Cycling Plus UK - October 2024

In this issue

Shimano 105 bikes: Such is the benefit of trickle-down tech in Shimano’s groupset line-up over the years, that a bike equipped with their third-tier 105 kit in 2024 might well be all the shifting clout you’ll ever need. We test three bikes fitted with this mechanical finery.

Air apparent: As the overlooked problem of air pollution continues to worsen, Rob Ainsley jumps on his bike for a research project, York Air Map, to help identify pollution hotspots and help us breathe better.

Paris 2024 in pictures: The Glasgow Worlds of August last year whetted our appetites for a festival of cycling, but the Olympics are the real deal, particularly on the track. We bring you the best images from a memorable event.

COMFORT AND JOY?

Is a £2,000 to £3,000 endurance bike with mechanical Shimano 105 going to do the job for you? Read on to find out how our tasty trio performed...

10+ mins

Air Apparent - Pollution hasn't gone away. It's still there in every lungful, even if we can't see it in the air or on the news. But there are reasons to breathe easier, thanks to pioneering projects using cycling 'citizen scientists'. Rob Ainsley took part in one...

The toxic effects of pollution have been known about for years. 'Just two things of which you must beware: Don't drink the water and don't breathe the air!' sang 1960s satirist Tom Lehrer.Over recent decades, though, pollution has dropped down our list of things to worry about, thanks to ominously capitalised concerns such as Climate Change, AI, Global Conflict, Species Collapse, etc. That doesn't, unfortunately, mean the problem has expired. Air quality often exceeds safe limits, with far-reaching and crippling effects on our health.

8 mins

HIGHER CALLING

Pro cycling commentary is a formidable skill that Ned Boulting and Matt Stephens make look easy. Andy McGrath drops in on their booth at this year's Giro d'Italia to learn their secrets

8 mins

GOLD RUSH

With conflict around the world, Paris 2024 was a ray of light. Here are our highs of a mighty Olympics

1 min

STAR TREK

New tube shapes and carbon lay-up makes the eighth generation of Trek's legendary Madone an aero and climbing bike all rolled into one

4 mins

FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

We venture into the hidden gem of the glorious Creuse, one of France's least populated regions

7 mins

"I rode 3,000 miles around Britain on a bamboo bike to highlight our climate crisis"

Recordbreaking cyclist and triathlete Kate Strong, 45, took to the road to raise awareness of environmental issues

2 mins

The stuff of dreams

Ned sings the praises of the Paris Olympics road-race course

3 mins

15 OF THE BEST ADVENTURES

Featuring Yorkshire, the USA, Sri Lanka and more, here are our picks of the world's greatest gravel races and routes

4 mins

FOREST COMMISSION

Looking for a goal race in 2025 that'll stimulate the synapses and live long in the memory? You'd struggle to do better than ENID CRV in Finland

6 mins

UNBOUND UNLEASHED

Josh Patterson was one of 34 starters for the inaugural edition of Unbound in 2006. Now, with more than 5,000 riders taking part in today's event, he charts the rise of the most important race in gravel

8 mins

No limits

Not every adventure needs to be that epic, says bikepacking Scotland founder Markus Stitz

3 mins

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Cycling Plus UK Magazine Description:

Cycling Plus is the manual for the modern road cyclist. Whether you're cycling weekly, an occasional new rider or a Tour de France fan you’ll find everything you need. Each issue is packed with buying advice and tests of essential cycling gear - everything from bikes to bags! Cycling Plus is the place to find training advice, nutrition secrets and practical tips guaranteed to improve your bicycling. It's also full of inspirational rides, real-life cycling stories and entertaining riding-related features.