Ho, Ho, Ho! Christmas is coming! Everyone loves gifts, so whether you’re in search of the best gift for your beloved cyclist, or you want to treat yourself, in this guide we present (pun intended) our Christmas picks Establish Your Budget Cycling products vary in shapes and sizes, with different price ranges. Setting a budget is crucial, helping you understand what you’ll get for your money. Check out our Christmas shop for gift picks under €50 and €100. Our Christmas shop can be found HERE Consider the Recipient Identify whether the recipient is a hardcore cycling enthusiast or someone new…
Maintaining your e-bike during the winter months is crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Cold weather and wet conditions present challenges, so here are some tips to help you care for your e-bike during winter: Clean Your E-Bike Regularly Winter roads can be messy with salt, mud, and slush. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Treat your e-bike much like a regular bike during winter. Refer to our winter bike maintenance guide found HERE for specific details. Use a damp cloth for cleaning the battery, and remember to remove it before cleaning the…
Taking care of your bicycle in winter is crucial to keep it in top condition for future use and prevent unpleasant surprises. Here are some of our top winter tips: Clean Your Bike Regularly: Irish roads and trails are often covered in dirt, muck, and salt, accelerating corrosion. Use bike-specific cleaning products, get into every spot with cleaning brushes, and dry your bike with a microfiber cloth. Consider using a detailing product like ‘Muc-Off Protector’ for a non-sticky protective film. Ensure your bike is completely dry before storing to prevent rust. Our range of bike cleaning products can be found…
Did you participate in the Cycle To Work Scheme in 2020? Regardless of the month, you can purchase a new bike and avail of the next tax relief in January 2024. Since your last participation, there have been a couple of changes: the single limit of €1,000 has been replaced by tiered limits. Now, it’s €1,250 for a normal bike, €1,500 for an e-bike, and €3,000 for a Cargo bike. The waiting time has also been reduced to four years. So, what do you need to do if you want to avail of the scheme again? Cycle Superstore provides tips…
Don’t let the cold weather deter you from open water swimming. Embracing the challenge of winter swimming can be both invigorating and rewarding. To help you make the most of your open water experiences, here are some tips to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Choose the Right Gear: Invest in a high-quality wetsuit designed for cold water such as the Orca RS1 Thermal Open Water Wetsuit. These wetsuits have specially developed linnings to maximise heat rentention and buoyancy, keeping you warm and afloat. Consider adding neoprene accessories like a base layer, swim cap and booties for extra insulation. Also, opt…
Winter mountain biking can be a thrilling experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your winter mountain bike adventures. Gear Up Dress in layers to stay warm. Start with a high-quality base layer and add an insulated jacket or jersey along with waterproof trousers. You can find out more on how to stay during winter by clicking HERE. Don’t forget eye protection – wear clear or light-coloured lenses to enhance visibility and protect your eyes from wind and debris. Bike Preparation Regular bike maintenance is essential during…
When winter arrives, most people tend to pack away their bike. But fear not- with a few handy tips, there’s no reason you can’t continue cycling through the colder months. Layering Is Key Base Layer: Start with a quality winter base layer. Whether it’s made from polyester or merino wool, both materials offer advantages. Merino wool, for instance, neutralises odours. Its tight fitting nature traps air, keeping you warm without the clammy feeling. Our range of base layers can be found HERE Insulating Layer: Add an insulating layer with fleece or thermal lining to retain warmth. For your shorts, consider…
Imagine you pull back the curtains to find rain pouring down. The idea of braving the cold rain on your bike doesn’t appeal to you. Fortunately, your indoor turbo trainer offers a solution. Thanks to technological advances, using your trainer isn’t the boring slog it used to be. Now, you can participate in various events with people from all over the world. When buying a turbo trainer, consider these key factors to ensure you get the right one for your needs: 1. Type of Trainer: Wheel-on Trainer: These trainers have a roller that contacts your bike’s rear wheel. They’re usually…
In our recent blog post, we discussed the importance of continuing to cycle during the winter months and shared guidelines for safe cycling in the dark. You can find the detailed post HERE One crucial aspect of cycling in low light conditions is ensuring your bike is equipped with proper lights. It’s not just a matter of safety; it’s a legal requirement to have lights on your bike when riding in the dark. To help you make an informed choice, here are some key factors when purchasing bike lights: Brightness: The brightness of a bike light is measured in lumens.…
As the evenings grow shorter, there’s no need to stow away your bike. Thanks to the advancements in technology both in clothing and lighting, cycling in the dark can now be safer and more enjoyable. While it presents its challenges, with the right precautions and equipement, your nightime ride can be secure and satisfying Proper Lighting First and foremost, equip your bike with a reliable set of lights. Ensure your front light is white and pwerful enough to illuminate the road ahead and make you visible to other. In urban areas, a minimum of 200 lumens is advisable, while rural…
Different disciplines of cycling require different types of clothing. However, there is a common set of rules on how to dress properly when cycling your bike, like trying to dress in layers so you can easily adjust to changing weather conditions. Dressing properly for cycling is important for comfort, safety, and performance. So, when it comes to dressing properly what are the common rules to follow. Base Layer, the foundation of your clothing. Its main purpose is to help regulate your body temperature and help your body’s natural defences against overheating. In the summer it will wick away sweat and…
There is a whole host of benefits your child will gain when it comes to cycling to school. It encourages independence, helps prevent childhood obesity and it supports healthy bones. Getting your child’s bike ready for the new school year is an excellent way to ensure safety and enjoyment while riding their bike to school. Our team in the workshop give their top tips to make sure your child’s bike is ready for the new school year. Check The Tires & Wheels Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. You can find all this information on the sidewall of the…
