As we start a new year, we take a look back at the bikes and kit that have impressed us over the last few years. We've got new products that have been an instant hit, along with kit that's proven itself over time.
Here are the product picks from Jez, Lisa and Lucy...
'The ultimate electric experience for tarmac or track'
Trek's Allant+ range has been a runaway success here at Bay Cycles. These fully-evolved E-Bikes are sleekly integrated machines that hit the spot for commuting, leisure riding or as a replacement to a second car. With a long-range 500-625Wh batteries (with the option for a second 'Range Boost' battery to be fitted) and Bosch's most powerful Performance CX 85Nm motor you're all set for the hilly terrain of south Devon and beyond.
They're fully equipped for day-to-day use too: mudguards, a luggage rack and integrated lighting make it a case of just jumping on and riding – no fuss involved! Jez and Lisa both run Allant+8 E-Bikes (£4250), so pop in and have a chat for some advice and find out which model would suit you best.
The Allant+ range starts at £3100 (fully built, checked and ready to go) for the Allant+ 5 models. Local delivery can be arranged – please contact us for details.
Read more about the Trek Allant+ E-Bikes in our news feature HERE
'Useful for those times when tubeless sealant just doesn’t fix the damage'
Ask our mechanics and sales staff about switching to a tubeless tyre set-up on your bike and you'll get plenty of encouragement to make the switch. We're all converts to ditching the tubes and the benefits that tubeless can bring – fewer punctures, lower weight and often a smoother ride. If the sealant doesn't plug a hole in the tyre though we then break out the Dynaplug, a compact tool that get's you rolling reliably.
Various models from £19.99 (Racer/Racer Pro £37.99-£44.99)
Website link HERE
'For its advanced safety technology and refined features'
A popular helmet for general riding – whether that's mixing it up on city streets, exploring the country lanes, or just running errands. The Bontrager Charge is a superb piece of design incorporating the latest WaveCel tech for added safety. For more on WaveCel technology, click the link HERE.
Carries Bontrager's 30 day satisfaction guarantee.
£139.99
Website link HERE
'A proven daytime running light that fits to the Bontrager Charge helmet too'
With increasingly busy roads most of us here at the shop have taken to using daylight running lights – certainly on the rear but usually on the front too. Bontrager's Flare R is a proven rear light that's shrugged off rear wheel spray and debris. It's a tough but compact unit that's quick to fit and easy to charge using a USB lead. A great year-round choice for both daytime and after dark rides.
Carries Bontrager's 30 day satisfaction guarantee.
£34.99
Website link HERE
'I can get full protection for my face so I can ride without any worry of injuring myself. Frees up my rides to really go for it at full speed'
If you're heading to BikePark Wales and hitting the red or black runs then you may want to consider a full face helmet - the Status from 100% is a great buy at just under £150. Added protection for higher speed antics on the jump lines is no bad thing.... so team up the Status helmet with the 100% Accuri 2 goggles (from £59.99) for the full package!
£149.00
Website link HERE
'I can go riding at night and see almost as well as in the daytime. The Ion Pro means I can go for rides after work and find my way through all the twists and turns'
With the short days of winter, getting out on your bike can mean a strict plan of action if you want to avoid getting caught out in the dark. However, invest in a powerful front light – such as the Ion Pro – and you'll be amazed at the opportunities that it opens up. A night ride at Haldon Forest? Or just a cruise round the unlit lanes to unwind after work? All possible with a quality pair of lights.
As with all Bontrager products, the Ion Pro RT light carries a 30 day satisfaction guarantee.
£119.99
Website link HERE
'These pedals are wide enough for my riding and the studs are just right to keep my feet from slipping off. A choice of colours allows me to personalise my bike to make it mine'
Many riders feel more comfortable on flat pedals when off-road riding, but grip is important, especially when you graduate to rougher and more challenging trails. A pair of well-designed pedals is a very worthwhile upgrade and the Line Elites from Bontrager have a great shape platform with plenty of traction pins. They are well-sealed from the worst a UK winter can throw at them and come in a wide range of colours.
Carries Bontrager's 30 day satisfaction guarantee.
£44.99
Read MBR Magazine's feature on tips for riding with flat pedals HERE
Website link HERE
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'An awesome mountain bike'
Although there's a move to 29" wheels across all styles of mountain bike, Trek firmly believes in the smaller 27.5" wheel size too – we're with them on that and are fans of both, with Lisa currently running a Remedy 9.8 and Jez getting to grips with the all-new Fuel EXe. The smaller 27.5" wheel size gives a nimble feel with plenty of pop when railing the berms at the bike park and can also make for a more manageable bike for shorter riders too.
The fully loaded 9.8 model uses Trek's premium carbon for the frame and the latest in suspension tech with a Fox 38 fork leading the charge. But regardless of model, the Remedy remains a very balanced and composed yet manageable trail bike. The Remedy 8 is the sweet spot in the range though... with a great blend of performance and quality at an affordable price point. We currently have some great deals on the Remedy 8 too... limited sizes and colours, while stocks last.
'My go-to glove choice for BikePark Wales'
The perfect go-to glove for all types of mountain biking. The multi-panel construction of the Airmatic is engineered to blend form-fitting comfort and versatility into an all-purpose glove. The Airmatic features a perforated dual-layer palm to improve comfort and protects against blisters. and rubberised details protect the knuckles and top of hand.
Robust, lightweight, comfortable and with a dose of moto style...
£29.99
Website link HERE
'I use this on the Allant+8 to play music and for mapping purposes'
The Bosch COBI.Bike system can turn your E-Bike into a fully connected smart bike: Control your apps safely from the handlebar using your thumb – from navigation to fitness tracking, music streaming and making calls with Bluetooth headphones. A great addition if you're a convert to E-Biking and want to benefit from the latest tech. Drop in store for a demonstration, pricing and to learn more (Please contact us first to check that we have the Cobi equipped bike on site).
Website link HERE
'A great choice for shuttling kit across town'
Luggage makes a bike more useful! If your bike has a rear pannier rack fitted and you're looking to get out and about exploring (or have set a new year's resolution to commute to work more...) then Bontrager's range of quality bags are certainly worth a look.
Lightweight, durable and capable of shrugging off heavy rain and road spray, the Commuter Single Side Pannier has proven itself with both Lisa and Jez when they shuttle across town on their Allant+8 E-Bikes. A single bag's capacity is 17 litres but add a second bag to make a pair will balance your load and let you haul more gear.
Carries Bontrager's 30 day satisfaction guarantee.
£79.99 (One Pannier)
Website link HERE
