One the best things about road cycling is – believe it or not – is that you don't have to spend big bucks to get a brilliant bike. Sure, you can spend eye-watering amounts, but in this issue we prove that thanks to brands like B'Twin, Carrera and Boardman you can pick up an amazing machine for well under £500. Some of the bikes in our big bike test are so good it's left us wondering whether we really need superbikes.*
If you've already got a road bike, you might be thinking about what to add next to your stable. And chances are you'll be wondering if one of the latest breed of adventure road/gravel bikes should be on your shortlist. We've certainly been keen to discover what all the fuss is about, so we put three gravel machines through their paces on a 'gravelcross' event. And yes we fell off…
Like bikes, cycling shoes can cost a bomb and, yes, in shoe test we do feature a couple of pairs that'll set you back a tidy sum. We also feature a few proper bargains, though, so if you're looking to treat your feet then this is the test for you. Likewise, if you're unsure what kind of rubber you should be sticking on your wheels then make sure you read our guide to the latest tyre technology!
Apparently, there's a been a lot of 'fake news' around recently and it'd be fair to say that some of it involves cycling and it's not so positive effects on cyclists – so if you want to find out if riding a bike will really ruin your sex life you'll find out here. Likewise, if you hate hills then our Big Ride is the idea read. Somewhat perversely we sent Simon Warren, author of the 100 Greatest Climbs series of books, to the Fens to see if he could find the flattest 100kms in the country…
This issue also sees deputy editor Paul make his world championship debut on a Brompton and we hear from Rebecca Lowe about her incredible, life-changing 11,000km solo ride from London to Tehran. PLUS we've also created a free nutrition magazine with everything you need to know about fuelling your rides!
*Of course we need superbikes!
Cycling Plus March 2018 is in-stores now or make sure that you never an action-packed issue by clicking here to subscribe to Cycling Plus magazine and receive a Lezyne M Caddy Sport saddle bag (with hand pump, multi-tool, tyre levers and patches) worth £49.99!