There is an old saying ‘there is no such thing as the wrong weather only the wrong clothing’ and that can be applicable when it comes to riding your bike. Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean your bike should be left indoors. Advances in technology both in clothing and bicycles has meant cycling in the rain has become less arduous and uncomfortable. However, cycling in the rain requires some important considerations to ensure your safety and comfort. Here’s our top tips when it comes to cycling in the rain. Before you head out on the bike check to ensure your…
We all know the crucial role bicycle helmets play when we are out on our bike, but do you know how often we need to replace them? The general recommendation is to replace your helmet every 3-5 years, even if it appears to be in good condition. However, there are a few factors that could require more frequent replacement. Impact or crash. If your helmet has been involved in a significant impact or crash, it should be replaced, regardless of its age or visible damage. Helmets are designed to absorb a single impact, even if there are no visible cracks,…
With Ireland’s premier cycling event just a week away, we’re here to answer some frequently asked questions to help you prepare Is there anything I should do prior to the event? If you’re participating in this year’s Wicklow 200, we recommend getting your bike serviced at your local bike shop before the big day. Most mechanical failures during events can be prevented with simple bicycle maintenance. If you can’t visit a bike shop, you can do some basic maintenance at home. Give your bike a thorough clean, including the drivetrain. Apply the necessary chain lube after cleaning. Check your tires…
For most of us, our cycling holiday in Port De Pollenca was a new experience, and we knew there would be a lot to learn. We had to pack light and be ruthless with what we brought in our 10kg suitcases, prioritizing our cycling gear above all else. As soon as we landed, we grabbed a taxi and arrived at our accommodation in Port De Pollenca just 50 minutes later. After settling in, we picked up the bikes we had rented for the next four days. Over the course of our stay, we completed a series of challenging rides, including…
We are thrilled to announce that Cycle Superstore is a proud sponsor of this year’s Gravity Enduro series, and we’re excited to see all the amazing riders who will be competing in this challenging series. As a sponsor, we’re also delighted to offer all participants a €20 Cycle Superstore voucher, which can be used to purchase any of our high-quality biking gear and accessories. If you’re new to the Gravity Enduro series, we’ve put together a list of our top 5 tips for this year’s series. These tips cover everything from course preparation and gear selection to pacing and skill…
When it comes to selecting your jersey, you have an array of options and that’s even before you select the sleeve length! A cycling jersey will keep you warm in cold weather and cooler in warm weather. It will help keep you comfortable on the bike, prevent sunburn and give you a place to store most things you need to carry (banana, energy bar, packable jacket, coffee money, phone, and tissues!). Please prevent injury by not carrying your pump in your back pocket! Get it mounted on the bike. Jerseys come in different styles and cuts, and you can spend…
With 950 km and 10 000 m of climbing through paths and roads connecting Melun to Nimes, here is what’s in store for Gravel enthusiasts who will set out to conquer the route, inspired by the bicycle journey of two friends at the end of the 19th century. Gravel enthusiasts and adventurers now have a long-distance challenge to conquer at any time of the year. A challenge inspired by the story and drawings of the 126-year-old bicycle journey, of Marie-Antoine Barret and Léon Giran-Max. Using old logbooks and sketeches, Zéfal have published a book about the journey. This challenge starts from Melun and finishes at the Tour Magne of Nîmes. It…
When it comes to choosing a cycling jacket, the saying ‘One size fits all’ does not apply. Selecting your jacket depends on the weather condition you’ll be riding your bike in. The two most common types of jackets available on the market are ‘Rain’ or ‘Wind Proof’ jacket. So, what’s the difference between the two types. Even on a relatively still day, when riding you’re a bike you will generate a significant breeze. This breeze stops you from building up a nice layer of warm air which keeps you insulated and protected from the elements. This breeze can also result…
With our next E-MTB Demo day taking place on the 15th April, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions. When and where is the E-MTB demo day taking place? The E-MTB Demo day takes places on 15th April at ’Ballinastoe Trail Centre’ between the times of 11am-3pm. Directions to ‘Ballinsastoe Trail Centre’ can be found HERE Who will be there and what bikes are available to test ride? Cycle Superstore will be in attendance. Attendees will be able to sample the following bike brands Cube Lapierre Cannondale Oakley Eye Protection How much does it cost? This event is FREE. Do…
Cycle Superstore is pleased to be supporting this year’s Duathlon National Series, Duathlon National Championships, Intervarsity Championships and Para Duathlon National Championships in the Phoenix Park This event is perfect for anyone looking to push themselves while enjoying some of the best views of the city. Belpark Triathlon Club will be hosting the Duathlon National Series, Duathlon National Championships, Intervarsity Championships and Para Duathlon National Championships at Phoenix Park Duathlon on Sunday 23rd April. This Duathlon race takes place on closed roads, ensuring the safety of all participants. They’ll be able to focus on your race without any distractions from…
Now spring is finally here, it’s time to ditch those bib tights and winter clothing. Something that can be underestimated is a good quality pair of cycling shorts. A good pair of cycling shorts will make cycling long distances much more comfortable and provide cushioning and relief for your sensitive bits. So, what should you look out for when purchasing a pair of cycling shorts? Before we start talking about shorts, the golden rule for cycling shorts is to wear them au naturel. In other words, you should not wear any underwear under your cycling shorts. The pad or chamois/chammy…
With the clocks going forward this weekend heralding longer evenings and more time on your bike. Cycle Superstore gives their take on different items of clothing you should have in your wardrobe and what you should look out for when purchasing these items. First up this week, is Base Layers, something which is often overlooked and underappreciated. When it comes to putting your cycling kit on, you should think of it as an onion (layer upon layer but hopefully without the eye watering). The foundation should be the base layer. Its main purpose is to help regulate your body temperature…
