, they are exposed to fewer harmful pollutants, leading to better respiratory health. Additionally, the exercise from pedalling can strengthen respiratory muscles, benefiting lung capacity.

Integrating E-Bikes into Daily Life

Commuting to Work: One of the most practical ways to integrate e-bikes into daily life is by using them for commuting to work. With the assistance of the electric motor, commuting longer distances becomes manageable, while avoiding traffic congestion and reducing your carbon footprint.

Errands and Shopping: Replace short car trips for errands and shopping with e-bike rides. Most e-bikes come equipped with cargo racks or baskets, allowing you to carry groceries and essentials without a hassle.

Exercise Routine: Incorporate e-bike rides into your weekly exercise routine. You can alternate between traditional biking and e-biking, allowing you to challenge yourself physically while still enjoying the thrill of e-assistance.

Recreational Rides: Utilise ebikes for recreational purposes, exploring nearby parks, nature trails, or scenic routes. It’s an enjoyable way to spend time with family and friends while reaping the health benefits of outdoor activities.

Group Activities: Join local e-bike clubs or organise group rides with friends and neighbours. Group activities not only make the experience more enjoyable but also provide an opportunity to socialise and motivate each other towards a healthier lifestyle.

The post Embracing the Ebike Revolution: A Healthy and Sustainable Commute appeared first on Espokes.

Due to modern technology and our more sedentary lives, there are now also growing levels of obesity among young people. Making this a good time for teenagers to join the e-bike boom. Electric bikes give them freedom cycling to school and visiting their friends; without relying on the taxi of Mum or Dad.

To get the most reluctant teenager to exercise start by using the lure of smart watches, route planners and performance trackers as the incentive these digital natives need to get out on two wheels; especially ones powered by the latest technology to help them achieve that weekly cardio goal.

As the e-bike revolution gathers pace; manufacturers are now looking at making ebikes accessible to teenagers as the next obvious step.

The RooDog Striker

Look at one such bike, a great fun ebike and a real head turner in gorgeous glossy red.

A fun, versatile and cost-effective ebike to ride!

The Striker eMTB is a super comfy ride. It is both light and robust enough to handle the more rugged mountain terrain. It suits riders from 5’4ft – 6’3ft tall.

The 250watt motor assists up to 15.5mph (the maximum speed allowed by UK/EU regulation). It is powered by a 36-volt 11Ah lithium-ion battery. Giving a range of up to 30 miles per full charge; with an option of a bigger battery upgrade for even more miles.

Not only will they be able to keep pace with or cycle past their parents; but the combination of pedal assistance and long battery range means they will be able to ride further. Hills and trails will also feel that little bit flatter encouraging and inspiring more teens to take up cycling.

Fun and Family Days

Cycling will become fun and be a boon for the whole family; spending time together; stopping at cafes for delicious hot chocolate and cake; cycling back through forests and off-road; where even muddy tracks and steep hills become most enjoyable adding to those great adventures.

We at Espokes say; “come on people, it’s not just silver cyclists enjoying the e-bike revolution, everyone from 14years upwards can join in!!”

To find out more and book a test ride visit our website

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“Well nooo..oo..”

Why then, do we see so many bikes through our workshop with very low or virtually flat tyres!

Servicing is important to us; as cyclists and having led many Brtish Cycling rides. We know keeping a bike in tip-top condition and good working order makes every ride safer and more enjoyable. This is why, when buying a bike from us, we’ll offer a free six-week service to ensure everything’s running smoothly.

Our workshop has everything we need. From putting your bike together on arrival, then passing it through a pre-delivery inspection prior to you having the bike to keeping it up and running throughout its life.

To help you maintain your bicycle and keep it in good shape, we have a few easy maintenance tips.

Pumping Tyres

Let’s begin with pumping tyres. A very important part of maintenance and one of the easiest. It’s important to know which type of valve is on your tyres; Schrader or Presta and what your tyre pressures should be (these can be found on the side of the tyre). Many pumps can change between both but it is best to check before you buy one. Take a look at ours

Once you have your pump sorted, you need to remove the dust cap on your tyre. (Be careful not to misplace it as you will need to put it back on after)

Attach the pump to the valve and start pumping. It is easiest to use a pump with a gauge; so you can check what pressure you are at as you are pumping. Once you are at the correct pressure, remove the pump and put the cap back on the valve.

Should you be unsure; or just hate the idea of having to pump your tyres, we are offering to do them for free. Pop your bike to us at; Unit 12, Hassocks Wood on Stroudley road any time between 10 & 4, Tuesday to Saturday. So, come on, No excuses for riding with flat tyres!!

Bike Cleaning

Keeping your bike clean is a great way to make sure everything stays in tip top condition. For this, you’ll need a bucket of water, sponge or old cloth and a bottle of Green Fizz.

Spray the Green Fizz onto the bike and leave to stand for a few minutes. Using your bucket of water; clean off all the muck and grime and leave in the sunshine to dry off.

Chain

Lastly, drop a sparing amount of bike lubricant onto the chain links as you slowly turn the pedals. Wipe up any excess with an old cloth and you’re ready to roll.

We are the only Bosch eBike accredited dealer in Basingstoke and our workshop is fully equipped with up-to-date diagnostic equipment. This helps us pinpoint faults quickly and accurately and enables us to do software updates. Howard is Cytech technical e-bike qualified. We have also attended TranzX and Shimano Steps workshops; ensuring we are kept up to date with all the latest technologies.

