Welcome to a new week on the live blog with Simon MacMichael, Jack Sexty and the rest of the team.
21/01/2019, 16:20
3T launch the Exploro Speed, complete with race-ready spec
3T's Exploro gravel bike is sold as an all-rounder that can also be used on tarmac, and now the brand has introduced the Exploro Speed with a racier spec to satisfy those who want to use their Exploro to go fast. The frame is the same, but the Speed models are offered with carbon mid-depth wheels, optional Torno Ltd cranks and Sram Force 1x groupsets. Builds start from €5,200 for the Team build and go up to €7,200 for the Torno Ltd version. Head over to 3T's website for more info.
21/01/2019, 16:17
Blue Monday? Ride your bike!
Yes it's bloody cold out, but on this the most depressing day of the year according to someone somewhere, going out for a ride and the endorphins released with it will cheers you up no end...
21/01/2019, 12:33
Pedal Me cargo bike taxi firm called 'delusional' on upcoming episode of Dragon's Den
We're on #dragonsden this Sunday...you might want to watch. Here's a little teaser:https://t.co/grpwk8RLhh
— Pedal Me (@pedalmeapp) January 21, 2019
Why they're promoting this we're not so sure but Pedal Me, a London-based cargo bike taxi and delivery start-up, have revealed a teaser of their upcoming appearance on Dragon's Den that will go out this Sunday on BBC Two. From the clip it appears their pitch didn't go too well, with the Dragons berating the young entrepreneurs for their business model that they say is open to being hijacked by the likes of Uber. Pedal Me argue that such companies wouldn't have the combined cargo bike, skills and tech knowledge to do it as well as them, to which they are branded "delusional" by fashion magnate Touker Suleyman.
We've noticed a pattern for Dragons getting it a bit wrong in the past when it comes to cycling/mobility/transport pitches in the Den; and from our point of view, why can't there be more than one cargo bike taxi firm in London even if Uber were to muscle in? Their crowdfunding campaign was very successful, raising £350,000 in just a few days in October last year, so best of luck to them we say. Head over to Pedal Me's website to find out more and download the app if you want a ride.
21/01/2019, 12:57
Another example of incredible Netherlands cycling infra
I love my country, where this is simply possible! Sint Michielsgestel, NL. pic.twitter.com/2RtyNnQlno
— Mark Wagenbuur (@BicycleDutch) January 20, 2019
We can dream!
21/01/2019, 11:55
The weekend’s big talking point 2: GPS computers of the pros… It’s not all Garmin any more
Liam has a look at what computers the pros have on their bars (you probably didn't need a computer to work that bit out) – you can read the full rundown here
21/01/2019, 11:47
The weekend’s big talking point 1: “They are always in the way” says Farmer who did close pass in tractor before throwing cyclist and bike to grass verge
Imagine if he had to drive his tractor around Central London… you can read the full report from Saturday here
21/01/2019, 10:56
Planet X are at it again
If you're on the British bike retailer's mailing list, you may have noticed some pretty unusual anti-sales pitches in the run up to Christmas - including some 'For a Bob' deals, flogging hats and chain cleaners for 5p with a photo of the late Bob Monkhouse alongside, and some further deals promoted by William Shakespeare. This time they didn't get that far, simply using this text convo for their weekend newsletter instead...
21/01/2019, 10:54
Elliptical chainrings are so last year...
21/01/2019, 10:48
How many TdF winners does it take to change a tyre?
An absolute belter from a few years back!
How many @LeTour winners does it take to change a tyre? @chrisfroome@GeraintThomas86#cycling#cyclinglife#cyclist@TeamSky#teamsky#bikepic.twitter.com/D9lFB7kB7x
— Trans World Sport (@TransWorldSport) January 18, 2019
21/01/2019, 10:28
Video: Take a look at Greg Van Avermaet's stunning new bike
Like Samuel Sanchez before him, Greg Van Avermaet isn't shy about letting the world know he is the reigning Olympic road champion - clock those gold shades and helmet. Now, he's even got a gold bike - in the shape of this Giant TCR Advanced SL. Here he is talking through it in this video.
21/01/2019, 09:50
Some stories you may have missed at the weekend
Glasgow could host first combined World Cycling Championships in 2023
Near Miss of the Day 239: Van driver tailgates and executes close pass
US amateur cyclist tests positive for five banned substances
Man trying to stop thief stealing his bike in New Mexico shot dead
Canterbury City Council to clamp down on “reckless” food delivery riders