With the E-MTB Demo demo day only a week away, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions. When and where is the MTB demo day taking place? The MTB Demo day takes places on 4th March in ‘The Gap, Glencullen Adventure Park’ between the times of 11am-3pm. Directions to ‘The Gap’ can be found HERE Who will be there and what bikes are available to test ride? Cycle Superstore will be in attendance. Attendees will be able to sample the following bike brands CubeGiantLapierreCannondaleOakley Eye Protection & Helmets How much does it cost? This event is FREE. However attendees will…
Your bike has been out of sight – and probably out of mind for the last few months, so what should you look out for before taking it out for the first time after its enforced hibernation? Give the bike an M Check. It’s named for the rough pattern you follow from front to back. Start at the front wheel, move up the handlebars, down to the bottom bracket, back up to the saddle then down to the rear wheel. The longer you spend looking at the bike, the more likely you are to spot any issues, so give it the TLC it’s…
The 2023 Galway Cycle, hosted by Maynooth Students for Charity will be run in aid of ‘As Darragh Did’ over the weekend of March 31 to April 2. The Galway Cycle has been run every year since 1987 (with the exception of 2020) and raised almost €2 million for a variety of children’s charities. This year’s route will mirror that of previous years with participants leaving the Maynooth University Campus on Friday 31st of March. The route will take them through Kinnegad, Moate and Ballinasloe before arriving in Galway sometime between 6pm-7pm. Participants will then return on Sunday (2nd April),…
Cycle Superstore, Ireland’s largest bicycle store is pleased to announce it will be a partner to this year’s Biking Blitz. The seven round series kicks off on the 12th February in Ballinastoe. As well as attending a number of rounds to provide safety-checks, Cycle Superstore will also have a mechanic as well as a small selection of spares for any last minute emergencies. But that’s not all, each registered series participant will receive a €20 Cycle Superstore voucher, which can be used both instore and online. To celebrate this partnership, Cycle Superstore is giving away a series pass to all…
Cycling Shoes are made specifically for the sport, and they can improve your performance and overall biking experience, indoors or out. They can also be an expensive investment, with some models costing over €400. Our friends in Crono shoes have put together a few simple steps to make your shoes last longer. · Use a damp cloth after every ride to help remove dust and dirt. · If you have a pair of gravel or MTB shoes, remove the laces and loosen up the Boa buckles if the shoes are dirty with mud. · Place the shoes in water mixed…
Ho, Ho, Ho! Christmas is coming! Everyone loves gifts, so whether you’re in search of the best gift for your beloved cyclist, or you want to treat yourself, in this guide we present (pun intended) our Christmas picks. Establish your budget. Cycling products come in all shapes and sizes at different prices, so it’s important to set a budget and know what you’ll get for the money. On our Christmas page, you can look through all of our gift picks for under €50 and €100. Who’s the gift for? Is it for a hardcore cycling enthusiast that sleeps in his…
Vo2 Max Testing. Our ability as humans to utilise the oxygen we breathe in and efficiently use it for fuel to our working muscles is at the focus of what we test in The Performance lab. A more efficient body for your sport means you are able to exert the same effort or less for a higher output (Speed / Watt). Our test is suitable for anybody who wants to improve their health for as long as possible as well as beginner athletes right up to the seasoned professional. We provide you with a unique breakdown of your own fitness profile and…
Winter has already been knocking at our doors. Even in October, the mornings can be quite chilly. So to avoid having frozen buttocks, we have prepared a handy guide to winter wear, from head to toe. Casual clothing Yes, the commuters, the couriers, the shoppers, not shredding the trails, but rather moving through cities. Winter wear for casual cyclists needs to be comfortable, fit over the clothes, and be compact enough not to be too bulky and annoying to carry. Hi-Viz Jackets These are the jackets that have reflective strips and come in bright colors, to make the cyclist more…
With the new school year just around the corner, there is no better feeling as a cycling parent then seeing your child cycling to school. The benefit of physical exercise is common knowledge. These would include building a stronger heart, bones, and healthier muscles, improving academic scores, encouraging a better night’s sleep as well as improving self-confidence. So, when it comes to buying a child’s bike what should you look out for? Size is key A general rule of thumb is that your child shouldn’t grow into their bike, rather they should outgrow their existing one. If you decide to…
After weeks of research and multiple trips to your local wetsuit retailer, you have finally decided what model of wetsuit to go with, but apart from the wetsuit is there anything else you need before you hit the water. Our wetsuit guide can be found HERE First up is a safety buoy. Usually strapped to your waist and towed behind you, its main purpose is to keep you visible in the water, to lifeguards, boats and people standing on the shoreline. Some of buoys have additional features including a hydration bladder, a watertight compartment or drybag. Our range of safety…
You are about to tackle your first open water swimming event or triathlon and you need a wetsuit. Why do you need a wetsuit? There are many advantages to wearing a wetsuit and the main three are: Floatation – Additional buoyancy keeps you on top of the water and in an optimal swimming position making for a much easier swim. Warmth – Neoprene helps trap some of your body heat so you expend less energy keeping your core body temperature. Speed- Less energy expended swimming and staying warm leaves more energy available. When it comes to selecting a wetsuit we…
So you’ve decided to take your cycling up a notch. Maybe you’ve bought yourself a new bike or maybe you’ve been looking for some new kit to step it up. You come across cycling shoes and wonder, what’s so special about them? In this quick guide, we’ll explain the benefits of getting a pair of good-quality cycling shoes for flat or clipless pedals. Flat Pedals Flat pedals don’t offer any locking capabilities. Your shoes rest on them freely and you generate power on the downstroke. There are different kinds of pedals on the market. For MTB, the best ones are…
Cycle to Work Scheme is a government tax incentive scheme introduced in 2009 to encourage employees to ditch their cars and travel to and from work on a bicycle. If you live and work in Ireland, you can take advantage of the scheme once every four years. Depending on your tax bracket, you can save from 31% up to 52% on your new bike and accessories. As of 2022, the upper price limit has been increased to €1250 for non-electric bikes and accessories and €1500 for electric bikes and accessories. If the price of the bike exceeds these ammounts, you…
