Adrian's Mountain Biking Blog

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REVIEW: Halfords Double Buggy Child Bike Trailer

I have 2 year old twin boys, and whilst they're not old enough to cycle yet, that doesn't mean they can't be involved. I had seen quite a few people riding round our neighbourhood with trailers pulling their kids and thought it was a great idea. After a bit of research I decided to give Halford's Double Buggy Child Bike Trailer a go. Currently £130, the Double Buggy holds two children up to 22.5kg each (or 50 lbs). Constructed from steel frame with a fabric child compartment, it's a sturdy contraption. It folds away nearly flat (once the wheels are removed) or if you've a bit more room you can leave them attached like I do. Everything clips together with steel pins (with safety locks), so you don't need any tools to put it up or down. The Trailer attaches to the bike with a universal clip that goes over the axle or quick release. I was initially a little worried about this as I have cheap alloy quick releases on my bike, but I experienced no issues. There is also a secondary safety clip, just in case. The children sit on the fabric seat/floor, with safety harnesses to secure the children. Although the steel frame forms a cage around them, they should still definitely where cycle helmets - its a good time to get them used to them as well. It looks as though there isn't quite room for two children, and they are close together, but not uncomfortably so. In fact my two didn't complain at all - and that's rare! You should just about be able to see them inside. The front cover is mesh, with a clear plastic screen that can go over the front, or be rolled up out of the way. I think the whole trailer is best described as splash, rather than waterproof. You will be able to stop water spraying in the children's faces, but other than that there's going to get a bit wet if it rains. So you could get home with them, but don't start off in the rain, unless they're in waterproofs inside. Riding with the trailer Once connected up, its time to ride. There is a small amount of adjustment you need to make to your normal cycling technique - essentially slow and smooth. This is purely for your children's comfort - if you accelerate away suddenly you'll give them whiplash! You also need to be aware of the weight you're pulling. It's unmistakable when you pull away, but it also adds push and momentum that you don't normally have, so remember to brake early. Other than that though, its great - you pedal, and the kids come with you. My boys weren't sure about going in it initially, although that could have been mainly down to the helmets, but once moving they absolutely loved it and I had no problems getting the back in the second time. In fact the only issue I had was when I…

Halfords Double Buggy Child Bike Trailer

Features - 6.5
Function - 8
Weight - 6
Pricing - 9

7.4

Well priced and easy to use trailer. A hit with rider & passengers.

7

I have 2 year old twin boys, and whilst they’re not old enough to cycle yet, that doesn’t mean they can’t be involved. I had seen quite a few people riding round our neighbourhood with trailers pulling their kids and thought it was a great idea. After a bit of research I decided to give Halford’s Double Buggy Child Bike Trailer a go.

Read More

REVIEW: Shimano SLX Drivetrain

Features
Function
Weight
Pricing

So after my dilemma of whether to upgrade or replace my bike, I went for upgrading the drivetrain to start with. I originally built my Kona with 27 speed Deore LX, which at the time was a brand new groupset. SLX is the direct modern equivalent, so I bought a 2 x 10 setup from Merlin Cycles. I actually bought a full groupset and Read More

TYRE REVIEW: Continental X-King 2.2″

Construction
Grip
Weight
Price

The X-King from Continental came about as a point between the Mountain King and Rubber King tyres. The idea was for a light, fast rolling but grippy tyre for most conditions. The fast rolling element suggests dry conditions and purpose-built trails, so I gave it run out at the Croft TrailRead More

TYRE REVIEW: Schwalbe Land Cruiser

Construction
Grip
Weight
Price

Most of the cycling right on my doorstep is purpose built cycle paths, which are nice, but definitely not knobbly terrain. I’m starting to do more cycling around home with the family, and so I needed some tyres that were more tarmac suited. However I still wanted the option of going offroad a bit if possible, so had a look for some multi purpose tyres.  Read More

ONLINE SHOP REVIEW: Merlin Cycles

Product Range
Navigation
Pricing
Delivery
Customer Service

Merlin Cycles have been around since 1993, and I think I’ve probably been shopping with them since then.

They initially made their name as mail order custom wheel builders, which is still something do and excel at. I’ve had quite a few wheels from them now, and all have been brilliant.  Read More

Shop Review – Cyclezone, Crowthorne

Product Range
Facilities
Pricing
Staff Knowledge
Staff Friendliness
Accessibility

Cyclezone is a mountain and road bike shop in Crowthorne, Berkshire. It is situated opposite Crowthorne Train station and also has parking right out front, giving easy access for everyone. It’s just down the road from Swinley Forest and some great riding, so well located in general.  Read More

TRAIL REVIEW: The Croft Trail

Riding quality
Riding variety
Facilities
Accessibility

A lot of Swindon has been built from scratch in new housing estates, and while cycling in general is well catered for with dedicated cycle paths everywhere, it’s nearly all tarmac with few opportunities for offroad cycling. Fortunately there is a brilliant dedicated trail in Swindon, with some really excellent riding.

The Croft Trail is 3 mile loop of waymarked woodland trail, with a beginner (blue) and

more technical (red) routes located opposite the Nationwide headquarters off Piper Way. There is a free car park on site and it is only a mile from the train station as well.  Read More

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