If the sunshine has led to you dusting the cobwebs off your bicycle; and the above todo list is still filling you with dread, bring it into our workshop for a safety check. We’ll give the bike a full check and service assessmen; quote for any service work, as well as check and inflate tyres to the correct pressure. All of which is just £25 and redeemable against a service within one month. Call to book; 01256 353465 or email info@espokes.co.uk

If you work at Chineham Business Park; you may find it more convenient to bring your bicycle to our mobile mechanic at Spindlewood; Wednesday 3rd April 11 am – 2 pm where we will be offering free health checks. These can be booked in via Wendy Scott; wendy.scott@colliers.com If you can’t make it this Wednesday we will be back again Wednesday 3rd July and Wednesday 2nd October.

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Hands Up anyone who’s ever owned a Raleigh!! Mine was a Raleigh Silhouette! I attached a spare freezer basket on the front and a child seat on the back. Many an enjoyable ride followed with my daughter and Raggy Doll.

Here are a couple of pics of my daughter Laura on her first Raleigh. (I couldn’t find any pictures of my Silhouette!)

Sir Frank Bowden

One of the world’s oldest and best-known bike brands; Raleigh was founded by Woodhead and Angois in 1885; acquired by Sir Frank Bowden in 1888, who after suffering a spell of ill-health discovered a love for cycling whilst experiencing its health benefits first hand. Many years have passed, and Raleigh is still as strong now as they were when they were first established.

Now part of the Accell Group, a European-based company who own several Bicycle and Accessory brands throughout Europe and North America and are market leaders in electric bikes; invaluable to Raleigh’s product development; but bike design and wheel building are still traditionally done at Head office in their hometown of Nottingham.

In the 90s Raleigh was the first UK based company to produce and market mountain bikes and electrically assisted bicycles.

Low maintenance greatly priced with styles and performance to please everyone; the electric bike will improve fitness and wellbeing as well as reducing carbon footprint.

Let’s take the Motus range from the lightweight quiet cruiser with it’s Bosch active line at a remarkable price of £1650

to the Grand Tour, sleek and sophisticated with an award-winning Bosch Active + motor and 400Wh battery giving you a range of up to 110miles, perfect for city trips, relaxed tours and weekend adventures.

How about a bike that revolutionises the urban commuter ebike! Featuring a new frame design with adapted geometry to improve agility, Shimano Steps E6000 motor, carbon blades, hydraulic disc brakes and 400Wh Shimano battery. You won’t fail to wow on the Strada Elite, available in Blue or Silver at a stunning price of only £2250.

We don’t want you to miss out and have put this fabulous range in stock. So don’t dally, come and test ride BOOK NOW

The post Fall in love with cycling – own a Raleigh ebike appeared first on Espokes.

Reasons for owning an ebike

Why own an electric bike? Beating the hills, exploring the world whilst keeping fit, saving money and having fun! That is what owning an ebike means.

Electric bicycles offer the same benefits as regular cycling; the difference is due to the motor and the power setting you choose. Every time the pedals are pushed you’ll get three, four, five or maybe even 10 pedal strokes more. This means greater distances and longer rides. Great news for the heart, lungs and blood pressure as endless scientific study has proven the link between regular exercise and reduced stress levels.

According to a report by the Transport Research Laboratory, regular bikes are taken out of the shed less than 25 times a year, with 46% being used just once or twice a week. In comparison, 30% of people with electric bikes use them every day, while 81% ride them at least once a week. E-bikes are also good for those whose fitness isn’t what it could or used to be due to age or illness.

The average speed of cars in central London is 7.4mph! On an e-bike 15mph can almost instantly be reached, making them safer than ordinary bikes as it takes a few vital seconds for a regular cyclist to build up speed when stopped at junctions, crossroads and roundabouts; which is where most bike accidents on the road happen; due to the instant acceleration from the motor a faster exit from the danger zone is achieved. Ebike riders are also less likely to jump a red light and are more willing to slow for bends and corners; where many cyclists come off. Finally, being able to keep up with the flow of traffic more easily means, fewer cars, buses and lorries feel the need to overtake, making for safer riding.

With the many choices of stylish electric bikes and accessories now available; many have swapped their cars saving money on commuting as well as saving the planet making ebikes the “coolest way to travel”.

Give it a try and hire an ebike for the weekend www.espokes.co.uk/ebike-hire/

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Espokes electric bikes will once again be showcasing a range of their ebikes at The Exeter Caravan and Motorhome Show.

The show is being held at Westpoint Arena in Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DJ.

This show which is on from Friday 9^th to Sunday 11^th March 2018 is run by the lovely people at Apple Tree Exhibitions and Shows. We attend their entire caravan and motorhome shows in the South of the country throughout the year which includes Exeter, Romsey and Bath Racecourse.

Espokes will be exhibiting a range of electric bikes and folding ebikes ranging in price starting from £999. We will be on hand to talk you through the ebikes and even show you how the folders fold down. Although if you can’t wait for the show you can check out our folding ebike video below.

We will have a designated area where you can test ride the ebikes and can even supply you with a short hill.

Like our facebook page for up to date information nearer the time on whereabouts, you can find our stand at the Westpoint Arena.

We will have special show offers available on selected models, which you can ride away from the show.

As well as visiting our friendly team at Espokes on hand to answer any of your electric bike questions, you will find all the latest motorhome models for 2018, as well as many pre-loved caravan and motorhomes.

There is something to suit everyone’s budget and whether you are new to the world of caravanning or an experienced motorhomer, you will be spoilt for choice.

We look forward to welcoming you to our stand, we hope this weekend is a lot warmer than last weekend, but maybe pack your coat, scarf and gloves to keep you warm on your test ride. In the meantime, if you want to browse our range of ebikes please take a look at our website; www.espokes.co.uk

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