The latest custom build from the cyclepoint workshop.

Assembled by Viki using a vintage Pennine frame. Note the rather sexy rims by Velocity. Have a look at the extensive colour range here http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=550 Wheel build including hubs, lockring and track nuts. £195 + delivery

Rainy Peak Cycling Caps

Cyclepoint is currently offering for sale a range of Rainy Peak cycling caps. Rainy Peak cycle caps are made using a four-panel design with elastic in the back panel for a comfortable, no headache fit. The caps have stiffened & stitched brims and are available in either cotton or wool flannel. The flip-up version has contoured earflaps you can flip up! All caps are hand-made and come in a variety of colours and patterns so you’re sure to find one that suits. The cotton varieties are a steal for such hand-made loveliness at £18.00 and the rather stately woolen models will cost you just £22.00. 

Create single speed/fixed wheel bikes

New in and available from late August Create single speed and optional fixed wheel/free wheel bikes. These bikes are a real bargain at just £229, making these usually prohibitively expensive bikes affordable, whilst maintaining a remarkably high standard of finish.

The bikes have hi-tension steel frames and 7ooC flip-flop hub wheels with high pressure (100psi) nylon race tires. They come in a variety of eye-catching colours so why not pop in to check out the full specification, have a go and even place a pre order because by the looks of things these bikes aren't going to hang around.

Cyclepoint International Messenger is a custom made single speed bike named after the late,  great Chas Messenger, one of the founders of the famous "Milk Race" bike tour of Britain. Chas was born in 1914 and was a keen cyclists from a young age, in time trials he completed 25 miles in under an hour (rather an achievement for the time). As well as going on to found the Milk Race Chas was also a key player in the formation of the british cycling federation. Chas Messenger sadly died on the 26th of July last year, leaving behind him a great legacy having made an invaluable contribution to Cycling in this country. It is in honor of Mr Messenger that Cyclepoint is launching a new range of custom made single speed bikes. 

Single speed and fixed wheel bicycles are truly an up and coming mode of transport. Ubiquitous in New York and increasingly becoming popular in London, riding single speed and/or fixed wheel is all about the art of cycling, the bike becomes an organic extension of the rider meaning they are fully connected to the bikes movement because the response of the bike to the rider is immediate. The beauty of single speed bikes is in their economy, they are not weighed down by heavy mechanics and the lightness of them makes them more efficient then geared bicycles. Riding single speed is cycling pared down to its purest form.

  

Well the summer is well and truly upon us and the time seems ripe for getting out and about. The cyclepoint crew did just that at the weekend with a leisurely ride down Brighton sea front to the marina and on to Rottingdean where we stopped for a sea side picnic. We then continued our journey along the coast to Newhaven at which point we headed in land, cycling through the country side to Lewes. The electric bikes made the trip feel relaxed and fun and it is doubtful that we would have gone so far and seen so much had we gone on conventional bikes. If any of you fancy a similar day out then do come and see us at Cyclepoint where you can rent out our bikes. For the whole of July we are offering a £5 discount and we are also now offering to supply the picnic courtesy of the North Laines cafe Mange Tout from £5 per head making the day completely stress free. So we will hopefully see you soon!

On Saturday the 20th there is a family bike ride in Hove park. The ride starts out in Hove park then heads along the seafront. there will be music and a poetry trail as well as prizes and art. It should be a great day and Cyclepoint will be in attendance with our electric bikes, which everyone is welcome to try out for free (providing your head is higher then the seats that is!). 

If you enjoy the event or perhaps are unable to attend then why not replicate the day and head down to Cyclepoint, where you can rent our electric bikes for just £20 a day, we'll even provide the picnic. The picnic hampers come courtesy of Mange Tout on Trafalgar Street and you can choose between French or English from only £5 a head. 

(For picnics please remember to book in advance  so we can ensure everything is ready to go when you arrive.) 

 

Tour de Presteigne 2009

We've just returned from Tour de Presteigne 2009, it was a great weekend and a great time was had by all. 

Many thanks to Peter Mustill and all the organisers. Check out the results and photographs at www.tourdepresteigne.co.uk

The new eZee E1

We've just received the new eZee E1 magnesium alloy electric bike, which has the new battery pannier system. 

Magnesium Alloy, is lighter than aluminium and is often used in aircraft manufacture. It provides a strong but flexible frame for the new pannier battery, which conveniently slots into the rear pannier. 

This allows the use of conventional cycle frame geometry, improving it's looks and handling whilst saving weight. 

It's also available in white, like the E1 runner up in the 2008 Tour de Presteigne.

Breathing Earth

This real-time simulation displays the CO2 emissions of every country in the world, as well as their birth and death rates. It's worth a look.
www.breathingearth.net

cyclepoint exhibition

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Chinese Lantern Festival, don't forget your lights!