We are proudly announcing our new service in partnership with Limar Helmets. Now you can customize a helmet to your liking to fit your needs. Make it your statement piece on the bike and make your team stand out with a custom helmet. Recently on our Facebook page, we announced a product/service called “My Limar”. We’re very excited about it as it’s very easy and fun to make a custom, one-of-a-kind helmet. The guys in the shop have already started making some drafts. Some of them slapped memes on the sides and others took it more seriously. My Limar is…
We’re very excited about Black Friday! Even so that we’re extending it until Monday midnight! Here are our top picks for the best Black Friday items on sale on Cycle Superstore! Garmin Watches From Friday to Monday, you’ll get a 20% discount on all Garmin watches. You can save up to €100 on your new smart timepiece! Click here to check out Garmin watches Heart rate monitors HR monitors are a great addition to your equipment. They allow you to get precise heart data and sync it with your computer while you’re riding. Enjoy a 20% discount on all…
As (cyclists) parents, getting your children to ride a bicycle is a feeling of pride. Starting at an early age is beneficial for their motoric skills and balance. Later on, when they feel comfortable riding on their own, without stabilisers or help from adults, it opens a whole new world of exploration for them. In this article, we tackle the topic of choosing the correct bike for your kid. We’ll explain why spending more on a kids bike actually gets you more value for the money. Furthermore, we’ve prepared a handy size guide, so you’ll be confident your child will…
In this quick guide, we’ll dive into preparing yourself and your bike for colder months. General maintenance tips Cleaning your bike during the summer feels awesome, as you can tinker with your bike and make it all shiny and squeaky clean. During the winter, it feels like a chore, because no matter how well you clean the bike, you will ride it in the snow or rain. But it’s still important to keep your bike well-maintained and clean because it will prevent it from unnecessary wear and tear, as a result of daily usage in bad conditions. We advise booking…
Competition Time! National Bike Week starts today and we’re very excited that we can celebrate our passion for cycling. If you live in or near Dublin, many events are happening during the week and we’ve listed them in our recent blog post. As you know, we #LoveCycling and we could ride our bicycles all day long, but every day it’s getting darker sooner, so being visible to other road users is crucial for the safety of all of us. That’s why, this year, we’re giving away two sets of high-quality lights from Infini. Competition Blast from the past! How did…
National Bike Week is a celebration of cycling and everything that we love about it. Here at Cycle Superstore, we’re very excited about what we have coming for the NBW. Cycling means everything for us, so we’re really happy that these kinds of initiatives happen and we praise them. Courtesy of the National Transport Authority, we present to you the events that take place around Dublin during National Bike Week. Sunday – 12th September Pedalpalooza When: 1PM – 5PM Who: Families, all ages, open to the public Where: Fairview Park Pedalpalooza is our flagship Bike Week event. It’s a family-friendly…
Days are getting shorter as we approach autumn, so making sure you’re visible on the road when the sun sets is critically important. There are hundreds of models of bicycle lights on the market and it might be tempting to go for the cheapest possible lights, but hold on for a minute… A set of lights might seem like an unnecessary (big) expense because it’s not really an upgrade to performance, but ensuring you have some quality lights on hand may be the deciding factor, whether you come home safely, or worse, disappear into the darkness, totally unnoticed by other…
We are slowly approaching autumn, so the days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping. Everyone knows there is nothing worse than waking up, ready for a bike ride, just to see pouring rain outside. Damn it! What if you could easily train indoors, get a solid ride and not become bored after 5 minutes. Today we present to you our guide to indoor trainers. What are indoor trainers? Indoor trainers are devices designed to allow you to ride a bicycle indoors. You mount your bike to the trainer via your bike’s drivetrain or rear tyre and off you go!…
Everyone, who’s ever got something in their eye while out on their bike knows how important it is to wear eyewear. Whether you like simple transparent lenses or fancy mirrored ones in rainbow colour, we’ve got all of them in our store. So… which ones to choose? We decided to prepare an easy guide for you! Frames The style, size, and fit of the frames determine your comfort and safety on the road. In recent years, cycling-specific sunglasses went through a total makeover, which made them safer, and much more fashionable. Today you can find sunglasses that easily could be…
DEBRA Ireland would like to thank our supporter, Cycle Superstore, for donating an incredible €10,000 to our cause! This donation will enable DEBRA Ireland to continue investing in the care of people battling Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), the devastating skin condition which leaves the skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wing, whilst also investing in medical research to find treatments and ultimately a cure. This wonderful support was made possible by customers of Cycle Superstore who generously donated through the online check out, through their voluntary donations when picking up Sudocrem samples in store and through purchasing branded facemasks, with proceeds going to DEBRA Ireland. You can pick your Facemask up here. Jimmy Fearon, CEO…
There are two models in each category. An affordable model and a more expensive model. There are men and women’s versions of each suit. First up the Orca 3.8 and Orca S7 These wetsuits will give you lots of buoyancy and are ideal for: Anyone new to the open water. Anyone looking to swim a longer distance. Someone who needs help to correct their swimming position / technique. The Orca 3.8 is named after the ironman swim distance (3.8km). The 3.8 is buoyant and flexible. It is the most buoyant suit in the Orca range. The S7 is buoyant but…
Whether you are cycling on or off road, the humble cycling shoe forms a key part of your cycling wardrobe. You can cycle in a pair of runners, but dedicated cycling shoes will be more efficient and comfortable if you are riding any significant distance. Cycling shoes along with clipless pedals allow you to transfer power and keep your feet in the optimum position in terms of ergonomics. Cycling shoes are generally unisex, however women specific shoes are available. Women’s specific shoes have a narrower heel and wider foot. A wide fit shoe is available in some of the Shimano…
You have reached the start line so what should you bring with you in your saddle bag? Our range of saddle bags can be found HERE. If you are heading off road – mountain bikers can use Enduro hip/waist bags or gripper backs which can be strapped to any part of your frame instead of a saddle bag and can be found HERE Two Tubes: Always check the condition of your Spare Tubes. There is nothing worse than picking up a puncture only to discover the replacement tube also has a tear or rip. Remember rubber perishes over time so…
