Sprinting For Signs

Tour de Ville are a shop that specialises in classic frames, parts and complete bicycles. I paid a visit to their current London location to see the wealth of stock that they have, and man was I impressed.

If you have ever been frightened off by big faceless companies you should really speak to these guys. Like many of us Sean and Matt love Italy, and their passion shines through not only in their choice of places to ride or events; but it is in the small details like the qaulity of hotels they choose.

Northwave lie in the Treviso region, the heartland of Italian cycling manufacturing bicycles and parts. Over the years the company has made just as much impact with their memorable advertising campaigns as the products that they sell. The designs may have toned down a little and both shoes are now the same colour, but at the heart of it all is their passion to make great shoes.

Over the years there have been many items of clothing that I have discovered and wish someone had told me about. I just wish someone had taken me aside and given me a list of the most important items to have. This isn’t a brand endorsement for a group of companies but my thoughts of the items that any serious cyclist should have hidden away in their wardrobe. Hopefully you will be able to invest wisely in your kit, and so equip yourself for any weather condition.

The first edition was described 'as perfect for the coffee table' by Cycling Plus, and although this is true as you can sit down with some fresh brewed java, it is also a book that you can enjoy over a couple of beers or a good bottle of red.

Rapha embody and bridge the gap between performance road wear and the retrocentric fashions of the 50's, 60's and the 70's. Since it's inception in 2004 this jersey has become a modern classic, selling doubtless hundreds of jerseys over the years.

I sent my article to some respected frame builders around the world to get their take on the STAR bike. Am I barking up the wrong tree, is it possible or should I compromise and go down the normal route and except what is available. I'll pop my thoughts in bold underneath Darren's comments.

I have been talking to some riders and frame builders since I posted my original thoughts on this bike. People who have been riding since before I was born would happily tell me that the S.T.A.R. bike is not new, but a modern take on the bikes that they had to ride.

I have been waiting for ages to see this, and at one point I was tempted to buy the DVD from Prendas. I resisted, and I am pleased to say that it was worth the wait.