The first full moon of the lunar new year occurred on Monday, which marks the end of the Chinese new year festivities. Unfortunately it was cloudy here in Brighton, but here's a photo I took last night of the not quite so full moon.
Happy new year to our friends in China, may the year bring health, peace and happiness to you all.
Have a look at some great photographs of the festivities here: 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/4581885/Chinese-Lantern-Festival.html

Take a look at these nifty frogs, if you did forget your lights
www.knog.com.au/Product.aspx?productId=158

3000 Kilometers Across Africa on an eZee Electric Bike

Wai Won Ching, of eZee electric bikes and Rupert Nanni, both keen advocates of cycling and the environment, are traveling 3000 kms of Africa in 2 weeks on their eZee Torq electric bikes raising money and awareness for Cycling Out Of Poverty (www.cyclingoutofpoverty.com).

Cycling Out Of Poverty is a Dutch Foundation engaged in fundraising for bicycle micro credit projects in Africa. African women and children cover long distances on foot every day, carrying many kilos water and firewood on their head. This is a time and energy-consuming job. A bicycle can break the vicious circle of poverty and offer women the chance to improve their daily lives.

Otherwise lacking the money to buy a bicycle, these people are able to turn to one of the partner organizations & apply for a Cycling Out Of Poverty subsidized bicycle. They then pay this off in monthly installments, receiving the bike at the first down payment. The bikes can then be used to earn extra money, transporting products to markets in less time and more frequently, allowing more time and energy to generate a better income.

Starting in the Namibian town of Katima Mulilo down to the central plateau and into the Namib desert, where high summer temperatures, dust and gravel roads will push the riders and bikes to the limit. Passing Sesriem and the Orange River, a straight run through Garies and Clanwilliam will see them finish in CapeTown where the bikes will be auctioned off for charity.

The event Zero Rally Africa (ZRA) originally scheduled for the beginning of this year, was designed to be a tough challenge to showcase the latest and best in vehicles in alternative fuel technologies. Makers of solar, electric hybrids, bio-fuel and fuel cell vehicles were expected to display their prowess and abilities, competing with each other under the harshest African environment. It would be seen as an exciting glimpse into a new 4 wheeled future without fossil fuels.

When things in 2008 unfolded to worsening conditions, with oil prices rocketing to a peak of $140 a barrel, followed by the largest financial crisis since the great depression. Automakers begin to collapse under the weight of a old world order, even as the scramble to cut their operating costs, pulling out from luxurious sports events like the F1 and begin to develop serious plans for fuel-efficient and electric hybrid vehicles. It would seem that even their loftier ‘green’ pursuits would have to be scaled back and the Zero Rally Africa has been postponed indefinitely.

“We always want to prove the viability of our electric bicycles as a solution for more sensible future, although disappointed that we cannot participate this year under the ZRA banner, we’re not going to let that hold us back. Said W W Ching. “This is far too important to wait for.”

“Despite the financial downturn in the western world, we are very blessed and should not forget that the citizens of Africa everyday are living in appalling conditions. Micro-credit financing for bicycles will go a long way to help those in need, in the spirit of our times, please be active and help. Together, let's use our passion for cycling to make this world a little better.” W W Ching

Follow their progress on their blog:

www.electricbicycle.iblog.co.za/category/katima-to-cape-ride/

Other Links:
http://www.bicycles-for-humanity.org/index.php:

www.flickr.com/photos/bennamibia/

www.flickr.com/photos/26180185@N04/sets/72157605060269345/

www.eZeebike.com

Early Rider learner bikes

We are now stocking the Early Rider bikes for your beloved young cyclists. The sit-and-go riding philosophy ensures all your child has to do is sit on, and go. These learner bikes are pedal-free so your child can focus on the stuff that matters, such as learning to balance. Using centuries-old principles, your child will improve their self confidence and motor skills, and be the coolest kid on the block. Age isn't a barrier either; the Early Rider Lite is suitable from 20 months up.

"The perfect way to introduce your child to the art of riding a bike...born to be wild." The Telegraph

Take a look at the reviews at www.earlyrider.com

A snowy start to the week in Brighton

This was the scene we woke up to in Brighton on Monday, familiar to many over the U.K. this week. 

I found that my Sealskinz gloves were useful for more than all weather riding, and great for throwing snowballs and building snowmen on the beach.

The Worlds only range of waterproof, breathable, close-fitting socks and gloves available at cyclepoint, take a look at the range at www.sealskinz.com

I wore the All Weather Cycling Glove shown below, these managed 86 snowballs, two snowmen and 23 toboggan runs in one day!