The world of bike bags has got much bigger in the last few years. Since the huge popularity of gravel biking and bikepacking, lots of manufacturers have taken the opportunity to expand the bar, saddle and frame bag market. Bag for Life The really good thing about saddle and frame bags is that they make […] The post Bags of Possibilities… appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more

When temperatures creep over 20 degrees C, we get all giddy. While some moan it’s too warm, bike riders are thinking long rides and tan lines. However, there is warm weather and there is dangerously very HOT weather. Weather patterns are changing and more extreme weather is becoming more prevalent. Riding in extremely hot conditions […] The post Ride in the Heat? appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more

There are some compelling reasons for not driving cars as much these days. Over the last few years, as a family, we have been driving less and less. Over the last 4 years I have ridden bikes around double the distance I have driven the family car. So, I set myself the challenge of managing […] The post Four Weeks on Two Wheels appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more

If you are that way inclined, there is no greater feeling than watching your bike’s computer click over into triple digits – 100 Miles… (although 100 Kilometres is a fair bit easier).That’s one of the great things about endurance / long distance road riding, there’s always the next challenge to chase, whether that’s 50 miles, […] The post 10 Tips – Going for Endurance appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more

Frustrated with only getting out for a weekend ride on your pride and joy? With the longer days of summer, here’s our top 10 Ways to create more time to ride. Why Don’t You… “Why don’t you switch off the TV and go do something less boring instead”, Thats what they said in the 1980’s […] The post Create More Time to Ride appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more

When it comes to cycling kit, great quality and decent value are two elements which rarely come together in the same product. However, through Merlin’s long history, we have formed relationships with some top manufacturers to supply our own, great quality clothing, shoes and accessories, all offering decent value. From socks to jerseys, we’ve got […] The post 5 Budget Summer Essentials appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more

*Without adding a motor. Riding a bike is great fun, that’s why we do it. However, regular riding can gradually make your bike less efficient. Here are 10 ways to keep your bike working at peak performance. Under Pressure Over time, air pressure in tyres can reduce. Maybe it seeps out, maybe it’s the air […] The post 10 Ways to Improve Bike Performance* appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more

One of the biggest changes you can make to improve your bike riding is moving from regular shoes or trainers, to specific cycling shoes and pedals. So what are the options? Read on for beginner’s tips for moving into ‘click-in’ pedals. Why Do I Need Them? Shoes for riding bikes have a stiffer sole for […] The post Pedals – Beginner’s Guide appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more

What’s the difference between all the disc pads? Which ones should you get for your bike and your type of riding? There are a lot of different variables with disc brake pads, for Road, Gravel, E-Bike and MTB. Not only do you have to get the correctly shaped disc pad that fits your particular brake […] The post Which Disc Brake Pads Should You Get? appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more

As we roll into British Summer time in the UK, it’s a great opportunity to spend more time on the bike or just plan some summer rides. We’ve been busy re-stocking some classic products and picking some awesome new ones too – here’s our pick of 10 fresh products at Merlin… Continental GP5000 S TR […] The post What’s Fresh at Merlin appeared first on Merlin Cycles Blog ..read more