We hope you are looking forward to participating in a couple of Sportives in the next while. The friendly (albeit a bit grubby) lads from the Cycle Superstore workshop would like to give you their top tips on keeping your bike in shape over the summer. Most of the mechanical failures encountered are easily preventable by some simple bicycle maintenance: Keep It Clean I know it sounds simple, but a clean bike and drive train is the foundation for you completing the event. Dirt and grime build-up will accelerate the wear on your chain and reduce the efficiency of…
Cycling clothing is every cyclists best friend. It keeps you warm during those cold winter cycles and keeps you cool during the summer months. It is made of high-performance fabric and is designed to channel moisture away from your skin. When it comes to washing your cycling kit – treat it well and it will last. Read The Label Cycling clothing is expensive and somewhat delicate so treat it with care and follow the manufacturers washing instructions. If it is machine washable use a delicate setting. Use a non bio detergent and avoid softeners as they may clog the fabric…
Rachel is back again to talk about cycling jerseys and jackets Jerseys When it comes to selecting your jersey you have an array of options and that’s even before you select the sleeve length! A cycling jersey will keep you warm in cold weather and cooler in warm weather. It will help keep you comfortable on the bike, prevent sunburn and give you a place to store most things you need to carry (banana, energy bar, packable jacket, coffee money, phone and tissues!). Please prevent injury by not carrying your pump in your back pocket! Get it mounted on the…
Rachel from our clothing boutique is here to talk about base layers and cycling shorts Base Layers Think of your cycling outfit like an onion (layer upon layer but hopefully without the eye watering!). First layer is your base layer worn tightly next to your skin all year round. In summer the base layer will wick away the sweat and keep you cool and in winter it will keep you warm without that clammy feeling. Typically base layers are made from either man-made fabrics (polyester) or natural materials (merino wool). Base layers with man-made fabrics are usually high performance in…
Looking after your bike during the winter months can be difficult at times, but by following these simple tips from Andy in our Shimano Service Centre will ensure your bike runs smoothly without any nasty surprises Clean Your Bike As you know, the Irish roads and trails can be awash with dirt, muck, grim and salt. Left over time it may damage your bike requiring you to replace components. There are plenty of bike cleaning products available on the market. Make sure you get into every spot to prevent dirt accumulating, by using cleaning brushes. Once you have finished cleaning…
Thank you to everyone who tuned into last night’s talk entitled Fueling for the saddle by Evan Lynch. We apologies for the few technical issues we encountered at the very start. Due to the technical difficulties we broke the steam in to two parts. The first part can be viewed HERE (apologies for the poor sound quality) and the second part HERE The slides from Evan’s talk can be found at Fuelling for the saddle Viewers can avail of a 10% discount on all of Evan’s online coaching services, by using discount code cycle10. For more information and to sign up log onto www.evanlynchfitnut.com, or…
It’s a beautiful day; you’re eating the miles, beasting the hills, feeling good. Everything’s going great until you get that sinking feeling. You’re losing psi fast – it’s a puncture. We feel your pain. It’s part of being a cyclist, and we’ve all been there – more times than we can count. With luck, planning and perhaps experience, you’ve brought an emergency pump and a spare tube – you’ll be back underway in no time. But there are days when nothing’s going right: – Your spare has vanished – You gave it away and forgot to replace it – It’s…
Your bike has been out of sight – and probably out of mind for the last few months, so what should you look out for before taking it out for the first time after its enforced hibernation? Give the bike an M Check. It’s named for the rough pattern you follow from front to back. Start at the front wheel, move up the handlebars, down to the bottom bracket, back up to the saddle then down to the rear wheel. The longer you spend looking at the bike, the more likely you are to spot any issues, so give it…
In recent years I’ve been introduced to a new type of biking – the mixed road and cross-country type spins these days called ‘gravel’. These adventures inevitably mean longer hours in the saddle, on new terrain – and raise the question: what’s the ultimate bike for this kind of riding? First impression of the Topstone is that on the road it’s super-smooth; less harsh than a conventional road bike – which you’d expect, given its 37c WTB Riddler tyres. At the same time, on rougher going, like cycle tracks or over curbs and potholes, it feels much safer. With…
In 2019, a new loyalty scheme was launched for members of Cycling Ireland, the governing body of cycling in Ireland. The Cycle SuperStore Cycling Ireland VIP Club allows members of Cycling Ireland to save money with massive discounts on Ireland’s widest range of cycling products – as well as availing of other benefits. Cycle SuperStore has been in business for over 25 years and is now Ireland’s largest cycle store. Located on the Airton Rd, Tallaght, Cycle Superstore boasts a 35,000 sq ft. premises and an unrivaled shopping experience for Ireland’s fast-growing cycling community, from commuters to competitive racers. It is…
Bad habits often form without much notice. We see, then reciprocate, and then continue to do (even if we don’t immediately recognise the harm we’re causing). This is especially true with cycling—since repetition is in its DNA—it’s easy to mimic poor habits along the way. With the new year rolling around, you’ve got no time to waste with second-rate proclivities. Be a part of the 20% that sees their resolution through to completion by taking our advice on how to get more out of your rides in 2020. Fuel your body most efficiently by getting your diet under control. This…
Dave, a member of our sales team offers a few pointers. Welcome, hopefully this blog can help you get it right first time when it comes to choosing a bike for your child. It’s really not that complicated but there are a few important issues to consider. First, and probably the most important consideration is size. As adults we choose our bikes based on frame size. But this is not the case when it comes to choosing the right size bike for a child. A child’s bike size is determined by wheel size. Wheel size is measured in inches. They…
