mooleur

Now that race season's over and training has calmed down for a short while before I kick off my "proper" base in November, I've needed something to fill that time...you know, because actually chilling out isn't really an option is it. I've actually decided to fill that time with something a bit different, bicycle related of course. Since September I've been trawling the internet and messaging friends in the search of the cheapest set of parts I can possibly find to build a reasonably good quality mountain bike to race over the winter. This post is the first of two to just go through what I've done to build the bike so far, and how I've managed to keep costs and, importantly, weight down. So when I first started I had all sorts of enthusiasm for the project, to finish it quick, to make it totally top end and maybe spend a relatively good amount of money on it. As I've gone on, and tried to claw back some of the £1000's I'd spent on ...

Well, here it is. The 'off-season' has officially begun, and for some, in epic style. Those of you new to the sport might wonder what people mean when they refer to the 'off-season'. For some this means not riding a bike very much at all until February or March the year after...but don't let other people's bluffs scupper you, most folks won't do this. In fact, you'll find that for most it's entirely the opposite. While, indeed, this is a time for most of us to gather our minds and let our hair down a bit, it doesn't deflect from the fact that as of October we're usually already planning everything ahead of March. Training goes back to basics and we look at building fitness over the coming months, using long, steady hours, weights, diets, all manner of things to get into shape at the right time for the right amount of time. (c) Huw Williams  So for those of you that are new to the sport, or are simply thinking about trying your han...