Men do nearly three times as many cycling journeys as women, and travel more than four times as far. What makes the Irish roads so hostile towards women on bikes? Why are we lagging so far behind our European neighbors in gender parity? Not only do the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany have high and growing levels of cycling, but their cyclists comprise virtually all segments of society. Women are just as likely to cycle as men, making 45% of all bike trips in Denmark, 49% in Germany, and 55% in the Netherlands. While cycling is gender-neutral in those three countries,…
IF SHE CAN’T SEE IT, SHE CAN’T BE IT 20 x 20 is asking everyone to #ShowYourStripes by pledging one action to support girls and women in sport in 2019, By all doing something we can make a genuine shift across the country. We can make give more sport to a nation of sport lovers, as well as the gift of sport to more girls. Currently the female membership of Tallaght Wheelers sits at 17% The women of Tallaght Wheelers will host a women’s only spin on the 21st September. The route will be approximately 60km with a coffee stop…
Paul is very passionate about cycling and has been on a bike all his life. He has sampled various disciplines such as cross country, enduro and track. When it came to choosing his leaving cert wood work project in September 2014, he wanted his passion for cycling to be at the core of it. The idea to build a wooden bike was devised. After some initial hesitation, he approached his wood work teacher and explained the design concept. Under normal circumstances his teacher would have refused him, but in Paul’s case the teacher gave his full support for the project.…
Tallaght Wheelers are delighted to announce the launch of their Couch To 60km program. It will start in early August and will culminate with the Great Dublin Bike Ride on the 29th September. The program will take place every Sunday and is suitable for cyclists who are new to the sport or looking to get fit What Are We Offering? By taking part in the program you can avail of the following 10% discount on your entry to Great Dublin Bike Ride A 7 week training program with coaching and rider leaders Learn basic cycling skill The opportunity to take…
Bike packing has been something that has really interested me. Since, my friend Robyn Lawlor had mentioned to me bike packing across Iceland in 2001, so I was definitely hooked on the idea. I had missed a chance to go last year. The plan was hatched to go bike packing along with Robyn and Ken Brady. Our first attempt at it, can only be described as a disaster. We headed off in late May. On the morning of the departure we were greeted by a deluge of rain. I was not happy about going and I needed some encouragement from…
Dirty Reiver, Dirty Kanza, Grinduro and now Gritfest. Gravel is big just now and the number of gravel events just keeps growing. I just had to do one. Billed as a gravel enduro, Gritfest happens in the big and beautiful hills of Mid Wales. And so it was, this June I found myself and my Cannondale Slate heading across the Irish sea to take part in the second ever Gritest weekend. The format is a mix of cyclo sportive and mountain bike enduro with timed sections are effectively a series of mini time trails. There were 3 on day one…
To celebrate national bike week (22nd June-30th July) we are running two competitions with some fantastic prizes up for grab. Prize winners will be announced on the 1st July. You can enter as many times as you like. Competition One First prize up for grabs is a €100 Cycle Superstore Voucher. To be in with a chance of winning this prize answer the following question: “Name one of the bike brands we sell”? Email your answer to marketing@cyclesuperstore.ie. Please insert National Bike Week Competition in the subject Competition Two For this competition we are giving away a Torq Fitness Cateye Lights pack…
**Full disclosure** My 200 experience turned into a 100 experience. Not due to any major injury or bike issues, life just simply got in the way, training didn’t go fully to plan due to work commitments and if I’m honest the weather forecast for the day was not very enticing!!! I choose to enjoy my 100km… And enjoy it I did, From route to food, drinks, mechanical assistance and more, the people behind this cycling extravaganza ensured that the only thing we had to do was pedal whilst enjoying / challenging / torturing ourselves. What luxury! Neuroscience tells us we…
With the sportive season well under way, our assistant workshop manager Andy Bent, gives his top tips on making sure your bike is sportive ready. The majority of the mechanical failures encountered by participants on sportives can be prevent by some simple bicycle maintenance Clean Bike & Clean Drive Train I know it sounds simple but a clean bike and clean drive train is the foundation for you completing any sportive. Cleaning your bike regularly will help prevent the buildup of dirt and grime that would otherwise affect any moving mechanical parts, like brakes seizing of gears not operating properly.…
E-bike popularity has sky-rocketed over the last number of years. You only have to look around on a weekday morning to see how popular e-bikes have become. E-bike popularity isn’t just restricted to commuters, every day 100’s of people use e-bikes to cycle along the various Greenways dotted around the country. So what is an E-bikes and what should you look out for if you’re thinking of buying one? Put simply, an e-bike is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor which can be used to propel you once you start pedaling. Dan O’Brien gives you his advice on what…
It’s not that cycling is inherently difficult, (stay upright pedal in a circular motion…) Or that devoid of pleasure…. (Amen for padded shorts) It’s just that some of us harbor a desire to conquer new challenges and can’t help but push ourselves that little bit further. I’m very new to cycling but my determination has led me to sign up for really tough endurance events like the Wicklow 200. The motivation to intentionally cycle up ridiculously steep hills that make my leg scream is often lacking, but the hardest challenge …. Overcoming the negative talk in my head!! I put…
I’m standing in my kitchen with a mug of warm coffee in my hand, watching some dark rain clouds stubbornly refuse to be blown away… I’m due to leave the house for a club training spin but every inch of my body wants to go back to bed, and I’m clearly not eh only one…the what’s app group begins to ping with messages that resonate my exact thoughts. My finger hovers over the phone ready to send my ‘I’m out’ message but then a message appears .. ‘Training miles = Race smiles’…. That’s it helmet on off I go. This…
Last week, three members of Tallaght Wheelers, Niall, Eddie and Jonathan with their friend Phil Smith headed down to southern Spain to do some warm weather training around the hills of Barcelona. Departure Day We had an early departure from Dublin arriving in Barcelona mid morning. We had a one hour transfer to their hotel. At the hotel we were greeted by blue skies and light winds. After collecting our bikes we headed off on a 40 km cycle to help us get acquainted with the bikes we would be using, with our route including a lunch stop. We then…
Do you want your cycling kit to last longer? This can be achieved, by following a couple of simply guidelines when it comes to washing it. Obey the Instructions Always follow your clothing manufactures instructions. This will ensure its longevity. Most instructions will tell you to use a cold setting and not to use a tumble dryer. In some cases clothing may only be hand washed. No Nonsense Wash If your clothing allows it to be machine washed, use a delicate setting. Cycling clothing are delicate items, so threat them that way. When you are picking a detergent try to…
I was introduced to adventure racing in 2013, competing in a local race called the Moxie Adventure Race with a friend of mine. I think we were the only juniors to ever compete in this predominantly mature populated event. However Brian Keogh from Totalexperience.ie was very welcoming and acted like a mentor slowly introducing us to the world of adventure racing. By the following year I had competed in multiple different endurance events such as Achill Roar, Hell and Back and TEAR 24 hour. In 2014 Ivan Park, who many people will know as a massive player in Irish expedition…
Over the coming months Cycle Superstore will be hosting a series of events which will appeal to both cyclists and triathletes of all standards. All these events are FREE, with some requiring pre-registration Assos Experience Weekend At The Cycle Superstore, March 29th, 7pm-8.30pm In business since 1976, Assos has become the world’s premium cycling brand. On the night you will learn about the history and heritage of Assos and what goes into making it the world’s premium cycling brand. You will also learn about the new and exciting S9 range. Attendees on the night can avail of exclusive discounts and…
Introduced in 2011, the ‘Cycle To Work Scheme’ has been a universal success with hundred’s of thousands of people availing of the scheme. In 2014, more bicycles (91,000) were sold in Ireland than cars (91,732). Under the scheme, an employer purchase the bike and accessories and the employee pays back through a salary sacrifice arrangement of up to 12 months. The employee is not liable for tax, PRSI or the Universal Social Charge on their repayments. Not only can users of the scheme get a bike and all the accessories at half price, they can also knock hundreds- if not…
Orla Walsh turns 20 this year and has already complied some excellent results. Last year she came 4th in Triathlon Ireland’s ‘Elite Women’s’ Sprint national championships. She also had a Top 20 finish in 2018 ETU Junior Championship in Estonia as well as top 20 finishes in Junior European Cup Events in both Holland and Portugal. Now entering another season, Orla gives her Top 10 tips for anyone new to triathlons Bite the bullet and enter a race, motivate yourself and work towards your goal. Don’t start with an Ironman, start with a sprint style event and build yourself up…
What exactly is a gravel bike you ask! Where does a gravel bike fit in exactly? Well to put simply, a gravel bike fits in the gap between a traditional cyclocross race bike and a road race bike. Like it’s two close relatives, gravel bikes come with drop bars. Gravel bikes are just great versatile all rounders. A gravel bike offers all the dirt and rough road capability of a cyclocross bike but will be more stable, more comfortable and faster on smooth tarmac than a cyclocross bike. The comfortable less stretched ride position and compact (50/34) climbing friendly gearing…
In business for over 35 years, Cycle Superstore has grown to become Ireland’s largest bicycle store. We can be found in our state of the art showroom on the Airton Road, Tallaght, where we deliver an unrivaled shopping experience, by offering quality products and service. Our hard work was rewarded when we were named a finalist of store of the year by Retail Excellence Ireland’s in 2017 Our success can be traced to two ideals. Firstly, our mission statement of ‘lets do it better’ We are always striving to be the market leader and this mission statement applies to everything…
A couple of weeks before Christmas a friend in New Zealand suggested we do the Strava challenge the Rapha Festive500, 500km on your bike outside between the 24th and the 31st of December. I think you probably will have a much more pleasant time doing this in summer time in Auckland then the middle of winter in Dublin, but I agreed it would be a good challenge and keep me motivated while I was taking a week off from sailing! A bit over 60km a day would be enough to complete it! Day 1 (24th Dec- 107km) As the 24th…
Still don’t know what to get the cyclist in your life this Christmas. Don’t worry, Cycle SuperStore is on hand with loads of suggestions. In our second part, we give you suggestions for presents between €50 and €250. In the first part we gave you suggestions for Christmas presents that were less than €50. This piece can be found HERE First up is the Spatz Pro Overshoe (€94.99). These overshoes are designed unlike a conventional overshoe. Depending on the particular model, the Spatz overshoe will go half way up your leg. Combined with the material, neoprene, they will ensure your…
Triathletes have a history of being notoriously difficult to shop for! They are usually tech savvy or have done their research and gone out and bought the latest must have item. As an official partner to Triathlon Ireland, we have everything the beginner to the veteran triathlete will need. We give you 5 items that’s sure to make any triathlete happy Orca Safety Buoy €43.95 This swimming aid is ideal for the person who loves open water swimming. The buoy ensures that the users stands out and can be easily seen from the coast line. The buoy has a…
With Christmas only a few weeks away. We give you suggestions on what you can get the cyclists in your life this Christmas, without braking the bank Ask any cyclist what they hate the most while out on the bike and more than likely they will say, “Having wet and cold feet”. This problem can be resolved with a pair of Endura Road II Overshoes. These overshoes are 90% neoprene and 10% Nylon. They come with a welded seam, which gives super smooth styling and waterproofing. They also have reflective rear zip panels and crank rub protection print. Cycling Weekly…
On the lookout for a children’s bike this Christmas, but don’t have the budget to stretch for a new one?, Have you considered buying a used children’s bike? Cycle SuperStore’s business originated from used bikes and have a large selection of quality children’s used bikes, to suit everyone’s budget. The range of children’s used bikes start from €50 and include mountain, road and BMX bikes. These include quality brands like Raleigh, Cannondale and Lapierre. All our children’s bikes go through a safety check and any parts that require replacing are replaced before going on sale. Each safety check involves the…
Technology, while vital in simplifying many aspects of our lives, has also become so prolific in our day-to-day that people are consuming the world around them through a digital screen, and there’s no place where that’s more evident than with children. While older generations may be more hesitant to fully adopt a mostly digital lifestyle, our children have grown up in the digital era. Gadgets, video games, Netflix, and social media (to name a few) can often make it hard for parents to bring their children back to the “real world,” a task that’s especially hard if the example isn’t…
With Met Eireann issuing rain warnings on a weekly basis, we give some useful tips and advice on how to identify the rain jacket the best fits your needs. Remember no jacket will ever be 100% waterproof, but some jackets will help keep you drier for longer than others. Rain jacket manufacturers, traditionally break down jackets into two categories, packable and non-packable. Your non packable jackets are typically commuter style jackets and packable jackets are those jackets that can be rolled up and placed in the back pocket of your cycling jersey. Irrespective of the style of jacket, you choose,…
Cycle Superstore is proud to be a supporter of Olympic silver medalist Annalise Murphy in her quest for Tokyo 2020. To celebrate our partnership with her, we are giving away a €100 Cycle SuperStore Voucher and a LOOK wool base layer top (€90) To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize simply answer the following question; “Which colour medal did Annalise Murphy win in the Rio Olympics in 2016?” Email your answer to marketing@cyclesuperstore.ie and please insert ‘Annalise Murphy Competition’ in the subject line The winner will be announced on the 12th of December Terms & Conditions…
With our scrappage event only weeks away, our used bike expert Brian Melia is here to tell us all about it. It will be taking place between the 28th November and 1st December, anyone can trade in a bike and be guaranteed to receive €20 store credit for a children’s bike and €50 store credit for an adult’s bike. This store credit is instant and can be used on anything in the store. You do have the option of being paid in cash, but, you will only receive 75% of the value If you are looking to maximise the value of…
With the MTB Demo weekend only a week away, we answer some of the frequently asked questions. When and where is the MTB demo weekend taking place? The MTB Demo weekend takes places on 17th/18th November in ‘The Gap, Glencullen Adventure Park’ between the times of 11am-3pm. Directions to ‘The Gap’ can be found HERE Who will be there and what bikes are available to test ride? Biking dirty, Bespoke Cycles, The Bike Rack and Cycle Superstore will all be in attendance. Attendees will be able to sample the following bike brands Merida Santa Cruz Scott Cannondale Lapierre Mondraker Transition…
Thinking of buying a mountain bike in 2019, Cycle SuperStore gives you a buyer’s guide to buying your first mountain bike Choose Your Discipline When choosing your bike you first need to ask yourself what discipline of mountain biking you’ll prominently do and how much you have to spend. Cross Country (XC); This discipline is the most popular form and features in the Olympics. Cross Country can include everything from open fire roads to narrow single tracks which will test the riders endurance and technical handling skills. Trail Riding; This style of riding is more technical than Cross country and usually takes…
On the weekend of the 17/18th of November, Cycle SuperStore will be attending a Mountain Bike Demo weekend in The Gap, Glencullen Adventure Park. Also in attendance will be Biking Dirty, Bespoke Cycles and The Bike Rack. The event will take place both days between 11am-3pm and is FREE. Attendees on the day must pay €5 park entry to the GAP and sign the online waiver. The online Wavier can be found HERE Attendees will also need to bring a helmet and form of photo ID (passport or driving licence only)- No Helmet-No Bike Uplift service will be available on the…
The clock going back traditional signals the start of the winter months. Cycle SuperStore’s clothing expert Rachel Eager gives her advice on what you should wear to stay warm while on the bike during the winter months. Base Layer- Staying warm on the bike starts with a good base layer. Your base layer should be tight fitting. This will trap the air between you and the clothing and prevent cold air getting in. Ideally the base layer should be made from Merino Wool. This particular wool is fine and soft and is ideal for clothing worn next to the skin. If…
This coming Thursday we are hosting our annual ladies night. After the success of last year’s event, this year is sure to be a fantastic night, which should not be missed. The theme for this year’s event is ‘staying fit and healthy and planning your training for the winter months’. We have lined up a stella list of speakers, who will be giving their tips and advice to help you achieve your winter training goals. Annalise Murphy- Silver Medalist Rio Olympics 2016 Paddy Doran- Level 3 Coach Cycling Ireland, owner of Peak Endurance Coaching Triathlon Ireland- Governing body for Triathlons here in…
I have been cycling for over 15 years and In those intervening years I’ve clocked up 1,000’s of training miles. I’ve cycled from Malin to Mizen head (twice) and in 2015, I completed the 1,200 km, 32 county Cycle For Life Challenge . During all that time, I did consider joining a cycling club, however I was reluctant for a number of reasons. One of which, was my belief that cycling clubs had an elitist feel to them. You had to ride a certain bike, be seen wearing particular clothing brands, stick to a strict training regime and there would be…
With the days getting shorter and weather not so cycling friendly, Cycle SuperStore gives some handy tips on how to winter proof you and your bike Winter Proofing Your Bike Before you head out on your bike, we suggest you attach a good set of mudguards to your bike. You should choose full length mudguards and try to avoid the ‘ass saver’ style mudguards. Attaching them will ensure that you are not covered in mud and dirt that your wheel will throw up. Apart from the mudguards, you should also consider looking at your tyres. With so much debris being blown…
When Cycle SuperStore was first established over 35 years ago, it was built on the principal of selling good quality products. In those intervening years that principal as stayed the same with Cycle SuperStore selling leading quality brands, like Look Cycles, Lapierre, Cannondale, Garmin and Assos This principal also applies to our new for 2018, Cycle SuperStore’s Xmas Kids Bike Warehouse. Our warehouse is crammed full of quality brands like, Giant, Cube, Cannondale, Ridgeback, GT and Moongose, with over 70 different models available. All bikes in the warehouse are €30 cheaper and can avail of free shipping, All of these…
Your child tells you they want a bike for Christmas but how do you know which bike best suits your child. Cycle SuperStore’s gives you some useful tips on how to identify the correct size bike for your child The size of your child’s bike shouldn’t be purely based on their age. Even though this can help in the decision making process is shouldn’t be the deciding factor . First thing you should do is measure the height of your child and also the child’s inseam (inside leg). Bike manufactures will have sizing charts which will help you identify a…